Ayam goreng

Ayam goreng is a beloved dish in Indonesia and Malaysia, featuring deep-fried chicken seasoned with an aromatic blend of spices. Unlike the American version of fried chicken, ayam goreng skips the batter or flour coating. Instead, the chicken is marinated in a flavorful mix of ground shallots, garlic, turmeric, lemongrass, and other spices. Once marinated, the chicken is deep-fried until it reaches a beautiful golden-yellow color.

There are several delectable variations of ayam goreng, such as ayam goreng kremes, which has a crispy topping; ayam goreng balado, which comes with a spicy chili sauce; and ayam goreng serundeng, which is sprinkled with toasted coconut flakes. Each variation brings its unique twist to the dish.

Ayam goreng is typically served with steamed rice and dipping sauces like sambal terasi (a spicy shrimp paste sauce) or sambal kecap (a sweet soy sauce with chili). It's often accompanied by slices of cucumber and tomato, and you might also find fried tempeh and tofu on the side.

Different regions offer their own takes on ayam goreng, such as Ayam Goreng Padang, Ayam Goreng Jakarta, and Ayam Goreng Kalasan, each offering distinct flavors and side dishes.

Interestingly, in Indonesia and Malaysia, even foreign-style fried chicken is sometimes called ayam goreng. For instance, Southern U.S. fried chicken is known as ayam goreng tepung, meaning flour-battered or breaded fried chicken. In Malaysia, McDonald's markets its fried chicken as "Ayam Goreng McD." These variations highlight just how popular and versatile ayam goreng is in Southeast Asian cuisine.