Ayam Lunak Panglima Manggar

Ayam Lunak Panglima is a bright, busy family restaurant on Jalan Gajah Mada in Manggar and one of the best-rated places to eat in East Belitung. As the name suggests, the signature is ayam lunak, chicken cooked until the meat is soft enough to eat bones and all, served with rice, fresh vegetables and a choice of chilli sauces.

The menu goes well beyond chicken. Grilled ribs are a favourite, and there are noodles, fish with rice, toasted bread with chocolate and cheese, coffee from an in-house coffee bar and desserts such as the sultan durian cheese cendol. Food is halal and prices are reasonable.

It opens daily from 09:00 to 22:00, so it works for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Families appreciate the indoor children's playground and spacious parking. It can get crowded at weekends and on public holidays, and Manggar experiences occasional power cuts, so be patient if the lights go out. It is easy to combine with an evening of coffee-shop hopping in town.