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Looking for a trendy twist on classic Wonogiri chicken noodles in Jogja? Read our review of Mi Ayam Lakaey and discover a cool, welcoming foodie spot!
Chicken noodles (mi ayam) are one of the legendary street food dishes that you can easily encounter in every corner of Indonesia. When it comes to the most delicious chicken noodles, the Wonogiri region definitely holds a special place. The distinct characteristics of Wonogiri chicken noodles—straight noodles topped with rich, savory, spiced brownish chicken, served with a light yet refreshing clear broth—never fail to spoil anyone’s palate.
Generally, Wonogiri chicken noodles are sold in simple eateries, complete with a traditional brown wooden cart and a large signboard out front. However, did you know? In Yogyakarta, there is a chicken noodle stall that completely breaks this tradition. They have transformed their outlet into a very Instagrammable, trendy spot that looks absolutely nothing like a conventional chicken noodle shop.
The place is called Mi Ayam Wonogiri “Lakaey”. Check out the full review below, which is guaranteed to spark your curiosity and make you want to save it on your Google Maps right away!
LOCATION
Mi Ayam Wonogiri Lakaey currently has several branches. During this visit, my friends and I visited their newest outlet located in the Bumijo area, right in front of SMPN 14 Yogyakarta. To find it on Google Maps, you simply need to type “Lakaey Chapter Bumijo.” Just from the name alone, it doesn’t sound like a regular chicken noodle stall, does it?
Aside from Bumijo, you can also find this delicious chicken noodle dish at their other branches: Lakaey Chapter Vast on Jalan Selokan Mataram, and Lakaey Chapter Wirobrajan on Jalan Werkudara. Personally, I think the Bumijo branch I visited is the most strategic and easiest to access, whether you are using a private vehicle or public transportation like Trans Jogja.
MENU
Despite its modern concept, Mi Ayam Wonogiri Lakaey still retains the authentic deliciousness of traditional chicken noodles with various interesting twists. First, you can choose the type of noodle according to your preference: mi c-lik (thin, finely curly noodles) or mi gpenx (flat/wide noodles).
The menu options are varied, ranging from regular soup chicken noodles, fried chicken noodles (without broth), to mi ayam dengan chilly klenyit’s (Lakaey’s signature chili oil, available in both soup and fried versions). As a complement, you can add your favorite toppings such as meatballs (bakso), chicken feet, or fried/soup wontons. Interestingly, they now have a new menu featuring various types of dim sum, which turned out to taste absolutely phenomenal!
To quench your thirst, Lakaey provides a wide variety of trendy drinks, both soda-based and non-soda. However, for me, a glass of sweet iced tea remains the best soulmate to accompany a hot portion of chicken noodles. A little tip for you: the menu items here are named using unique Indonesian youth slang, which might make you smile or get a little confused when reading them.
In terms of price, the chicken noodles here are slightly above the average street-side cart prices. A portion of chicken noodles ranges from Rp16,000 to Rp19,000. Additional toppings range from Rp5,000 to Rp10,000, while you can enjoy their variety of dim sum for Rp12,000 to Rp17,000. It is a very worthwhile price for the experience offered.
HOW TO ORDER
The ordering process here is very easy and practical. You can directly state your menu choices to the cashier on duty at the counter. The best part is, if you are bringing an expat friend or are not very fluent in Indonesian, the staff here will happily explain the menu to you in English. As I mentioned earlier, the menu is written in unique youth slang. So, if you find it difficult to read, you can just point to the menu you want on the display board.
After ordering, you are required to pay for your order immediately before choosing a seat. The cashier will also ask for your name, which will be called out when your food is ready. Please note that all Mi Ayam Lakaey outlets apply a self-service system. This means you are expected to pick up your own food, cutlery, and sauce blends at the provided station.
MY ORDER
During that evening visit, my friends and I ordered several signature dishes: Mi Ayam Goyeng (Goreng), Mi Ayam Goyeng Chilli Oil, and Mi Ayam Kwah Chilli Oil. For drinks, we chose the classic freshness of iced tea and iced orange juice. As side dishes, we also tried the Dimsum Kekian, Kekian Hoheng (Goreng), and Ujang Kedu (fried shrimp meat filled with cheese).
- Mi Ayam Goyeng C-lik & Gpenx This fried chicken noodle is served with just a tiny bit of savory gravy (nyemek). The taste leans towards sweet and savory, very authentic to classic Wonogiri chicken noodles. The texture of the noodles is boiled to perfection, making them perfectly chewy. The presence of pickled cucumber provides a balanced touch of freshness, and combined with the crispy fried wontons, it makes every single bite feel even more delightful.
- Mi Ayam Goyeng Chilli Klenyit’s For you chili lovers, this chili oil variant is a must-try. The chili oil, which acts as the main seasoning, provides a solid spicy sensation with a subtle hint of bitterness typical of exotic roasted chili. This variant does tend to be oilier, but the intense spiciness successfully neutralizes the oily texture, ensuring you won’t feel bloated or tired of it until the very last bite.
- Mi Ayam Kwah Chilli Klenyit’s (+ Meatball Topping) In terms of flavor profile, this variant is quite similar to the fried version. However, the addition of the warm broth makes this dish feel much more refreshing and comforting. The spiciness of the chili oil blending into the warm soup is perfect to enjoy at night, while you watch the hustle and bustle of the street in front of the outlet.
- Dimsum Choosing Dimsum Kekian as a companion to this chicken noodle turned out to be the right decision. All the dim sum variants here have a dense, savory, and premium meat texture. The steamed Dimsum Kekian feels very juicy, while the hoheng (fried) version offers the perfect crunch. As for the Ujang Kedu, the combination of shrimp meat and melted cheese provides a unique flavor surprise, though for my taste, the texture of the dry-fried shrimp meat was a bit challenging.
MI AYAM PRICE
This is the total amount I paid for four portions of noodles, drinks, and side dishes.
AMBIANCE
Lakaey Chapter Bumijo offers a bolder atmosphere compared to the other branches. The interior design is dominated by a modern palette of red, black, and white. The bar area, covered in stainless steel, gives off a clean and trendy minimalist industrial vibe. Don’t expect to find a wooden cart here; you will only be greeted by an aesthetic, modern bar.
What makes it even more unique is that in one corner of the room, they sell exclusive merchandise t-shirts for lovers of these “hip” Wonogiri chicken noodles. On the same wall, you will find decorations that are unusual for a typical chicken noodle shop—ranging from a Hot Wheels collection and a portrait of Kendrick Lamar to ornaments typical of modern mid-century style.
We arrived here around 7 PM, and the atmosphere actually grew warmer and busier as the night went on. Interestingly, the visitors who came were not limited to Gen Z youngsters; people from various age groups and generations mingled together to enjoy the meals.
As a mi ayam lover, I highly recommend you take the time to visit Mi Ayam Wonogiri Lakaey. The taste of the chicken noodles is truly delicious, reminding us of the hidden gem Wonogiri chicken noodles tucked away in the corners of the city. Combined with its trendy and adaptive concept, you will be invited to enjoy a delicious bowl of chicken noodles amidst a very welcoming and truly “hip” Yogyakarta atmosphere. You won’t regret giving it a shot!
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