KL Sedap Part 1: Grand Seri Garuda Emas

So we’re going to begin our KL Sedap series!

I know a lot of us probably travel overseas to KL more often than any other city.
It’s convenient, not too far away and is a modern city but still rich in history and culture.
AND HAS PLENTY OF MAKAN!

Let’s face it, whenever we go to KL, confirm plus chop plus guarantee we’re definitely going to spend a good amount of time eating. There’s just so much to eat! From the street stalls to the restaurants, there’s simply no end I tell you!

Well anyways our adventure begins at a place that my darling wife went to on one of her previous visits.
She kept raving about this dish she had called ‘Ayam Pop’ which was apparently the BOMB!
We tried a version in Singapore but it was a complete disaster so we’ve gone to the original source of my wife’s fascination with this dish.

And since this was a family trip, my trusted brothers-in-law (and fellow foodies) Razali and Azim were along for this makan adventure in KL. Read more about them at our Bio page!

So Restoran Grand Seri Garuda Emas actually serves authentic Minang-style food.
We’re talking about good old ‘put everything on the table and we charge you for what you eat’ kinda thing.

As you’d expect, they have the usual Padang favourites like Daging Salai, various seafood and vegetables.
They even have otak (brains)!!

And let’s not forget the favourite Cabe Hijau (Green Chilli)!!!

Yeah we all know about Nasi Padang (or Minang) but what about this Ayam Pop eh?

Ayam Pop

So what’s so special about Ayam Pop anyways?
Apparently, the chicken is marinated then boiled in coconut water.

So the coconut water does nothing much for the flavour of the chicken but it surely makes the chicken meat very tender while retaining a moist texture. And let me tell you something else. Another thing it doesn’t help is the appearance! But appearances aside, this chicken is really super tender and you DO get a hint of the coconut water and when you bite into it.

Well, anyways Azim wasn’t buying into any of the coconut water talk and says it doesn’t make much of a difference. But both he and Razali agree that.. it.. doesn’t.. look.. appetizing….

They give you this special sambal to go with the Ayam Pop.
It’s basically a mix of petis (fermented shrimp paste) and chillies. It’s actually pretty spicy but the petis definitely kills any chance of it being overpowering.

I love me some petis so this was definitely a hit.

But for those of you who aren’t interested in any boiled chicken…

Ayam Goreng

Great news! They also some pretty good Ayam Goreng!
(It definitely looks better doesn’t it?)

Adam’s Verdict:
Ayam Pop 3/5 — Ayam Goreng 3.5/5

Maryah’s Verdict:
Ayam Pop 4.5/5 — Ayam Goreng 3/5

Razali’s Verdict:
Ayam Pop 2/5 — Ayam Goreng 3.5/5

Azim’s Verdict:
Ayam Pop 2.5/5

Well besides the Ayam Pop and Ayam Goreng, the rest of the dishes are really good too.
I really enjoyed the fried beef dishes and the vegetable dishes like ‘Terung Sambal’!
Worth the trip if you’re in the area and hankering for some Nasi Padang!