The word “Semanggi” is identical with a bridge with a traffic density that built in the era of President Soekarno. The development of Semanggi Bridge intended to facilitate Asian Games in 1962. Another building that built simultaneously is Gelora Senayan (Gelora Bung Karno), Hotel Indonesia and etc. That bridge founds in 1961.
Meanwhile, “Semanggi” in this term is the name of water springs near the location of Ayam Goreng Mbah Cemplung. Semanggi located in Sembungan village, Bangunjiwo, Kasihan, Bantul. This restaurant founds in the 1980s.Mbah Cemplung itself is the owners nickname and her original name is Mbah Rejoinangun. She comes from Cemplung Village near her restaurant.
From the main street to Mbah Cemplung Restaurant, there are shady trees on the left and right side as protection from sunlight. When we arrive at this restaurant, we looking for a seat and order the food. After 15 minutes, 2 portions of fried chicken and rice arrived. At a glance, there are no differences between Mbah Cemplung fried chicken with another fried chicken. Based on Mas Dayat, the first grandchild of Mbah Cemplung “Jogja culinary identical with the sweet taste, therefore we try another taste”. Salty and savory flavors distinguish between this fried chicken with the others. “Besides that, we boiled twice for each piece of chicken before its fried”. It makes this chicken cuisine soft and has a unique taste.
The owner chooses Kemanggang or Dhere chicken (around 3 months old) with the weight about 1 kg as the main ingredient.
The size of fried chicken is big enough for lunch. It served with chili sauce or Sambal, Tempe, and Tofu. Besides that, we can choose the type of Sambal.
This restaurant is an interesting place to spend a lunchtime. In this place, we can buy craft from Kasongan and eat for lunch. This restaurant open start from 08.00-16.00 in the evening. Once you enjoy this fried chicken, you will addict to come again. It is not about the size of fried chicken but about the taste.