Hankering for something to hit your palate with robust flavours that, nevertheless easy on the wallet? Say hello to “Ayam Penyet”, among the cornerstones of Indonesian cuisine that has frolicked throughout our country. With a quirky name, you should have guessed by now, it’s literally translated as smashed chicken. Relax, it happens only before it's deep-fried and paired with spicy sambal, a mound of rice, fried beancurd and sides of greens. Are hunger pangs screaming already? Cut the worries, we’ve hunted the best spots in Penang that send your palate on cloud nine.
With more than 30 branches across Malaysia, Ayam Penyet AP has always set the bar high for succulent chicken and lip-smacking sambal. The deep-fried chicken is well-marinated, showered with crispy fritters and paired with fried tempeh, beancurd, vegetables and sizzling sambal which steal the spotlight at the very first bite. Unlike Malaysian-style sambal which has a tinge of sweetness, the Indonesian version kicks in with tons of heat that sets your palate on a party. Additionally, you can opt for beef and fish, which is worth devouring too.
You wouldn't deny, that during rainy days or late hours, our belly routinely begs for something spicy and piping hot, yet our brain puzzles where to go. Along Sungai Emas Street, this unassuming stall is renowned for dishing out the best ayam open yet in Batu Feringgi. The chicken is marinated with rich spices and you can choose whether it should be dropped into a hot vat of oil or grilled for a smoky tang. Being windblown by the breezy air, dipping your juicy meat into their homemade salacious sambal would become an irresistible habit.
A rustic house-turned-restaurant surrounded with foliage of greens, a beautiful pond and artistic ornaments that set the mood straight away. With a wonderful mixture of local and Western cuisines, there is something for all walks of life to enjoy. Among the must-have meals is “Nasi Ayam Penyet” which comes with a well-seasoned and smashed fried chicken, a mound of rice, earthy soup, soy sauce and sambal that has the dose of heat that suits every palate. Bring in your voracious appetite and you’ll be smashingly satisfied!
Among the largest and busiest food courts on the island, it’s a battle to nab empty tables during breakfast and lunch hours. You’ll definitely be spoilt with choice yet it’s close to crime to overlook the Ayam Penyet stall which is stacking up an excellent reputation among locals. The chicken is fried till crispy on the skin side and tender inside, complementing the sambal which is thick and packed with flavours. The only setback is during peak hours, they don’t actually smash the chicken unless you are willing to bring thump it yourself. Pair your meal with a lathered teh tarik which tickles the spicy aftertaste of the sambal.
Indoor cafeterias are usually no-go spots for students when your taste buds crave lip-smacking meals, however, this joint breaks the voodoo with a range of widespread choices under one roof. The open-concept dining has all reason to linger while overlooking sways of trees, adoring fresh air and gunning down meals that are wallet-friendly. No visit here is complete without a platter of “Nasi Ayam Penyet” – deep-fried chicken which is packed with spices, served with rice, a bowl of chicken curry, cucumbers and a dollop of sambal. The toothsome chicken is fairly small, you'll habitually get another.
Despite its name, you’re not heading towards a village but inside the crowd-rousing Bukit Jambul Complex where this food court is housed. With a wide range of food to devour, you’ll stumble to make a decision. If your tummy tickles for spicy and crunchy punch, join the beeline at the “Ayam Penyet” section. The fried chicken is an absolute bomb with a crispy golden layer sitting below the juicy meat. What amps up the party in your mouth is the drizzle of crunchy fritters on top of the chicken and chilli sambal which is so good, you might want to squirrel some away.
