Originally from the East Java of Indonesia, Ayam Penyet has made many migrations across Southeast Asia, making a place, especially in countries like Malaysia and Singapore. Its flavour compositions and ingredients share quite a few similarities to those of Malay cuisines. Thus, Ayam Penyet has no problem assimilating inside the country. Moreover, it tastes super yummy, and we Malaysians are thankful that Ayam Penyet’s popularity has heightened in the country. Which consequently led to many restaurants selling Ayam Penyet on their menu. Again, we Malaysians are not complaining about this. Instead, we are ecstatic to have the chance to eat such delicacies conveniently.
Ayam Penyet truly holds a special place in most people’s hearts. And for Sabahans, this is also the case. Nothing beats a juicy yet crunchy chicken with spicy Sambal to make our lives a bit better, and businesses know this. Thus, Ayam Penyet is sold in many restaurants in Sabah. If you are a Sabahan craving some Ayam Penyet, keep reading as this article introduces the 10 best Ayam Penyet in Sabah 2023.
Why is It Called ‘Ayam Penyet’?
‘Ayam Penyet’ was coined due to its preparation method to make the dish. The ‘Ayam’ or chicken usually gets ‘Penyet’ or pressed using a pestle. Some do this before frying the chicken, while others do it after. Either way, both actions are performed with a single aim in mind, which is to tenderise the chicken.
What is the Difference Between Ayam Penyet and Ayam Geprek?
Ayam Penyet and Ayam Geprek are both Indonesian delicacies that often get confused with each other, especially when they look somewhat identical if you see them on a menu. Although they share similarities in their ingredients and methods of cooking, they are still different. Ayam Geprek consists of fried chicken coated with flour for a crisp exterior. In contrast, Ayam Penyet has marinated chicken spread with Sambal and fried without any flour coating it.
10 Best Ayam Penyet In Sabah 2023
1. Warung Bandung
Are you ready to dine on the best Ayam Penyet of your entire existence? Then you better come to Warung Bandung for one now! The Ayam Penyet is one of the top-ordered dishes on the menu, as people just cannot get enough of it. What makes this Ayam Penyet special is how the homemade, spicy Sambal rounds up the dish well and how the rice is cooked inside a banana leaf which adds in more pleasant aroma to excite your appetite. Wow!
Operating Hours: 11:00 am – 10:30 pm (Daily)
Address: Tingkat Bawah Lot 4, Block C, Lintas Jaya Fasa 1, Jalan Penampang, 88300 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
Phone No: 011-26869735
Google Map: Navigate now
Google Reviews: Here
2. Warung Padang Jawa
Stop stressing about where you can get some tasty Ayam Penyet. Head over to Warung Padang Jawa, and your Ayam Penyet craving will be gratified. Maybe just one set of Ayam Penyet won’t be enough of you. If so, don’t hesitate to order another set because many customers are doing the same thing. Can you blame them, though? The Ayam Penyet at Warung Padang Jawa is divine.
Address: Jalan Sulaman , Alam Mesra Plaza Utama , 88450 Kota Kinabalu , Sabah
Phone No: 088-447108
Google Map: Navigate now
Google Reviews: Here
3. Restoran Rahmat II
Located in Keningau, Restoran Rahmat II is your saviour for impeccable Ayam Penyet. The chicken is crunchy but moist, and the Sambal is not too spicy, just right; perfect if you can’t handle spice. Locals highly recommend this place not only for its amazing food but also on its excellent service and environment. Thumbs for Restoran Rahmat II.
Operating Hours: 7:00 am – 9:00 pm (Daily)
Address: Jalan Masak, 89000 Keningau, Sabah
Phone No: 017-8383176
Google Map: Navigate now
Google Reviews: Here
4. Pak Ali Restaurant
The Sambal of Pak Ali Restaurant’s Ayam Penyet truly sets the bar high for the dining experience. It tastes out-of-this-world and complements the fried chicken and sides to the max. That said, the restaurant gets crowded by locals, especially during lunch and dinner hours. But that only justifies how good the food tastes here. Come to Pak Ali Restaurant and be mesmerised by its Ayam Penyet now!
Operating Hours: 10:00 am – 9:30 pm (Daily)
Address: Jalan Dataran BU 3, 90000 Sandakan, Sabah
Phone No: 016-6030899
Google Map: Navigate now
Google Reviews: Here
Facebook: https://ms-my.facebook.com/restoranpakali/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/restoranpakali/?hl=en
View website5. Kandi 5 Kafe
Many past and current customers have made Kandi 5 Kafe one of their favourite cafés for some delicious Ayam Penyet. Other eateries never cross their minds anymore; it is always Kandi 5 Kafe and the need to eat Kandi 5 Kafe’s Ayam Penyet. Grab its Ayam Penyet now, and who knows? This place may also be the only restaurant you want to get Ayam Penyet for the rest of your life.
Operating Hours:
10:00 am – 10:00 pm (Saturday – Thursday)
2:00 pm – 10:00 pm (Friday)
Address: Metro Town, Jln Lintas, 88300 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
Phone No: 088-425088
Google Map: Navigate now
Google Reviews: Here
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Kandi-5-Kafe/100054349218790/
6. Jom Penyet
The restaurant Jom Penyet in Kota Kinabalu is one of the top places to get some delectable Ayam penyet. Here, you can find the softest yet crunchiest chicken and flavoursome Sambal for its Ayam Penyet. Yummy! Moreover, the restaurant gives a very comfy environment for you to dine some Ayam penyet with your family and friends.
Operating Hours: 11:00 am – 9:00 pm (Daily)
Address: Lot D-3-3, Block D Aeropod Commercial Square Jalan Aeropod Off, Jalan Kepayan, 88200 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
Phone No: 013-7302241
Google Map: Navigate now
Google Reviews: Here
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JomPenyet/?ref=page_internal
7. Supreme Ayam Penyet Café
If only Google would let us rate certain food more than just 5 stars because the Ayam Penyet at Supreme Ayam Penyet Café deserves a hundred-star rating! Everything about the Ayam Penyet is chef-kissed, leaving you with a happy smile and tummy. Also, the staff working are great at their jobs, ensuring every customer is satisfied every second they are in the café. So, what are you waiting for? Grab some Ayam Penyet at Supreme Ayam Penyet Café now!
Operating Hours: 11:00 am – 9:00 pm (Daily)
Address: Royal Plaza Putatan Blok N, Lot 60, Ground Floor, Jln Putatan, 88200 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
Phone No: 016-8051401
Google Map: Navigate now
Google Reviews: Here
Facebook: https://ms-my.facebook.com/SAPtastes/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/supreme_ayam_penyet/
8. Warung Zara Café
Other restaurants are shaking due to Warung Zara Café serving customers with extraordinary Ayam Penyet to be devoured. The Ayam penyet is made with love and quality ingredients, so every bite you take will be a flavour party in your mouth. Furthermore, this café also serves other delicious local and western delicacies to try, perfect as a one-stop restaurant.
Operating Hours:
9:00 am – 10:00 pm (Tuesday – Sunday)
Monday (Closed)
Address: Simpang 4 Bingkor Binaong, 89000 Keningau, Sabah
Phone No: 013-810 3262 & 010-2209069
Google Map: Navigate now
Google Reviews: Here
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Warung-Zara-Cafe/100063529784725/?sk=photos
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/warungzaracafe/?hl=en
9. Ayam Penyet AntaraBenua D’café
Cheer it with me: Ayam Penyet AntaraBenua D’café is the best, no other Ayam Penyet but Ayam Penyet AntaraBenua D’café, eat it, and you’ll be in paradise, hurray! At Ayam Penyet AntaraBenua D’café, you are guaranteed to enjoy consistently tasty Ayam Penyet and a welcoming service crew ready to give you the best dining experience. Honestly, what can get better than that?
Operating Hours: 9:00 am – 8:00 pm (Daily)
Address: 90000 Sandakan, Sabah
Phone No: 011-25216733
Google Map: Navigate now
Google Reviews: Here
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AyamPenyetAntaraBenua
10. Cik Cika Kitchen
Situated in Tawau, Cik Cika Kitchen is a simple, local eatery that gives out the best Ayam Penyet you’ll ever have. Seriously. It’s like they have discovered the perfect science and cooking method for the Ayam Penyet; you will instantly melt and be smitten when you eat it. Cik Cika Kitchen also serves other dishes for its customers, such as Nasi Lalap, Nasi Ayam Geprek, Indomie Ayam Geprek and more!
Operating Hours: 10:30 am – 9:00 pm (Daily)
Address: 548, Jln Bantu, Bandar Tawau, 91000 Tawau, Sabah
Phone No: 017-8382638
Google Map: Navigate now
Google Reviews: Here
Facebook: https://ms-my.facebook.com/people/Cik-Cika-Kitchen/100066567205027/
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Disclosure: This list was compiled by the team at My Weekend Plan after extensive research and shared opinions to suggest helpful recommendations for the public. The sequence of brands is in no particular order so if you have any other great suggestions too, please email us [email protected] For more information, kindly refer to our copyright, privacy & disclosure policy.
