Bumbu Carok, Bandar Puteri Bangi: Itik Carok with Minang Spices

Duck lovers should take note of this name. Bumbu Carok, also known as Sambal Charrok, is in Bandar Puteri Bangi, Kajang and makes itik carok its main dish. The owner claims they were among the first to introduce this dish in Malaysia.

The inspiration comes from bebek carok, a fried duck dish popular in Indonesia, known for its black spice paste and fresh mango sambal. Here, the recipe has been adapted according to the family heritage of the owner, who is of Minang descent, as well as Malay tastes. The result is their own black rendang sambal, spicy and sweet, paired with a red sambal mixed with mango that's spicy and a little sour.

The duck is simmered all day with spices before being fried, so the meat is tender and the spices seep right down to the bone. One perk we appreciated: the mango sambal can be topped up at no charge.

Besides duck, there's ayam gepuk with spicy sambal served with fried mushrooms, as well as fried tilapia. Every main dish can also be ordered carok-style. The newest item is sate Madura, a dark-coloured satay eaten with vegetable pickles.

The restaurant is air-conditioned with a spacious dining area, so it's comfortable for coming with family or friends. On delivery platforms, the duck set starts at around RM27 while the itik carok set is around RM47, and dine-in prices may differ. If this is your first time trying duck, the itik carok set is the best starting point to taste both sambals at once.