Upon seeing the name ‘Ayam Mak-Mak Cili Api’, there is an idea that The Chicken Rice Shop might be serving chicken that would be definitely spicy.
Hence, Wai Kuan Wong, Marketing Director of TCRS, and Tengku Farah, Marketing Manager of TCRS, held a media preview for the new offering out of Klang Valley, and they chose Johor as their first destination.
Said to be launched just in time for buka puasa and Hari Raya, we were told that the CEO personally wanted to be present, but due to a busy schedule, Wong Kah Yong, the CEO of TCRS Restaurants Sdn Bhd, greeted the Johor media via a voice recording, reminding me of a family’s long distance phone call!
He expressed the significance of bonding over food during the festive season.
“We are thrilled to present our customers with the taste of home-cooked goodness this festive season. Whether you’re celebrating with family, friends, or loved ones, the nostalgic flavour of the Ayam Mak-Mak Cili Api will leave you in awe at The Chicken Rice Shop,” he said in his audio.
The moment of truth is here, where my curiosity on the level of Ayam Mak-Mak’s spiciness is about to be answered. Available in three distinct sets; Set Ucu, Set Mak Ngah, and Set Bonda, the sets are named after the matriarchal figures in a nucleus family; ‘Ucu’ refers to the youngest family member, and the set is for single pax, ‘Mak Ngah’ means the second aunt, and the set named after it, is enough for two pax; and ‘Bonda’ means mother, where the sets could serve up to four people and get their fill of the chicken’s dish.
I had the pleasure of having the largest set, the Set Bonda, with Tengku Farah and her colleague.
Once the chicken dish, ladened with coconut and turmeric gravy and garnished generously, was placed on our table that was the first thing I went for. The lovely aroma called me for a bite, and I was awed at its tingle of chilli hotness, just enough to evoke the appetite for any Malaysian who loves traditional dishes.
According to Tengku Farah, as a restaurant that would like to remain family-friendly, TCRS strives to serve a level of spice that is both tolerable and enjoyable. She suggested the Spicy Savoury Ladies’ Fingers side dish to elevate the heat in my chicken rice meal, and it was delightfully piquant with shrimp paste! Ice-cold and zesty ‘Air Tangan Kak Long’ to the rescue! Another smart name referring to the first daughter of the family, who usually would be the one serving beverages to the guests at home!
The large set comes with additional side dishes like my personal classic favourite, Nyonya Pai Tee, the delectable large offering of fresh Penang Rojak, crunchy and fun bites of Penang Famous Chicken Rolls, and a choice of vegetables – either the Ladies Finger or Pak Choy if you would like something milder. If your group of diners has someone who is not a fan of coconut milk, they could get their protein from TCRS’ Quarter Chicken in the choice of Roast/Steamed/Soy Sauce.
Need that little warmth of home even when you are out and about? Then breaking fast at TCRS would be perfect with your family, friends, or even by your own!
For more information on the latest Ayam Mak-Mak Cili Api menu, you can check out www.thechickenriceshop.com or its Facebook page
