It looks like another eatery has opened in Damansara Uptown. Ayam Gepuk Berempah. Ah, this is the sort of restaurant that gets me excited. I love Malay food!
I was quite curios. I know what is Ayam (Goreng) Berempah. But what is Ayam Gepuk? So I googled and found Ayam Gepuk Pak Gembus which originated in Jogjakarta, Indonesia. Apparently there are something like 30 outlets in the Klang Valley.
The focus point here is the heat level of chilies in the spice paste, as per their slogan Cabar Pedas Kami (challenge our spiciness).
I simply had to go and try. The restaurant is spacious and neat, quite clinical in appearance. Ordering is done at the counter and your order will be served to you.
The place was empty when I dropped by and then a lady popped in. Soon many followed. This is a positive sign.
The menu is very simple, just two sets – Set Ayam (RM9.90) and Set Ikan Keli (RM9.90). Choose the level of heat you want, Level Pedas 1 to Level Pedas 3. Or if you are not into such thrills you could opt for Level NO Cili or Level Biasa.
Of course I want chilies but to play it safe, I opted for Level Pedas 1.
This is how the food is served, in two paper lined baskets. The chicken comes with raw cabbage and sliced cucumbers.
Moment of truth. I ate the chicken with rice and the chilies hit me immediately. Pedas Mak oi! And that is just Level Pedas 1. I am such a wimp. But it was good, nice flavor and in spite of the “torture” I was enjoying every bite.
There is ABC Sauce (kicap manis) provided on every table. And please make sure you order a drink because you will need it. Trust me.
The next day I went back for the Set Ikan Keli.
Again, I requested for Level Pedas 1.
But somehow, the chilies were even hotter than the previous day. I was really struggling and suffering. My nose was watering and so were my eyes. My heart rate went up and I was quite worried. I kept sipping my drink and put ice cubes in my mouth.
Seriously, next time I better opt for Level Biasa but then no thrill lah, right?
When I left the place, my mouth and tongue were still burning and I had to go buy some sweets to cool down.
Would I come back? Sure I would. But I hope that they can provide add-on items like tempeh or hati/pedal and other types of ulam because raw cabbage is not so appealing.
My meals on both occasions with teh o ais cost me RM12.50. I must remember to bring my sweets along on my next visit hee..hee..
