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Best Bubur ayam in New York
“Rice congee with shredded chicken, crispy fried shallots, and preserved vegetables—breakfast for everyone, from street vendors to five-star hotels.”
What the real thing tastes like
Bubur ayam (Indonesian and Malay for "chicken congee") is an Indonesian and Malay version of chicken congee. It is rice congee with shredded chicken meat served with some condiments, such as chopped scallion, crispy fried shallot, celery, tongcay or chai poh (preserved vegetables), fried soybean, crullers (youtiao, known as cakwe in Indonesia), both salty and sweet soy sauce, and sometimes topped with yellow chicken broth and kerupuk (Indonesian-style crackers). Unlike many other Indonesian dishes, the dish is not spicy as the sambal or chilli paste is often served separately. It is a favourite breakfast food, served by humble travelling vendors, warung (small local shops), fast food establishments, and five-star hotel restaurants. Travelling bubur ayam vendors frequently pass through residential streets in the morning selling the dish.
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Bubur ayam is the Indonesian answer to breakfast done right—a warming bowl of rice congee cradling shredded chicken, dressed up with crispy fried shallots, preserved vegetables, and golden broth. The genius is in its restraint: unlike many Indonesian dishes, this one doesn't demand heat, letting the soft rice, tender chicken, and layered toppings speak for themselves. You'll find it everywhere, from street vendors calling through morning neighborhoods to five-star hotel dining rooms.
Order it here when it has
- served across all dining contexts
- not inherently spicy
- condiment-forward design
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