I remembered when my wife and I visited the Golden Emperor Jewelry our dear friend Bernard Philip took us to an Indonesian restaurant for a casual dinner. That was our first time to try Indonesian food in Lucky Plaza as we usually settle for Filipino food whenever we go there to dine after sending money to my folks back in my hometown.
First Impressions
Ayam Penyet Ria is famous for its “smashed” fried chicken and its very spicy condiment called Sambal. We were intrigued by what that smashing is all about so we were eager to give it a try. There were two levels in Lucky Plaza housing the authentic Indonesian restaurant, one on the first level, and another on the fourth. The one we went to dine was at the first level where we were greeted by prominent sign board bearing the restaurant’s name with iconic rooster graphics. The place is a casual restaurant with adequate light tables and plastic chairs. The cashier can be found near the façade where you will place and pay for your orders. The place was a bit crowded at that time.The Staff
The service staff doesn’t look friendly and good thing we had Bernard with us, who is an Indonesian by the way, to communicate on our behalf. I would like to think that if it were only me and my wife, the waiter would simply toss a menu to us without saying a word. I am not saying that everyone who works at this restaurant is like that. But we were just unfortunate to have that waiter, I am not going to mention names, “serve” us that night.The Service
So I bluntly pointed out a demerit for the staff. But they definitely made a rebound with the service. The food was served on our table fast and hot. Bills were settled beforehand so after you eat, you can just leave the premises. It’s as simple as that.The Food
For starters, we ordered the Kerupuk Udang and Emping which is a basket of prawn and bitter-nut crackers. My wife and I liked the taste of prawn crackers but we could not say the same with the bitter-nut variety. It was not oily and definitely crackling-crisp.
Prawn and Bitter-nut Crackers
Oxtail Soup
Then the main dishes were served. My wife ordered their house specialty, the Ayam Penyet, which is the smashed fried chicken. I on the other hand had the Cumi Cumi Penyet which is then smashed baby squid. Both were garnished with Tahu Goreng (fried tofu) and Tempeh Goreng (fried cultured and fermented soybean cake). We both shared a taste of these two dishes and I can say the chicken has been fried to crispy-goodness. You can sense the flavor of the special marinade with every bite. The baby squid was soft and tender. Unexpectedly, both dishes were not oily given the fact that they were deep-fried. I just can’t figure out what the fried floss was that decorates and covers the top of both these dishes. They tasted very well with the chicken and baby squid nonetheless.
In case you are wondering what that smashing is all about, it is actually the process of splatting the chicken, after it was cooked, using one side of the cleaver. This way, the chicken meat can easily be torn off from the bones.
Smashed Fried Chicken
Smashed Fried Baby Squid
Blended Avocado
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