Batam Food Review: Ayam Penyet Ria

You haven't been to Indonesia if you haven't tried Ayam Penyet! We were one of the many customers who were attracted by Ayam Penyet Ria's banner displaying their promotional sets in the Grand Batam Mall. 

Sayur Asem (Indonesian Tamarind Vegetable Soup)  - RP20,000.

Infused with tamarind, lemongrass and shrimp paste, this sweet and sour broth reminds me of Tom yum soup.  It works as a great starter, the bold umami is enjoyable with the belacan and shrimp paste.

Ayam Penyet Bebas (Indonesian Pressed Chicken) - RP23,636

This javanese-style dish is usually served in pandan leaves, but that has changed with cost-cutting measures over the years.  Consisting of fried chicken that is ground using a grinder to soften it, it is usually served with sambal, pieces of vegetables , fried tofu and tempeh.

Ayam Bakar Bebas (Indonesian Grilled Chicken) -RP 25,000

While we weren't able to differentiate the grilled and fried chicken, we enjoyed the the char  from the caramelized chicken skin, the sweet aromatic spices. the distinctive taste of kecap manis (sweet soy sauce) combined with the spiciness from the savoury sambal belacan. Sauces are so sedap, but take heat: here's a Diarrhea warning from too much chili! 

Avocado Coffee - RP30,800

The avocado and milk was overpowering the taste of coffee. Nevertheless, it is a good filling drink.

Alpukat Juice - RP20,910

This is just pure avocado juice.

Nasi Putih (White Rice) - RP8,182

A simple bowl of white rice is also reasonably priced. 

Unlike land-scarce Singapore, I really enjoyed the spacious area in Ayam Penyet Ria. Due to the language barrier, service was less than stellar as they had taken a couple of our orders wrongly. Nevertheless, this place is worth a try.

 

Ayam Penyet Ria

Address: Grand Batam Shopping Centre #03-15/16, Jl. Pembangunan, Batu Selicin, Lubuk Baja, Batam City, Riau Islands 29444, Indonesia