Rendang ayam
Rendang ayam is a traditional Indonesian chicken dish that originates from the Minangkabau ethnic group in West Sumatra. In Rendang ayam, the chicken is slowly simmered in coconut milk infused with a complex spice blend, typically composed of shallots, garlic, ginger, turmeric, galangal, lemongrass, and an array of chilies.
The ingredients are pounded into a thick paste, then sautéed and combined with the coconut milk to create a sauce that is rich, earthy, and fragrant. Over several hours of gentle cooking, the sauce reduces gradually, concentrating its flavors as the chicken absorbs the aromatic base.
The oils from the coconut begin to separate and caramelize, coating the meat in a dark, almost glossy crust that is characteristic of a well-made rendang. Read more
Unlike many curries, rendang ayam is considered a "dry" dish — not in terms of moisture, but in how the sauce clings tightly to the meat, offering layers of umami, heat, and subtle sweetness. The texture of the chicken remains tender, yet firm enough to hold its shape during the long braise, making it ideal for absorbing the intricate blend of spices.
While rendang ayam can be found across Indonesia, it holds special prominence in Padang cuisine, where it is prepared during festive occasions such as weddings, Eid celebrations, and family feasts. In Minangkabau culture, rendang is more than food; it carries symbolic meaning tied to patience, wisdom, and communal harmony.
The time required to cook the dish is viewed as a metaphor for the virtues of endurance and care. Traditionally served with steamed white rice, coconut rice, or compressed rice cakes like ketupat, it may also be accompanied by cassava leaves, sambal, or crispy fried shallots.
WHERE TO EAT The best Rendang ayam in the world (according to food experts)
