Ayam Masak Habang
Banjarmasin Red Spiced Chicken
Yes, with a tweak: request NO SUGAR or palm sugar. About 10g net carbs per serving, on the higher side for Indonesian food, so watch the portion.
What it is
A signature dish from Banjarmasin, this chicken is simmered in a distinctive reddish-brown sauce made from dried red chilies (cabe habang), shallots, garlic, ginger, and sometimes tamarind. The sauce is rich, savory, and has a mild sweetness that needs to be addressed for keto. It's often slow-cooked until the chicken is tender and fully absorbed the deep flavors.
Key ingredients
Chicken pieces, dried red chilies, shallots, garlic, ginger, candlenuts, tamarind, cooking oil, salt, (traditionally includes palm sugar).
How to make it keto
Crucially, request NO SUGAR or palm sugar. Confirm no flour or starchy thickeners are used. Served without rice.
Say this to the waiter (Indonesian)
Ayam Masak Habang ini, mohon jangan pakai gula atau gula aren sama sekali. Pastikan tanpa tepung atau pengental pati. Jangan pakai nasi.
For Ayam Masak Habang, absolutely no sugar or palm sugar. Confirm no flour or starchy thickeners. Served without rice.
Watch out for
Traditional recipes contain significant palm sugar. Small amounts of tamarind and candlenuts. Usually served with rice.
Macros are estimates for a typical serving and vary by restaurant. Confirm ingredients with staff, especially if you have allergies. Our ingredient lists are generated automatically and describe how a dish is typically made.
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