Restoran Ahmad Muzakin: Muslim-owned claypot chicken rice joint with tender duck & must-try crispy wings

Though it has reportedly been operating for decades, Restoran Ahmad Muzakin in Sri Petaling has found itself under the social media spotlight in recent years— most notably in 2023. The eatery, known for its “Muslim-friendly” claypot chicken rice, came under fire from segments of the Malaysian Muslim community following allegations that it used rice wine in its cooking, despite the Muslim-owned restaurant’s claim that the dish was halal.

The rumour was swiftly debunked, but not without consequence. The restaurant allegedly closed temporarily for internal improvements before reopening and continuing business as usual. According to the Malay Muslim couple behind Restoran Ahmad Muzakin, JAKIM had inspected the premises twice and found no trace of non-halal ingredients. The restaurant is also said to be in the process of applying for official halal certification from JAKIM.

Despite the controversy, Restoran Ahmad Muzakin appears to have weathered the storm. It continues to draw a steady crowd of loyal patrons from all races and walks of life, reflecting the diverse appetite of Malaysians.

What I tried at Restoran Ahmad Muzakin

Now, I usually walk you through each dish one at a time. This time, however, I simply can’t contain myself. Just look at the glorious spread that graced our table. Despite there being only 3 of us in the restaurant — my dining partner, a lone diner, and myself — the wait was surprisingly long. But patience, as it turns out, has its delicious rewards: all of our dishes arrived at once, piping hot and ready to impress.

First up, the undisputed bestseller: the Chicken Claypot Rice (RM9 for a small). And I say “small” with a raised eyebrow. It was far more generous than expected, easily enough for two light eaters or one ravenous foodie.

The pot came to the table still sizzling, wisps of steam curling into the air like a prelude to something comforting and soul-warming. Just when we thought the theatrics were over, more steam emerged as we mixed the contents, releasing a clean, savoury aroma that made my mouth water in real time.

The rice was gently coated in soy sauce and sesame oil, accented by spring onions and juicy cuts of chicken drumstick. The colour was on the lighter side, but the first bite revealed a different story. I was immediately met with the sharp saltiness of salted fish. It caught me off guard, if I’m being honest.

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I figured I hadn’t stirred the rice well enough, so I gave it another good mix and went in again. The flavours mellowed slightly, but the salted fish still took centre stage— and not in a good way. The rice itself was made of imperfect grains— tiny yet toothsome, not mushy in the least, which actually worked in its favour.

It paired beautifully with the tender chicken, which was remarkably soft and clean-tasting. Most of the flavour came from the sauces it was cooked in, but that didn’t take away from how enjoyable each bite was. 

Next, we moved on to the Claypot Duck Rice (RM15), which comes in just one size— though it had the same generous portion as the chicken version.

As we stirred it up, I noticed the rice was visibly darker, promising a bolder flavour profile. I couldn’t resist diving right in. Unlike the chicken, this dish leaned into the warm, fragrant notes of ginger, which I instantly preferred. There was no overpowering salted fish here (thank God).

The duck itself was abundant and beautifully done, tender with just the right amount of fatty bits. In fact, some pieces were so soft, they could easily be mistaken for chicken at first bite. But the flavour was definitely richer and more robust. A spoonful of the raw onion–kicap–bird’s eye chilli mix on top elevated it even more.

To complete the feast, we added a side of Chicken Wings (RM9 for 2 pieces). We saved them for last, but they held their crunch like champs. Even after cooling down, the skin remained delightfully crispy, encasing meat that was juicy and well-seasoned. A side of chilli sauce was provided, but honestly? These wings didn’t need it.

Final thoughts

While Restoran Ahmad Muzakin remains no stranger to controversy and continues to stir debate online, there’s no denying one thing— the food holds its own. Each dish we tried was thoughtfully prepared, well-seasoned, and satisfying.

For the price point, it was an above-average meal that is hearty, flavourful, and worth the wait. Whatever your stance on the chatter, there’s something to be said for a restaurant that lets its food speak louder than the noise.

Expected damage: RM9 – RM15 per pax

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