Tony Johor Kaki Travels for Food · Heritage · Culture · History

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Ayam Penyet at Restoran Zona Ayam Penyet, Taman Maju Jaya, Johor Bahru

Ikan-Kerisi-Johor

Zona Ayam Penyet was often mentioned in Johor Sedap Facebook Group discussions, so we decided to drop by and give it a try, yesterday.

Ayam-Penyet-Johor

Restoran Zona is located on a second floor unit, along Jalan Maju just opposite the MacDonald's outlet in Plaza Pelangi.

Ayam-Penyet-Johor

There were three of us, so we had a chicken drumstick, a chicken breast and an ikan kerisi. I wanted pecel lele (catfish) but it was sold out. Total bill with soft drinks was just over RM25.

Ayam-Penyet-Johor

Ayam Penyet fans would object that this isn't ayam penyet as it was not smashed. Also missing were the crispy batter crumb toppings, to the annoyance of ayam penyet purists. But, even ayam purists would agree that this fried chicken was well executed and tasty.

Ayam-Penyet-Johor

Wrapped in very thin batter, it was crispy on the outside, and still tender and moist inside. I like this really, as average ayam penyet is often too dry for my liking (I can hear the howls of protests from the ayam penyet purists.)

Sambal-Chili-Johor

The anaemic looking sambal chili also failed in the eyes of ayam penyet fans as it was supposed to be red, stinging spicy, and mixed with savoury anchovies. At Zona, the sambal was made with green chilies and various pulpy ingredients like unions. Again, I liked this mildly spicy sambal chili while my companions felt it was a let down with no kick.

Ikan-Kerisi-Johor

But, we all agreed that this well executed fried ikan kerisi was the best of the three dishes we tried at Zona.

Ikan-Kerisi-Johor

Crispy outside, tender and moist inside. Fresh and no fishiness at all.

Ayam-Penyet-Johor

This photogenic tempeh was rather tasteless by itself but it was delicious when dipped in the mild sambal chili. The same comments went for the small piece of fried tofu.

The fried dishes were served with simple, boiled white rice and a small bowl of soup. There was, well, nothing in the clear soup, just a slight salty taste.

Zona-Ayam-Penyet-Johor

There is also this interesting section of kumpang style seating i.e. low tables and no chairs. Customers sit crossed legged on the raised wooden flooring. Customers are also required to leave their shoes at the door.

I have not qualms recommending Restoran Zona to anyone, except ayam penyet purists :)

Restaurant name: Restoran Zona Ayam Penyet 
Address: 1A-1, Jalan Maju, Taman Maju Jaya, Johor Bahru
Map: http://goo.gl/maps/qt7ME
GPS: 1.480682,103.764989
Hours: 10:00am to 10:00pm
Halal

Date visited: 20 Feb 2013

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7 comments:

  1. We went to this shop today and i agree the food was delicious but the main flaw was some of the items we asked was not available. Like the ikan kerisik was not available today, or the brinjal, tempe. So next time round we will call before going or else it would be a waste of time. The sambal belacan was spicy and nice.

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  2. Think they also open a store in the 2nd kopitiam in the row of shophouse opposite the Sri Tebrau post office. Dunno if quality is the same or not since didnt try there.

    The ayam penyet at the row of shophouse (2nd shop beside Thai massage) opposite New York Hotel is good and opposite Bayu Puteri 2 is not bad too.

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    1. OK. I add these to my try list. Thanks for the recommendation :)

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  3. wah ur frens eat damn spicy lor..... the sambal is waaaaay to spicy fer me... and it is smashed... i find it weird that u go there and it's not? it's always smashed for me ;p

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  6. Did anyone know if this shop still open?

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