Stone Kiln Roast Chicken in Segamat

One of the thrills of a driving tour is stumbling upon an unconventional meal in the least expected of places. I still remember our Kelantan trip back in October 2016, when one evening we set our hearts on dining at the Kampung Kulim Restaurant, famed for its signature Coconut Shell Fire Roast Chicken ((Read here). Finding it, however, turned into an adventure of its own - after several wrong turns and countless checks, we finally tracked it down, and the reward was worth every effort.

Fast forward to 26.05.2024: after checking into the VIP Hotel in Segamat, my wife suggested we try a place she had come across online - “Segamat PG,” a restaurant reputed for its stone kiln roast chicken (瓮窑雞). A quick Google search revealed that it was hidden deep within an oil palm plantation, some 18 Km away from town.

With no familiar landmarks to guide us, we relied entirely on Google Maps. When we reached what was supposed to be the destination, there was no restaurant in sight - just a junction with several unmarked tracks leading into the plantation. After some trial and error (two dead ends included), we finally decided to follow the only sealed road. To our relief, that choice proved right: the narrow road eventually opened up to reveal the restaurant tucked away in the heart of the plantation.

The proprietor was certainly ingenious in devising such a creative way to market their signature roast chicken. The concept bears some resemblance to the familiar tandoori chicken found in Indian restaurants. However, instead of using the traditional clay urn to roast chicken pieces, this outlet went a step further - constructing a custom-made kiln. Built from sturdy stone blocks cemented together with concrete and lined with a metal sheet on the inside, the kiln not only retains heat efficiently but also gives the chicken a distinct smoky aroma and evenly roasted texture. It is a clever blend of traditional inspiration and local innovation, transforming a simple dish into a culinary attraction in its own right.

Once the lid was lifted, we noticed the kiln is lined

with metal sheet

To be honest, after finally trying it, there was nothing particularly exceptional about the taste of the roast chicken itself. What makes the experience memorable, however, is less about the flavor and more about the journey to get there. For tourists and visitors, it is the remoteness of the outlet, coupled with the unusual stone-kiln setup and the theatrics of its preparation, that spark curiosity and turn an ordinary meal into a small adventure.

The outlet also offers fresh fish, caught straight from the large tanks positioned beside the restaurant - a clear sign of how seriously they take freshness. Tempting as it was, we decided to give the fish a miss this time; our appetites were still only half-recovered from the hearty bak kut teh we had indulged in during our late lunch earlier that day.