Ayam bakar

Ayam Bakar: Indonesia and Malaysia's Flavor-Packed Grilled Chicken

Ayam Bakar, a cherished dish in Indonesia and Malaysia, features charcoal-grilled chicken that is brimming with flavor. The term "ayam bakar" translates to "roasted chicken" in both Indonesian and Malay.

In Java, the chicken undergoes a special treatment with a marinade of sweet soy sauce and coconut oil, combined with a spice mix known as "bumbu." This blend includes ingredients such as shallots, garlic, chili peppers, coriander, tamarind juice, candlenuts, turmeric, galangal, and salt. The result is a deliciously sweet and savory flavor unique to the region. However, the taste of ayam bakar can vary depending on the location. In Java, it is sweeter due to the sweet soy sauce, while in places like Padang, Bali, Lombok, and Sumatra, the chicken is spicier and has a reddish hue from the chili peppers and turmeric.

Before it reaches the grill, the chicken is partially cooked in the spice mixture over a low flame, allowing it to absorb all the incredible flavors. Then, it is grilled to perfection with more spices added during the process. Ayam bakar is typically served with condiments such as sambal terasi (a spicy shrimp paste) or sambal kecap (a sweet soy sauce chili mix), along with fresh slices of cucumber and tomato.

Each region boasts its own variation of ayam bakar, each with its own unique twist. For instance, Padang-style ayam bakar is renowned for its bold flavors, while Ayam Percik and Ayam Golek from Malaysia offer their own distinct spice blends. Lombok's ayam bakar Taliwang, Sundanese bakakak hayam, and Javanese ayam bakar bumbu rujak also showcase different spice pastes and marinades, sometimes incorporating sweet soy sauce before grilling the chicken.

No matter which version you try, ayam bakar promises a mouthwatering experience rich in tradition and flavor.