Javanese culture has always been an influence on Malaysian culture due to the migration of the Javanese people to this country hundreds of years ago. Ever since then, Malay food has always had a certain type of Indonesian flair to it. But recently, a certain Javanese dish has been winning the hearts of Malaysians and it goes by the name of…. drumroll please… Ayam Penyet. Here are the to-go places in KL for this smashing dish (no pun intended).

#1 Ayam Penyet Ria Restaurant

I have friends living in this area since they were kids and as far as Ayam Penyet goes according to them, nothing can beat the ones they serve at Ayam Penyet Ria. The skin of the fried chicken is so crispy yet the batter is not too thick, making it just nice and satisfying. Extra spicy sambal lovers will rejoice at the hotness of the sambal here but those who can’t bear that burning feeling, bear in mind that a little goes a long way.

#2 Food Clans

Food Clans's take on the classical dish "ayam penyet" is amazing. The chicken is succulent and tastes amazing. Cooked to perfection, the chicken is tender despite being of kampung origins. The best part? All of its ingredients are fresh and non-frozen! An interesting thing to note is that the sweet sauce goes extremely well when taken with the chili paste. Simple and amazing.

#3 Waroeng Ayam Penyet

A crunchy flattened fried chicken (Ayam Penyet) served with either mild or hot sambal (your own pick!) to excite and satisfy the sambal lovers. Chill and take a moment to feel the perfection of the crispy-skinned chicken served on a wooden plate. This Indonesian traditional food is easy to locate at NU Sentral Mall whenever you stop by to shop and get hungry. Plus, you can refill your own sambal and the tempeh is not overly oil. Healthful, don't you think?

#4 Dapur Penyet Alam Damai

There is a reason why Dapur Penyet has achieved great success (EIGHT outlets in Malaysia!) and it is because of its wholesome ayam penyet dish. Crispy on the side, soft on the inside, and not too oily, it strikes the perfect balance. The fried tofu can be a little bit on the sour side but overall, the chicken made up for its downers.
 

#5 Ayam Penyet Wong Solo

What is more salivating than a must-try Ayam Penyet Wong Solo, which you can get grilled or fried as you wish with spicy yet addictive sambal? The flattened fried chicken is finely deep fried to perfection and served with a signature secret recipe of sambal layered on top of it. The combination of sweet sauce and spicy sambal together with crispy tempeh would remind you of your hometown. Plus, it is a budget-friendly dish as you can have Ayam Penyet together with free a cup of water. What are you waiting for?

#6 Ayam Penyet Nusantara Restaurant

The ayam penyet here is not the main attraction but the sambal is. Spicy yet addictive, it will make you order more even if your nose is getting runny. THAT is how addictive it is. However, I would prefer it more if the tempeh (soy cake) was less dry. The location of this restaurant is pretty hard to miss as it sits above the infamous sole Burger King franchise in Wangsa Maju. Plus, just like Ayam Penyet Ria, it is a walking distance from Wangsa Walk.

#7 Pecal Lele Asama

Being a local favorite, this place does live up to its expectations. Even though pecel lele is the forte here, the succulent perfection that is its ayam penyet is a vision on its own as you can see from the photo. The waiters serve the dish as soon as it’s cooked, ensuring that it still remains fresh & hot when the customers have them. Plus, the dish is served on wooden plates, adding a rustic feel to the meal which makes you feel like you’re eating it in a village.

#8 Ayam Penyet Nyet Nyet Restaurant

Catchy name for a restaurant aye? Imagine going to this place & saying “Hey, I had Ayam Penyet Nyet Nyet!”. This place is easy on the wallet, that’s for sure. The ayam penyet is super delicious but just like every dish, it is very very spicy (you have been warned). Good news for spice lovers like me though. Another plus point is their portion size: they serve HUGE crispy-skinned, soft chicken thighs. Now that’s already a good enough reason to go to this place, don’t you think so?