• During my recent visit to Singapore, I got the opportunity to taste the Indonesian food for the first time in my life. As I walked into the Indonesian restaurant at the Vivo city mall, I wasn’t quite sure what to expect. I had never tried Indonesian cuisine before, but I had heard great things about it from my friends. The aroma of exotic spices wafted through the air, and my mouth began to water in anticipation.
• I perused the menu, trying to decide what to order. Everything looked so delicious, but I finally settled on Ayam Penyet, Ayam Bakar, the yellow fragrant rice (nasi goreng, a traditional Indonesian fried rice dish). In the dessert we had Es Teler and Iced Chendol. When the dishes arrived at my table, I was impressed by the colorful array of ingredients.
Ayam Bakar dish with the traditional sauce
• "Indonesian cuisine is known for its bold flavors and diverse ingredients, and one dish that perfectly showcases this is penyet chicken. This flavorful dish is popular across Indonesia and is a must-try for anyone exploring the Indonesian cuisine.
• Penyet chicken is essentially a pounded, fried chicken that is served with a spicy sambal sauce and rice. The word “penyet” means “smashed” in Indonesian, and this refers to the way the chicken is prepared. The chicken is first marinated in a mixture of spices, including turmeric, garlic, and coriander, which gives it a fragrant aroma and delicious flavor. It is then pounded until it is flat, which helps it cook evenly and also makes it easier to eat.
Ayam Penyet Chicken dish
• Once the chicken is pounded, it is coated in a batter made from flour, egg, and spices before being deep-fried until crispy and golden brown. The result is a chicken that is crispy on the outside and tender and juicy on the inside. It is then served with a spicy sambal sauce, which is made from chili peppers, tomatoes, onions, and spices. The sambal adds a delicious kick to the dish and complements the flavor of the chicken perfectly.
• Penyet chicken is typically served with a side of rice and some fresh vegetables, such as cucumber or tomato slices. This helps to balance out the heat from the sambal and adds some freshness to the dish. Some variations of penyet chicken also include other meats, such as beef or fish, and can be served with different sauces, depending on the region.
• I found the penyet chicken quite delicious and flavorful dish that is a must-try for anyone interested in Indonesian cuisine. Its bold flavors, crispy texture, and spicy sambal sauce makes it a scrumptious meal.
Steamed rice in a serving plate
• The traditional Indonesian fried rice dish was mixed with vegetables, eggs, and chicken, and topped with a fried egg and crispy shallots. As I took my first bite, I was hit with a burst of flavors. The dish was spicy and savory, with just the right amount of sweetness from the kecap manis (sweet soy sauce) and sambal (spicy chili sauce). The rice was perfectly cooked and fluffy, and the combination of textures from the crispy shallots and tender chicken was fantastic.
• I couldn’t help but marvel at the unique blend of flavors and spices that were present in the dish. It was unlike anything I had ever tasted before, and I was thoroughly impressed. I savored every bite, enjoying the new experience of trying something different.
• In the desserts I had the Es Teler, which is a traditional Indonesian dessert that typically consists of mixed fruits such as jackfruit, avocado, and coconut meat, topped with shaved ice, condensed milk, and syrup. I found the taste of Es Teler as sweet, creamy, and refreshing, with a combination of tropical fruit flavors and a creamy texture from the condensed milk. The jackfruit adds a unique, slightly tangy flavor, while the coconut meat and avocado provide a rich and creamy taste. Overall, it was delicious and I found it cool and refreshing treat.
Indonesian Dessert Overall, my first experience of eating Indonesian food was a wonderful one. I can’t wait to go back and try more dishes from this fascinating cuisine.
, I am blaming you if I keep thinking about the food all day before iftar.
