Ayam Penyet Ria, Summit Subang USJ: A Smashing Good Time at Indonesia’s Ayam Penyet Ria!

Talk about having fun with food… here’s a Smashing reason why!

Ayam Penyet Ria, an Indonesian chain from Batam, made its mark in ever crowded food hall in Summit Subang USJ mall. Literally translated into ‘smashed marinated fried chicken’, the restaurant serves up a traditional Ayam Penyet among other dishes from Ibu Ruth’s authentic recipes, an infamous Indonesia culinary expert. What once used to be served only during special occasions to courts of royalty and guests of honors, one can now savor this at all times in a quite a few countries all over Asia.

Called what you may but Ayam Penyet is to Indonesia what Nasi Lemak is to Malaysia. Flavors and variations depend on the origin of the regions and each has their own secretly guarded recipes. While I would not think much about dining on this Indonesia specialty, I was very pleased with what tasted at Ayam Penyet Ria. Basic décor with efforts to mimic some form of Indonesian décor, the restaurant, located beside McDonald, is dressed up in wood themed with bright yellow chairs. Minimal and simple, décor was not as impressive as the food.

My first time sipping Indonesian beverages like Teh Botol Sosro and TEBS and I preferred Teh Botol Sosro over the latter. It’s quite mild Jasmine Tea despite its dark coloring. TEBS needed some getting used to because I don’t really know what to make out of tea with soda. Be on the safe side and order delicious and refreshing Kedondong Juice and Cucumber Juice like me!!

Gado-Gado (RM5.50), an Indonesian Salad, is made up of blanched and fried vegetables served with loads of prawn or fish or Emping Keropok and peanut sauce.  The version here is very commendable as we all polished the very delectable salad faster than it was served! Loaded with soft blanched vegetables of bean sprout, lettuce, potato, cabbage, fried beancurd, the creamy nutty and tangy sauce was superbly beautiful. The side of red chili sauce made this salad even more desirable in flavors while the crispy crackers provided texture and flavors to the whole salad. I loved it spicy!

They served what they do best… Ayam Penyet Set (RM12.50)! Whoever thought to smashed the fried spiced chicken sure loves to play in the kitchen. Crispy spice marinated chicken are served with crunchy golden bits with sides of white rice, blanched kangkung, fried tempe and beancurd, raw cabbage and cucumber and its signature sambal. I didn’t see much smashing on the chook but who cares?

Using free range chickens only, the chook was moist and tender while skin was crispy goodness. Flavors are not overly heavy but you can bet it was jazzed up with that awesome spicy and sweet sambal! I adored the combination as it had a wonderful comfort food feel to it the overall flavors. High points go to the beautifully fried chicken that was not oily at all and that gorgeous sambal… J

Out of the six variations of Penyet, we also tried Udang Penyet Set, Lele Penyet Set and Iga Penyet Set. The Udang Penyet Set (RM12.50) is marvelous! Without any expectation, the four pieces of prawns were big and juicy and most important of all, fresh!! For the price they charge, this is a superb meal on its own.  Prawn lovers, you must order this set for a real treat of crustaceans.

I may come for Ayam Penyet but it was Iga Penyet that won my heart! Beef Ribs well marinated and tender, the moist beef was lusciously good in every bite. Flavors are just spot on for me with its caramelized sweet and savory flavors. Make sure to savor this with the spicy sambal for another level of flavors. The Iga Penyet Set (RM16.90) also comes with all the trimmings as other set meals.

Lele Penyet Set (RM11.50) comes with a whole crispy fried catfish. Looked a bit bony to me but rest assured, the flesh is smooth and sweet. Surprisingly the fish is very tasty while the crunchy bits added more texture to the fish. Order only if you are a fish lover else take my word and go straight for the Iga Penyet or Udang Penyet!

There is also Empal Penyet (Fried Beef – RM11.90) and Bakso Penyet (Meatball – RM11.50) sets for those who prefer meat without bones.

At a glutton’s table, there are always add-ons. One can add-on Rendang Daging (RM5.90), Satay (RM10.00), Terong Penyet (RM 3.50) and Gado-Gado (RM5.50) for extra satisfaction. We loved the Rendang Daging so much, we had more add-ons for this dish! Melt-in-the-mouth tender, the beef rending is marvelous rich in spices. Although it’s filled with loads of spices, flavors are exuberantly delicate and creamy. Crispy aromatic fried shallots added a lovely touch to the rendang. I would go back alone just for this dish!

Ayam Penyet Ria also offers soups and noodles with some sides. The Sup Ekor Lembu (RM10.90) is heavenly perfumed with fried shallots and filled with loads of earthy goodness in the broth. I am not much of a fan of oxtail but the broth is really praise worthy as it is soothing and deliciously savory.

We also tried Soto Ayam (RM5.90) and Bakso Kuah (RM5.90). Soto Ayam’s broth is laced with turmeric, making the thin rice noodles tainted with the yellow spice. Fairly light in flavors, the noodles come with shredded chicken, egg, fried shallots and coriander. Bakso Kuah featured beef meatballs with rice noodles in a broth that echoed the oxtail soup earlier. Indonesia flavors are dominantly perked up with fried shallots and coriander, lending a similar aroma and flavors echoing throughout this meal.

Yes, it was a beautiful first time experience in enjoying Ayam Penyet and its variations. Although ambience is nothing to shout about, food and prices are truly worthy.  Dishes are very flavorful and sumptuous with a surprising delicate touch. Kick up all the flavors with Ayam Penyet Ria’s spicy sambals. All ingredients served at Ayam Penyet Ria is sourced from halal suppliers. Must orders are Iga Penyet, Udang Penyet, Rendang Daging and Gado-Gado!

Free Ayam Penyet Set Meals for a lucky Malaysian Reader!

1)   Comment in this blog post to say why you want to try Ayam Penyet Ria.  

2)   Leave your email and name in the blog post and winners will be selected randomly.

3)   Winner will be announced on 20^th September 2012 in this blog post.

Lucky winner will receive 2 Ayam Penyet Set worth RM12.50.

*Valid for dine in only at Ayam Penyet Ria Summit Subang USJ till 15^th October 2012 with T&C applies.

Winner Announcement!

Using Random Generator, the lucky winner is MelissatheGreat!! You will be contacted by email shortly.

Congratulations Melissa....hope you like Ayam Penyet Ria! :D








AYAM PENYET RIA

LG 37 & 39B, Lower Ground Floor,

The Summit Subang USJ,

Jalan Kewajipan,

47600 Subang Jaya,

Selangor

Tel: 603 8023 5780

Website: www.ayampenyetria.com.my

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/#!/AyamPenyetRia

Business Hours: 11.30am – 10.00pm Daily