Kuala Lumpur: The Halal Claypot Chicken Rice Revolution
Chinese cuisine is the cornerstone of Malaysia’s vibrant food scene, but for many Muslim diners, certain dishes remain out of reach. One such dish is claypot chicken rice – a smoky, flavour-packed favourite traditionally made with Chinese pork sausage and rice cooked over an open flame. Determined to make it accessible to all, one Malay man has recreated the dish using halal ingredients.
The Story Behind the Dish
Ahmad Muzakin, a 50-year-old entrepreneur, has been cooking claypot chicken rice for over 40 years, initially working for a Chinese kopitiam in Sri Petaling. "For many years I worked for a developer here in Sri Petaling. I started thinking, how long am I going to be an employee? I wanted to be my own boss," he said. One day, while walking around the area, Ahmad came across a Chinese kopitiam selling claypot chicken rice. "I approached the Chinese man and asked, ‘Boss, can I work for you?’ The boss replied, ‘You’re Malay, can you handle this kind of work? It’s very hot.’ I said I could because I wanted to learn."
The Master of His Craft
Today, Ahmad is a true master of his craft. He begins by cooking the rice in a claypot over a charcoal fire for 10 minutes. Next, he adds the marinated chicken, along with ginger, oyster sauce, soy sauce, sesame oil, his homemade garlic oil, salted fish, and spring onions. The he lets everything steam for five minutes, and when it’s done, the aroma alone is enough to make you drool. FMT Lifestyle gave his dish a try, and it definitely hit the mark. The rice is fragrant, with a sweet and salty balance that’s just right. The crispy rice at the base adds great texture, but the real highlight is the juicy chicken. Ahmad uses only drumsticks – a rarity even in traditional Chinese versions.
A Halal Twist
Clearly, Ahmad has put his own spin on the dish, offering unique variations like claypot lamb rice and claypot duck rice. "I want everyone to be able to taste this, to taste the Chinese flavours," he said. He added that it’s not just about the food – he believes any Malaysian can master a skill, regardless of culture. "Who knows, one day, other Malays might want to do this kind of business too. I did it, and now, Alhamdulillah, it’s successful. If one day someone else would like to learn from me, I would be happy to teach them."
A Multicultural Experience
When Ahmad takes a break, his wife steps in to help. Fun fact: both of them speak fluent Cantonese. While claypot chicken rice is the star, the restaurant also serves a variety of other halal Chinese dishes, including steamed fish. The restaurant is located in Sri Petaling, and it’s definitely worth a visit.
Address and Business Hours
Restoran Ahmad Muzakin
1 GF, Jalan Radin Anum 2
Bandar Baru Sri Petaling
57000 Kuala Lumpur
Business hours: 11am-10pm daily
Conclusion
Ahmad’s claypot chicken rice is a must-try for anyone looking to experience the authentic taste of Malaysia’s multicultural cuisine. With its rich aroma, tender chicken, and crispy rice, this dish is sure to delight both locals and tourists alike. So, whether you’re after a halal version of this classic Chinese dish or not, Ahmad’s claypot chicken rice is definitely worth a try.
FAQs
Q: What makes Ahmad’s claypot chicken rice unique?
A: Ahmad uses only chicken drumsticks, which is a rarity even in traditional Chinese versions, and adds a halal twist to the dish.
Q: How did Ahmad learn to make claypot chicken rice?
A: Ahmad learned to make this dish while working for a Chinese kopitiam in Sri Petaling.
Q: What’s the secret to Ahmad’s successful business?
A: Ahmad’s commitment to his craft, adaptability, and ability to overcome misconceptions have been key to his success.