Kang Kung ain’t got shit on me! (Ayam Goreng 99)

I want you to think of the last time you had fried chicken. Now, if I had to guess, I’d say there’s a 50-50 chance it is either “The Colonel” or “K-Fry“*. I’d like to change those stats, and make people consider having another option when they’re next thinking about fried chicken. This new option is Ayam Goreng (Indonesian Fried Chicken)

Now if you’ve never had Ayam Goreng, then buckle up, cause you’re about to find out where and how to ‘get wet‘.

When I introduce ‘Ayam Goreng’ to someone, I feel like I’m Denzel Washington as Alonzo Harris in Training Day and the uninitiated are the new rookies in town. When I see them try the chicken, I tell them “That ain’t fried chicken, that’s PCP“

Now where does one get this Ayam Goreng? Well at ‘Ayam Goreng 99’ of course. (Duh! it even has it in the name!) As one enters the establishment, don’t let the interior and ambience of the restaurant deter you, as we all know how the saying goes:

“The dirtier the restaurant, the more seasoned and tasty the food is” (And more health code violations too) - CurryPieGuy

Ordering at Ayam Goreng is a wild experience in the 21st Century. We are so accustomed to QR codes, electronic menus or even speaking to staff, at Ayam Goreng, it’s the stone-age again. You’re provided a paper and pencil and you write down what you want. That’s right, not numbers, or tickboxes. You write out your order, the amount on a notepad and then that becomes your bill.

Food is served shortly after ordering, and boy is the flavourful and an experience similar to a cocktail of drugs (a good experience that is). There’s crunchy textures infused with sweet & savoury flavours from the Ketchup Manis marinated fried chicken (Paha Goreng), bursts of umami from the crunchy garlic sambal ‘morning glory’ (Cah Kangkung) and, soothing & tempering pit-stops with the chicken satay skewers (Sate Ayam) and rice to help dull the numbing pain of the complimentary generously self applied Ayam Goreng chilli sambal sauce.

It all starts and ends so quickly, as the rush from the chilli sambal makes the meal feel like a fever dream. I’m flustered, hot & bothered, and I want it to continue but my stomach can’t take in any more.

I sip on my Es Cendol (sweet jelly coconut milk drink) like a post coital cigarette, thinking about how this should be the last time we see each other. This relationship is seriously not good for us (well, my arteries), and I leave my money on the dresser table next to my notepad scribbles for my meal order, only to hope to find another friend to join me on my filthy habits…

What to order? (For 2, ~$50-70AUD)

• 2x Dada/Paha Goreng (Deep fried chicken thighs)
• Cah Kangkung (Stir fried morning glory with chilli shrimp paste)
• Nasi Goreng spesial (fried rice)
• Sate Ayam (chicken satay skewers)
• Es Cendol (green jelly and coconut milk drink)

*Note: If you're about to tell me 'Red Rooster' is now in the fried chicken game, I'd say you're we are in the wrong timeline and blog.

Ayam Goreng 99 is found at 464 Anzac Parade, Kingsford, NSW 2032

Published October 2022