Where to Find the Best Indonesian Fried Chicken in Jakarta

Ayam Pop Panas at Jasa Bundo Indonesia fried chicken Jakarta

Where to Find the Best Indonesian Fried Chicken in Jakarta

Across cultures, fried chicken is a dish that has various different iterations depending on its location.

In Indonesia, this dish is called 'ayam goreng', and it has a maelstrom of variations in itself across the Southeast Asian country. As one of Indonesia's most famous dishes, it's a must-try for those travelling to the region.

Lazy Susan are a duo cooking up a storm in Indonesia. Made up of Val Edgina and Alyandra Katya Mangkuningrat, the pair founded the Jakarta-based restaurant Mari Mari and design their own food-based experiences. Mari Mari's motto, "eat and play", embodies the pair's whimsical approach to culinary experiences. There's an educational element to their events outside of the restaurant too, and the pair often use their food experiences to tell the cultural stories behind the flavours they use in their dishes.

If you're in Jakarta, Lazy Susan have already curated a guide to hearty breakfast spots in the Indonesian capital that will serve you well for the mornings. This article serves as the follow-up to their breakfast guide, listing out the duo's top five spots for Indonesian fried chicken. Lunch is served.

Ayam Goreng Buni

Located in the busy food street of Mangga Besar, this family-owned stall that has been around since 1958 is what you might want to call legendary. The fried chicken recipe and coconut rice is truly a heavenly combo. Don’t forget to dip your chicken in their tangy sambal consisting of peanut sauce – it will elevate the flavour of the fried chicken!

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Ayam Goreng Tauco Dian Jaya

This fried chicken comes in an eccentric green bowl paired with an eccentric flavour that comes from a mixture of garlic, chilli, tomatoes and tauco (fermented soybean paste best known for Indonesian cuisine). Pak Jaya came from Brebes, Central Java, and tried this recipe in his exploration outside the common ayam goreng recipe across Jakarta.

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Ayam Goreng Berkah

Our parents ate here with their friends; we ate here with our parents when we were little, and now we’d go here to eat fried chicken with our friends. Ayam Goreng Berkah is one of the legendary food establishments from the 1960s in the vibrant area of Blok M, South Jakarta. Come here with friends and share one or two whole chickens.

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Ayam Tangkap

This style of fried chicken comes from the westernmost province of Indonesia, called Aceh. Small cuts of chicken fried until it’s very crispy on the outside, yet soft and juicy inside. Ayam Tangkap is fried with daun kari, pandan and bay leaves, giving this fried chicken dish a distinct aroma with a peppery kick in every bite.

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Ayam Pop Panas at Jaso Bundo

Originating from West Sumatra, you can enjoy ayam pop (seasoned chicken boiled in coconut water and garlic). But this time, you can enjoy the fried version in Jl Jaksa, Kebon Sirih – the famous tourist street.

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