Crispy Rendang in Indonesia and Malaysia: Where to Find It and How to Make It

Is the idea of crispy rendang making you curious? In this article, we will explore where you can find this innovative version of the classic Indonesian dish and how you can make it yourself. Despite the popular belief that crispy rendang is a myth, we will discuss some unique rendang-based snacks and explain the traditional preparation of rendang in Indonesia and Malaysia.

The Myth of Crispy Rendang

It's understandable that the idea of crispy rendang might sound interesting, but it's important to clarify the confusion around this concept. Rendang is a slow-cooked meat dish that is traditionally known for its rich, tender, and slightly chewy texture, not something crispy.

Traditional Rendang

True rendang from Indonesian Padang restaurants is a slow-cooked beef stew marinated in coconut milk, dried shrimp, and spices. The meat is cooked down to a deep, flavorful, and tender texture that is rich in taste and highly savored by food enthusiasts.

While there are no commercially available crispy rendang dishes in Indonesia or Malaysia, there are some unique rendang-based snacks that you can find or make. Read on to discover them.

Ayam Crispy Rendang: A Novel Concept

While the idea of crispy rendang might be just a novelty, creating a crispy rendang restaurant could be an innovative idea. In the meantime, if you want to enjoy a crispy rendang experience, you can find rendang-based snacks online. These snacks come in various forms such as rendang crispy paru (cow lungs), rendang singkong (cassava rendang), and rendang telur (egg chips rendang).

Online Rendang Snacks

For a quick and easy solution, you can purchase rendang-inspired snacks from Indonesian e-commerce platforms like Tokopedia or Bukalapak. A simple Google search will guide you to these options. Alternatively, you can try the traditional method by combining a portion of rendang with the crispiest fried chicken available—KFC chicken can be an excellent choice. Mix them together and you will have your own version of crispy rendang.

Unique Rendang Variations in Indonesia

For a truly unique rendang experience, head to Nasi Kapau stalls in Pasar Atas Bukit Tinggi. Here, you can find rendang-inspired dishes such as:

Rendang Singkong (Cassava Rendang) Rendang Telur (Egg Chips Rendang) Rendang Daging (Beef or Buffalo Rendang Kering, Dried for Takeaways)

These rendang dishes are traditionally made dried and crispy, offering a distinct flavor and texture that sets them apart from the traditional rendang. Rendang in Kapau, Bukit Tinggi, and Koto has a noticeable overburned crumbly taste and a darker appearance. In Rimbo Bujang, Muara Bungo, Jambi, you can find rendang-inspired dishes like Ayam Bakar (Grilled Chicken Rendang) that are literally burned, adding a wood-burn taste to the traditional rendang flavor.

Conclusion

While there is no such thing as crispy rendang in the traditional sense, the rendang-inspired snacks and variations mentioned above are worth exploring. Whether you are a food enthusiast or simply curious about this interesting fusion, you can now find or make your own version of crispy rendang in Indonesia and Malaysia. So the next time you try rendang, remember to appreciate the traditional flavors and textures of this beloved Indonesian dish.

Enjoy your rendang adventure!