Waroeng Penyet @ The Curve, Mutiara Damansara, Petaling Jaya

Gado Gado (RM5.90)

Despite eating Indonesian food all the time, I just don't get sick of it since it is a favourite of mine. Hence when a friend, S mentioned this place at the Curve, I knew it was my first stop during the weekend. Newly opened in November, this place is near to the upstairs bridge which connects Ikano Power Centre to The Curve.


Empal Penyet (RM7.90)

Although the food is Indonesian in nature, the restaurant is actually a branch of their flagship Singapore restaurant at Lucky Plaza. Food was so good the day we did a quick snack test hence we went back again the next day and had a full meal.


Bakso Penyet (RM6.90)

Not my first time eating Ayam Penyet but this is definitely the best so far. It stands ahead the rest in town with the juicy chicken meat hidden behind the crispy layer. With an aroma of spices and a yellowish tinge from the use of turmeric, the chicken was definitely "finger licking good." The secret to their tender meat is they boil it first with the spices then it is taken out. Subsequently it is dipped in flour mixed with spices and deep fried till crisp.


Ayam Penyet (RM7.90)

Aside from chicken, they serve Bakso, Empal (fried beef), Bawal Fish, Catfish (Pecel Lele), Chicken Wings, Tofu and Tempe Penyet. For those of you unfamiliar with the term Penyet, this means "smashed" as the items are smashed with a hammer till the meat is loosened from the bones making it is easier to eat and usually accompanied with deep fried batter bits. A bit of a misnomer as the Bakso wasn't smashed and still remained whole. This dish is said to originate from Surabaya and was popularised in Batam Island.

For the Bakso and Empal we tried, it was pretty good but not as fantastic as the chicken. Personally I prefer the Empal at Ayam Bakar Wong Solo as it is tastier. Each serving has a large dollop of their famous fiery sambal. According to their wait staff, the sambal uses belacan imported in from Indonesia hence it is so tasty. Also in the basket which they serve the food in is a small portion of fried tempe and fried tofu. My only complaint is no addictive kicap manis sauce like Ayam Bakar Wong Solo but they do serve plain kicap manis or kicap manis mixed with chopped red chilies.

The menu is pretty extensive with Gado Gado, which was served with Melinjao crackers. My only complaint was too little peanut sauce served with the mix of vegetables and crackers. Sayur Asam, Soto and grilled items like chicken and satay are also available here. They also serve this unusual dishes called Batagor, a fried mixed dumpling made from fish paste and Siomay Bandung which is Bandung mixed dumpling. Do give it a try when you're around the area and if you love fried chicken and spicy sambal, this is definitely a place to be.

Waroeng Penyet
First Floor, Lot 1.32
The Curve
Mutiara Damansara
Petaling Jaya

Tel No: 017 - 200 3988

(Halal. The restaurant is tucked in the corner and opposite Paddington House of Pancakes and next to Just Dessert. Also near the first floor connection bridge to Ikano Power Centre.)

*Disclaimer: The opinions expressed here is entirely based on my personal tastebuds and may vary for others. The reviewer also declares that she has not received any monetary or non-monetary compensation from the restaurant for writing this review.

Tagged with: Indonesian Food + Ayam Penyet

Previous Reviews:

• Ayam Penyet Ria, Sunway Mentari
• Ayam Bakar Wong Solo,Taman Dagang, Ampang

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