From Lucky Plaza to Toa Payoh: Fiie’s Cafe – The Home of Legendary Nasi Ayam Goreng by Mr Grumpy

Mr Grumpy Fried Chicken at Lucky Plaza has opened a new outlet in Toa Payoh.

This popular establishment is known for two key reasons: firstly, its delectably juicy fried chicken, and secondly, its second-generation owner, Shafiie, who has gained a reputation as the gruffest food vendor in the mall, all while serving some of the finest fried chicken rice in Orchard Road.

To avoid the lengthy queues at Lucky Plaza, we decided to visit their branch located in a coffee shop at Toa Payoh Lorong 4. Although the lines were still quite long, I was eager to encounter Mr. Grumpy, if he happened to be there. Regrettably, he was nowhere in sight, and his staff responded with a curt, “Yes, it’s the same as Lucky Plaza, Mr. Grumpy.” That reassurance sufficed for us.

This coffee shop branch serves the same iconic Nasi Ayam Goreng that has made them famous, along with a selection of straightforward side dishes.

The set meal includes Nasi Ayam Goreng, a thinly-battered, incredibly crisp chicken coated in a tantalizing turmeric batter. This pairs wonderfully with the fragrant and addictive rice, a lighter alternative to the rich Hainanese-style chicken rice, perfectly complementing the heavily-spiced fried chicken and the delightful sweet sambal.

The staff generously sprinkled crunchy bits of fried batter from the Ayam Goreng tray onto our rice for an added crunch. We opted for a side of delicious sambal quail eggs. It’s evident that the stall focuses on one dish, and they execute it flawlessly. The chicken is fried in small batches to ensure it arrives hot and crispy, Indeed, it had an impeccably crispy skin, and a tender centre.

While the staff may come across as intimidating and brooding, the food is undeniably satisfying, and genuinely outstanding. It’s no wonder customers are willing to endure a bit of brusqueness for a taste of their Nasi Ayam Goreng!