Soto ayam

Soto Ayam is a cherished yellow spicy chicken soup from Indonesia, also popular in Singapore, Malaysia, and Suriname. This traditional Indonesian dish is distinguished by its rich, flavorful chicken broth, which owes its inviting yellow hue to turmeric.

When you order Soto Ayam, you can expect a hearty bowl brimming with delights such as lontong (rice cakes), nasi himpit (compressed rice), ketupat (rice dumplings), and vermicelli or noodles. The soup is typically enriched with tender pieces of chicken, hard-boiled eggs, crispy fried potatoes, Chinese celery leaves, and crunchy fried shallots. Some versions even incorporate coconut milk for an added layer of richness.

To enhance the flavor, common garnishes include koya—a sumptuous blend of prawn crackers and fried garlic—along with spicy sambal, krupuk (crackers), or emping (melinjo nut crackers).

Different regions in Indonesia offer their own interpretations of Soto Ayam, adding to its charm and variety. For instance, Soto Ambengan from Surabaya is renowned for its delectable koya topping. Other regional variations include Soto Banjar, Soto Kudus, and Soto Medan, each bringing unique flavors and ingredients to the table.

No matter where you try it, Soto Ayam is a versatile and flavorful dish that epitomizes the diverse and rich culinary heritage of Indonesia.