Makassar is not only famous for its beef and seafood dishes, but also for a few shops that specialise in chicken delights that can hold their own against the more established names in its cuisine. My recent visit to this city brought satisfaction to my palate and tummy in more ways than one, with Mas Daeng one of the joints that almost made me lose my mind.

Ayam Bakar Rica
Despite offering a variety of fish and seafood choices, it is its Ayam Bakar (grilled chicken) that has made more waves in the city of Makassar. “Its Ayam Bakar Rica (spicy grilled chicken) is the best in town and is the pick of the masses,” says my local driver. “It is very spicy; I reckon you will have a hard time trying to finish even a piece.”

His description of the dish made me even more bright-eyed and bushy-tailed; I could not wait to have a go at this renowned Ayam Bakar. Thankfully, the place where I was staying at was not too far from the eatery. A five-minute drive was all it took for me to get there. Due to its rather small size, the crowd of customers inside made it look even more packed that it was. Service was fast and efficient, though, helped largely by its great number of waiting staff on its payroll.

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I did not need to think twice on what to order. I opted for its Ayam Bakar Rica, along with a couple of glasses of iced tea just to be on the safe side. Not long after, it arrived on my table in all its glory. Its appearance made my mouth water, with the red-coloured mixture of chilli and tomato harmonising gorgeously with the golden-like hue of the grilled chicken.

A Refreshing Spicy Sensation
My first bite brought about a refreshingly spicy flavour spraying throughout my mouth and on to my taste buds. And then the tender and juicy meat – fantastically cooked and seasoned, if I may add – gave off a sensation unlike any other.

After a few spoonfuls, I could not help but notice the amount of sweat that was covering my face. My local driver was spot-on when he said this was one fiery dish, but not as hot as I thought it would be. Its spiciness was perfect for my liking. Definitely one of those dishes that will linger in the mind once you sampled it.

Jl. Arief Rate, Mangkura,
Makassar
Open daily from 8am-12am
Rp.40,000/US$3 per person