Chicken Licious — Restaurant in San Jose

The Food Malaysian restaurants are far and few, and those that serve Asam Laksa are even more uncommon. Partner and I got introduced to Chicken Licious, and mentioned they had Asam Laksa, so we decided to give it a try. My partner of course got Asam Laksa (亞參叻沙), so I wanted something different to share. I got their Ayam Penyet Smashed Fried Chicken (印尼炸鸡). We also got Curry Puff (咖喱角) and Hakka Sticky Rice Dumpling (客家粽, 咸肉棕). It is also nice that they have herbal soup for you to sip on while you wait for food. The Asam Laksa came with a flavorful broth, with various toppings, and noodles. The Ayam Penyet Smashed Fried Chicken has a spicy (sambal?) sauce to go along with the chicken. They also had nice flavored rice, fried tofu, and pickled vegetables with the dish as well. I quite enjoy the dishes, they are all well made and have a unique flavor.

The Miscellaneous The restaurant is in a plaza known as Caribbees Center. The plaza is quite big with a good amount of parking, but the parking is quite weird and narrow. The interior has a bright aesthetic. Upon entry, there is a waiting area with a flower wall decor. The main dining room is spacious with decent seating. The staff and service was good. We had a short chat with the owners on how hard it was to source all the ingredients for Asam Laksa. Their menu has a good selection of dishes, focusing on Bento and Noodle. But they also have Snack, Side, Dessert, etc. If you are looking for some authentic Malaysian food, I would recommend giving this place a try. I would also want to go back to try their...

What a hidden gem! The name of this restaurant belies the fact that it’s a top-tier Malaysian Chinese spot—serving some of the best Nyonya/Straits Chinese cuisine I’ve had in the U.S.!

I ordered the Hainanese Chicken Rice, and it was outstanding. The chicken was tender, and the skin was so delicate it was almost jelly-like—melting on the tongue. The variety of accompanying sauces was superb, each one enhancing the dish in a different way. The complimentary chicken broth tasted like it had been simmering for days, rich and full of depth. Even the rice was exceptional, infused with a hint of coconut and subtle, aromatic spices I couldn’t quite identify. It was different from Singaporean-style Hainanese Chicken and a wonderful surprise.

If you're looking for a good vegetable dish, check out the kangcun belecan (water spinach/空心菜). It's amazingly complex with a strong scent of fermented fish sauce that might put off those unfamiliar with Southeast Asian cuisine, but everyone else will love it! The portions are generous, so I'll be having it for lunch tomorrow!

I also had a chance to try a complimentary dessert made from what tastes like tofu pudding and topped with pieces of fresh lychee. This was delicious as well!

I’ll be back next time to try the...

I'm glad to see a non Viet restaurant in a Vietnamese plaza. This added option to my weekdays lunch repertoire as I live less than 10 minutes away.

I liked their sweet & simple menu. I don't have to ponder too long to see what do I pick for the day. Portion is decent for the bentos combos but very generous on the snack fried chicken.

On my last visit, they gave me a paper cup for the herbal chicken soup. Nice touch especially for the colder season. Chicken rengdan can be very spicy for someone who do not eat spicy. Personally I love the heat so this is perfect for me. I ordered the bento box so you got an entire drum stick with it. I came here on multiple trips and intended to try most thing on the menu.

Their winter melon drink is a nice counter to the spicy food and yet affordable. Hainan chicken will be saved for my next trip to try.

I didn't ask but I'm not sure if the curry sauce that came with the roti canai is vegetarian. This is a chicken lovers' restaurant. I do follow a 2 days a week vegetarian diet for religious reason. I wished they offer vegetarian friendly options but I don't see that on the menu yet. I would loved to see they offer a tofu/satian version of their rengdan entree.

Overall a much welcome new, clean restaurant in the...