For some, it’s “the taste of home.” For others, “the taste of adventure.” However you describe it, Ria Ayam Penyet or ‘Ria’ has been serving sumptuous, authentic Indo eats across Asia and Australia for decades and now it’s Adelaide’s turn.
Founded in 1998 by Ibu Ruth in Indonesia, this family-owned restaurant never compromises on flavour or spice, offering an experience as close to sitting roadside knocking back Nasi Goreng as it gets. What began as a humble hawker stall has since grown into a 75-strong international chain, with 9 in Australia alone.
“My parents started it in 1998 in Indonesia,” says daughter Hana. “It started really, really small – a tiny place in Indonesia, more like a hawker-style setup.”
The name itself, Ayam Penyet, translates to “smashed chicken” – a signature dish of perfectly crispy fried chicken with tofu and sambal.
“It’s deep-fried, battered chicken with garlic crumbs on top. We serve it with chili on the side – or if people don’t like it too spicy, we have peanut sauce instead.”
You’ll also find things like choose-you-own curry platter and, of course, no Indo menu would be complete without the classic and delicious ‘Nasi Goreng.’ Ria’s is an elevated take, served with fried rice, velvety, fall-apart beef ribs and eggs served sunny side up.
Other drool worthy dishes include crispy fried duck, coated in a lightly spicy crumb, chicken satay bathed in soy with peanut sauce and shallots, as well as some interesting drink options…durian, anyone?
Authenticity runs through all they serve. Everything is prepared fresh daily, with love and no compromise on quality – something Hana credits for their cult following.
“Our staff work really early in the morning all the way to night time, just to make sure it’s always fresh,” Hana says.
“I think we’ve grown a following because we keep it simple. When you eat it, you can feel the love we put into it. It’s not just food – it’s something we created because we like to eat it too. We want people to try it. Simple as that.”
And, for all the condiment lovers out there, you can purchase their adored sambal as well as some of their other fan favourites to add some flare to your home cooking. We won’t reveal the secret ingredient, don’t worry.
If the line that sweeps down Pirie Street on a weeknight is anything to go by, this place knows what they’re doing. With over 20 years of handed-down, family-run fare, Adelaide welcomes Ria with open arms and hungry bellies.
“There’s not much Indonesian food here, actually. “We gave it a try, and apparently people really like it.”
As a warm welcome, they are offering 15% off until Monday, all the more reason to rethink tonight’s dinner plans.
WHAT: Ria Ayam Penyet
WHERE: 12 Pirie Street, Adelaide
WHEN: Everyday, 11am – 9pm
For more info, click here.
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