The First Saudi Fried Chicken in Indonesia? I Went to Makassar to Check It Out for You
qponx
2026-03-06
Curious about Saudi Fried Chicken? A new spot in Makassar is making waves with its unique take on this classic comfort food. Expect super crispy chicken seasoned with rich Middle Eastern spices, served alongside fragrant Nasi Kebuli instead of plain rice. The serene atmosphere and a game-changing garlic sauce make it a must-try. This article reveals all the details, from flavor highlights to money-saving tips, for a one-of-a-kind dining experience you won't want to miss.
Just arrived in Makassar, and my feed was flooded with this place claiming to be "Indonesia's #1 Saudi Fried Chicken." For real, people will claim any title these days, so I went in with a "let's see how amazing it really is" attitude, fully prepared to roast it.
But then... Anjay! I judged too quickly! 🤦♀️
As soon as I walked in, the place was simple, just like a regular fast-food joint, but the background music caught me off guard... They were actually playing Murottal (Quranic recitation)[1]. The whole space instantly felt serene. Eating fried chicken felt like Nongkrong next to a mosque—what a wonderfully strange experience.
So, how does it taste?
Let's talk about the main event—the fried chicken. One bite, and the skin is so crispy it makes a crunching sound, but the key is the flavor of the spices inside[2]—it's completely different from what you're used to! It's savory with a very unique Middle Eastern vibe, making it very distinctive. And they don't serve it with plain white rice, but with Nasi Kebuli[3]—that spiced, slow-cooked rice where the grains are separate and full of flavor. A bite of chicken and a bite of rice, instant Mantap right there!
Let's get real
To be honest, the portion size is just right for girls. But if you're a guy with a big appetite, one piece of chicken with one serving of rice might not be enough. I suggest ordering an extra portion of rice[4], trust me.
Editor's Highlights 📝
- Money-Saving Hack: Don't just order straight from the menu! First, check your GoFood app; I've seen they often have a 35% discount[5]. If you're dining in, look out for the combo deals, like the one called “SULTAN CELEBRATION”—5 pieces of chicken + 3 servings of rice for only 99k IDR[6]. Super worth it if you're sharing with a few people.
- Ordering Secret: If you love garlic, promise me, you have to order a side of their Garlic Sauce[7]! The sweet and sour garlic flavor for dipping the chicken is a total game-changer.
- Service Bonus Points: The staff are super friendly[8]. If you're standing in front of the menu looking confused, they'll proactively come over to help and explain, with no impatience at all. This really maxes out the whole experience. 👍
- Eating fried chicken to Quranic recitations[1] is a surreal vibe, like you're Nongkrong next to a mosque.
- The chicken's spice blend[2] is unique—a savory Middle Eastern kick. Pair it with the fragrant Nasi Kebuli[3] for a mind-blowing bite.
- You HAVE to get the Garlic Sauce[4]! The sweet, tangy garlic dip is a total game-changer for the chicken.
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