Ayam Rendang Curry: A Festive Indonesian-Malaysian Favourite

By Shreya Sarpal

October 5, 2025

Chicken rendang curry is a fragrant Indonesian-Malaysian dish made by slow-cooking chicken in coconut milk with aromatic spices like lemongrass, galangal, and lime leaves. The curry reduces into a rich, caramelised coating, perfect with steamed or coconut rice.

Ingredients

1 kg chicken (bone-in ) 2 cups coconut milk 2 tbsp oil Spice Paste (blend): 6 shallots 3 garlic cloves 3 red chillies 1 thumb of ginger 2 lemongrass stalks (white part) ½ tsp turmeric powder Other Spices & Seasoning: 3 kaffir lime leaves 2 bay leaves 1 cinnamon stick 1 tsp coriander powder 1 tsp cumin powder 1 tsp salt 1 tsp brown sugar

Step 1

Blend the spice paste until it turns smooth.

Step 2

Heat oil, fry paste until aromatic.

Step 3

Add chicken pieces and coat them well.

Step 4

Pour in coconut milk, add spices and seasoning.

Step 5

Simmer gently for 45 - 60 mins until chicken is tender, sauce thick, and oil separates.