PETALING JAYA, Sept 30 — Fried chicken is my kryptonite, especially chicken with a golden crust and juicy meat.
My tastebuds don’t discriminate — whether it’s high-end or low-key, regular fried, double fried or dressed up in all kinds of fancy sauces, it’s all good.
It sounds like a cliché, but as long as it’s a fabulous fried chicken, I’ll be there.
The latest crunchy conquest is Golden Boy Fried Chicken, thanks to a friend whose recommendations I trust.
Like all food fables, it started small: just a stall inside the petite Medan Selera MBPJ Damansara Kim.
As its fame spread, the business grew, shifting a few steps to an air-conditioned space on the first floor across from their old place.
Judging from the decor, most of it seems inherited from the previous occupant but the main act is the fried chicken, not the decor.
Like a diva, this fried chicken dominates the stage with its crispy skin — which isn’t weighed down by batter — moist meat, and an almost greaseless touch.
Flavour comes from its specially devised premium sauces, giving you a taste experience that isn’t the same generic flavour from a bottled product.
Select from a white sauce, nacho cheese sauce, American gold sauce, honey mustard sauce, Thai sweet sauce and BBQ sauce.
You can order generous-sized fried chicken pieces or boneless golden tenders.
Prices start from RM13 for two pieces and go up to RM65 for 10 pieces plus one extra.
Boneless golden tenders can be ordered in quantities from three pieces (RM12) up to 10 pieces (RM32 with two premium sauces).
It doesn’t stop at fabulous fried chicken but creative pairings bring their fried chicken to another level.
Crispy Chicken Burger (RM12) is a prime example: it features fluffy bread — the type that doesn’t stick to your teeth or collapse — lightly spread with garlic butter, topped with a special sauce, and a crispy, juicy chicken chop crowned with a slice of cheese.
You’ll end up plotting how to get more bites of the burger, even when you’re supposedly meant to share it. Getting your own is the best solution to avoid a huge tiff with your partner.
Using similar ingredients, the Crispy Chicken Wrap (RM11) is good for a lighter food-on-the-go with its pan-fried edges that won’t create a mess.
With all the noise surrounding ayam gepuk, it was natural to add that dish to the menu, since they already have very good fried chicken.
After a round of experiments, their Ayam Gepuk version 2.0 is the result and it hits hard.
Tweaks include using a fried chicken chop instead of a piece of fried chicken, making it easier to eat with rice and everything else on the plate.
The tremendous change is the cashew sauce: it’s thicker and roasted in the oven for more depth.
Sambal gets its heat level dialled back, which may please fans, especially if you’re looking for a better chance to taste other elements on the plate — like the fried cabbage, tempeh or beancurd — rather than burning your tongue (and stomach) with the numbing spiciness.
Golden Boy Fried Chicken
6A, Jalan SS20/10,
Damansara Kim, Petaling Jaya.
Open daily: 11.30am to 10pm
Tel: 019-6410288
Instagram: @goldenboyfriedchicken
* This is an independent review where the writer paid for the meal.
* Follow us on Instagram @eatdrinkmm for more food gems.
