25k for a piece of 'charcoal'? Thanks for nothing, top-rated Jakarta fried chicken
qponx
2026-02-25
Is Jakarta's AYAM MELELEH worth the hype? This review details a disastrous dining experience where the "Melting Chicken" was more like charcoal—burnt, dry, and overpriced at 25k. Paired with painfully slow service, this food court stall failed to deliver on its promising name. Discover why, despite decent online ratings, this spot might be a hard pass for anyone looking for a satisfying and timely meal. A cautionary tale for fried chicken lovers in the city.
Honestly, while looking for food here in East Jakarta, I've passed by JSI Foodcourt countless times and always noticed this little stall called “AYAM MELELEH”. Just from the name, "Melting Chicken," my mind was already playing out a scene of tender, juicy chicken that melts in your mouth. I happened to be passing by today, so I decided to try it out for myself, and the result… well, let's just say it was a "surprise," wasn't it? 🫠
I ordered the most basic chicken rice, priced at 25,000 Indonesian Rupiah[1]. The presentation was standard for a food court, looked okay. But when I took the first bite, I was just stunned. Anjay! For a moment, I wondered if I was eating chicken or chewing on a piece of charcoal just picked up from the grill?[2] The skin was fried to a blackened crisp, the meat was incredibly dry, the complete opposite of the word "Meleleh" (to melt). Changing the name to "Ayam Gosong" (Burnt Chicken) might be more fitting.
What made it even more infuriating was the iced tea I ordered. I had almost poked my chicken rice to bits, and it still hadn't arrived. After waiting a full ten minutes and repeatedly asking for it, this unremarkable cup of es teh tawar finally made its slow appearance[3]. Seriously, I'm really curious how complicated the preparation process could possibly be?
Red Flag Guide & Honest Advice
I know this place has decent ratings online, so maybe I was just unlucky and caught the chef on a bad day after a breakup? But one bad experience is enough to get it on my blacklist. 🤷♀️
In short, if you're looking for a good place to Nongkrong and eat in East Jakarta, just skip this one. Girls, do you have any hidden gem fried chicken spots? Share them in the comments, and I'll go check them out for you
- If you're looking for value for money: Just skip it. Honestly, for this price, I'd rather go to the KFC or McDonald's next door, at least I wouldn't have an existential crisis over the food[4].
- If you're very hungry or in a hurry: Definitely don't come here. The serving speed here will give you a profound understanding of what true "Sabar" (patience) means[5].
- The only good thing?: The location is indeed convenient. It's right next to a gas station and a mosque[6], so if you happen to need gas or are going for prayers, and it's on the way... hmm, better just forget it. 😂
- "Melting Chicken" promised tender, juicy, melt-in-your-mouth meat but was just "charcoal chicken"[1]. A hilarious fail.
- At a fast food spot, waiting a full ten minutes[2] for iced tea is wild. Did they grow the tea leaves to order?
- The food was a miss, so the only "pro" was being next to a gas station and a mosque[3]. A bizarrely funny compliment.
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