Indonesian charcoal-grilled chicken with Hokkien noodles
Cynthia’s Ayam Bakar takes you straight to the streets of Indonesia, where the smoky aroma of charcoal-grilled chicken fills the air outside bustling rumah makan (local eating houses). This is no ordinary grilled chicken – it’s made the traditional way. First, the chicken is simmered gently in a rich marinade of shallots, garlic, coriander, kecap manis (sweet soy), and a touch of peanut butter until fall-apart tender. Only then is it finished over hot charcoal, giving the skin its caramelised, smoky char that defines true ayam bakar.
Served with stir-fried Hokkien noodles loaded with prawns, chicken, and vegetables, this is a complete Indonesian meal in one dish. And don’t skip the squeeze of lime before eating – it’s not garnish, it’s an essential ritual that cuts through the rich glaze and makes all the spices sing. With Cynthia’s ayam bakar, you get the full rumah makan experience at home – complex, smoky, sweet-savory chicken paired with hearty noodles, ready in just minutes from your freezer.
Made with ❤ by Cynthia