This Al-Baik dupe in Jakarta: I'm telling you, don't drive there
qponx
2026-01-25
Craving Al-Baik? A new fried chicken joint in North Jakarta might be the answer! This spot serves up juicy chicken with an explosion of authentic Middle Eastern spices. The real game-changers are the fragrant Nasi Kebuli and the addictive garlic sauce—a match made in heaven. While the place is family-friendly and supports a good cause, be warned: parking is a nightmare. Leave the car at home and get ready for a flavor-packed experience that's worth the trip.
Every time I chat with friends who have been to Saudi Arabia, I always hear them reminiscing about Al-Baik fried chicken, making me crave it so bad… Recently, I heard that a fried chicken place claiming to be the"Indonesian version of Al-Baik" opened in North Jakarta. Its Google rating is an incredible 4.9, which instantly piqued my curiosity, so I rushed right over!
To be honest, when I first got to the entrance, the storefront looked just like any other unremarkable fast-food chain, but once I stepped inside, I felt like there was something special about it...
The Soul is in the Sauce, Elevated by the Rice
I went straight for the signature Ayam Saudi Set. The moment the fried chicken entered my mouth, I got it! That rich and complex Middle Eastern spice flavor just exploded in my mouth—it wasn't that cheap seasoning powder, you could really taste the layered fragrance of the spices[1]. The skin was crispy, and the chicken inside was still juicy, Anjay! This is some next-level stuff!
But there were two things that truly made it legendary:
The most fascinating thing for me was that the TV in the shop wasn't playing some cheesy soap opera, but was actually live-streaming the holy city of Mecca! Munching on fried chicken while watching the scene on screen gave me this strange sense of sacredness for some reason😂, it felt like both my soul and my stomach were being purified.
- 1. You absolutely have to pay extra to upgrade the rice to Nasi Kebuli[2]! The spiced rice had perfectly separated grains, with a subtle sweetness from raisins, and eating it with the fried chicken is just so Mantap!
- 2. The MVP of the whole meal has to be the Saus Garlic[3]! The rich garlic aroma with just the right amount of acidity perfectly cut through the greasiness of the fried chicken. I'd call it the fried chicken's soulmate; I could eat three more pieces just by dipping them in it!
Praise First, Then Complain, That's the Real Talk
Seriously though, this place is super family-friendly. There's a mini play area for kids on the second floor, and it's also equipped with a prayer room[4], making it completely stress-free to bring the kids here to Nongkrong.
But, to be fair, I have to point out the downsides too. The parking spots at this place are way, way, way too few! Especially for you girls who are driving, be prepared to just park wherever you can find a spot on the roadside[5]. I seriously recommend coming by motorcycle or taking a Gojek, otherwise, you'll be searching for parking until you question your existence.
Tips to Avoid Pitfalls & Ordering Guide
Finally, let me give you the key takeaways; if you're planning to go, you have to save this!
Alright, I'm off to visit again, and I'm definitely not driving this time! 🤙
- Ordering Formula: `Ayam Saudi Set` + `Upgrade to Nasi Kebuli` + `Ask for an extra Saus Garlic` (Trust me, one is definitely not enough). A two-piece chicken set is only around 37k IDR[6], which is great value for money.
- Getting There Tip: Don't drive! Don't drive! Don't drive! Important things must be said three times.
- Brand Bonus Points: What I respect the most is that they donate 5% of their profits to Palestine[7]. You can eat fried chicken and do a good deed at the same time. A brand with this kind of principle deserves our full support!
- MVP: garlic sauce [1]! Rich, perfectly tangy, cuts richness. With fluffy spiced rice [2] and sweet raisins, it's a flavor party!
- Imagine: crispy fried chicken while watching a Mecca live broadcast! Soul and stomach cleansed—truly unique!
- Most respectable: they donate 5% of profits to Palestine [3]! Eat fried chicken, do good. This brand deserves massive support!
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