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Every once in a while, Indonesia’s favorite instant noodle brand Indomie launches new flavors, some of which become permanent fixtures on supermarket shelves and in our kitchens, while some are limited editions like 2019’s Indomie Chitato. This time, West Sumatra’s ayam pop-flavored mie goreng (fried noodles) became the latest addition to Indomie’s Kuliner Indonesia line, which consists of flavors inspired by celebrated local dishes.
Ayam pop is a dish commonly found at Minang restaurants featuring pale, skinless chicken that is deceptively pop full of flavor — which might come as a surprise to those who are new to Indonesian cuisine. The chicken is marinated, boiled or steamed, and then lightly fried in coconut oil — from which it derives much of its unique coconutty flavor.
With the flavor of ayam pop we know in mind, I expected that Indomie Ayam Pop would taste close to the real deal, with mild spiciness coming from the usual bright red sambal dip that usually comes with the dish. I ordered a set of five Mie Goreng Ayam Pop packets from Indomie’s official Tokopedia store and I was very eager to get a taste, as long-time readers of Coconuts should know by now that we are obsessed with the instant noodles.
Inside the packet, the dry noodles appear thicker and paler than the OG Mie Goreng. There were also packages of seasoning powder and oil specific to this flavor, and I noticed that there were pieces of dried chili in the powder and oil, with “ayam pop synthetic flavoring” described on the packaging containing soy, egg, milk, and natural coloring agent beta-carotene, among others.
On its own, I was surprised by how spicy it was. I dare say that it doesn’t resemble actual ayam pop. Instead, I felt that it tasted more like the spicier and saltier sibling to the brand’s other special variant, the Indomie Rendang.
Just to confirm that my taste buds were functioning properly, I made another serving of Indomie Ayam Pop and paired it with actual ayam pop. I’m glad to say that the fault doesn’t lie with me, as the two were quite distinct in flavor.
Incidentally, people who have tried Indomie Ayam Pop seem to agree. Some have been tweeting that the variant reminded them of other special edition flavors such as the Indomie Sambal Rica-Rica and the Indomie Iga Penyet.
That’s not to say I didn’t like Indomie Ayam Pop. As a standalone product, I liked it enough and might consider repurchasing it. I just wouldn’t give it to an ayam pop virgin as an introduction to the beloved Minang dish.
The ayam pop-flavored mie goreng is available at minimarkets, supermarkets, and Indomie’s official Tokopedia store. Online, it costs from IDR15,600 for a set of five or IDR125,000 for a box of 40.
