The Origin
Zoul’s Corner initially began as a humble Nasi Padang business that was run by the owner’s mother for over 30 years. After a year of helping his mother in business, Mr Azhar otherwise known as Zoul, discovered that a Nasi Padang stall was a tough business to run. A Nasi Padang stall required long working hours. Added to that, preparation also took up a lot of time to ensure that a variety of dishes were available. Struggling with the back breaking working hours, he decided that it was not his cup of tea.Instead, he focused on cutting down the items to niche items that will represent Zoul’s Corner and that’s how their specialty item, Zoul’s Nasi Ayam Penyet came about!
30+
Year Experience
90%
Happy Customers
The Founder
Azhar Mohd Salleh is a hawker-turned-restaurant-owner with almost 40 years of experience in the F&B industry in Singapore. He and his wife Nelly are the founders of Zoul’s Corner, a family restaurant that specialises in Ayam Penyet. With a third outlet — a kiosk at AMK Hub, under the brand name ‘Smash’ — Azhar has his sights set firmly on constant, sustainable growth. He is a firm believer of life-long learning, collaboration over competition, and accelerating progress by engaging coaches and mentors. His company Zoul Nasi Ayam Penyet received the International Business Federation’s ‘Singapore Top Heritage Cuisine Award’ in 2021.
Imagine a dish that stirs your senses: a plate of aromatic, fluffy white rice, each grain carefully simmered in a sumptuous, savory chicken broth, lovingly infused with an exotic medley of spices. Resting atop this fragrant entree is the masterpiece – a chicken leg marinated with an old-aged recipe featuring candlenuts, garlic, turmeric, ginger, and coriander seeds. This chicken is fried to perfection and then ‘smashed’, boasting a crisp, golden exterior that gives way to succulent, flavor-rich meat, a testament to generations of culinary mastery. Complementing this ensemble are sides of deep-fried, crusty-on-the-outside yet soft-on-the-inside beancurd, alongside slices of tempe and cucumber, adding layers of texture and freshness to this delightful signature feast of Zoul’s Corner.
Yet, the crowning glory of this dish is undeniably the ancestral sambal blend rich in history and refined through research and development. This exquisite sambal passed down through generations is the heart of the dish. Crafted with meticulous care, ensuring uniformity in texture and taste across an impressive half-tonne prepared for outlets across the island. Each batch of sambal is more than just a condiment, requiring nearly three hours of devoted craftsmanship, is a pledge to authenticity and excellence, lovingly nurtured and handed down by his mother.
This gastronomic journey of Zoul’s Corner traces back to a modest Nasi Padang stall, where Mr. Azhar’s mother laid the foundation of what would become a culinary transformation over three decades. Zoul, as Mr. Azhar is warmly known, has skillfully steered this traditional venture into the acclaimed Zoul‘s Corner. Here, innovation meets tradition, and the Nasi Ayam Penyet stands as a testament to this harmonious blend – a dish that doesn’t just feed the body but nourishes the soul.
Today, Zoul’s Corner has transformed into a cherished destination for food lovers. Recognized as Singapore’s best and finest Nasi Ayam Penyet, it has earned numerous accolades and has become an integral part of the community. To reach more ardent food lovers, Zoul’s Corner has expanded its reach islandwide. But the story doesn’t end here. Zoul’s Corner’s culinary range has expanded, embracing a spectrum of flavors to delight various palates. From succulent seafood to tender beef balls, traditional Malay noodles, and even a foray into Western cuisine, each dish is infused with the same love and respect for tradition that started it all.
At Zoul’s Corner, every meal is an invitation to a grand feast of flavors, a celebration of taste and tradition. Dining at Zoul’s Corner is more than just having a meal but a journey of flavors that keeps you coming back for more.
The Ingredients
The Penyet Chicken Rice dish from East Java, Indonesia, is quite popular and loved by numerous of people here. Traditionally, this dish is served with white rice, marinated chicken with spices, side dishes as well as tempeh, tofu, and “sambal.” The “Umphh” of this dish is depending on how flavorful the “sambal” are made.
The discovery of a new dish does more for the happiness of mankind than the discovery of a star.
Anthelme Brillat-Savarin
We are dedicated to providing the best service possible to our customers. From waiters to chefs who work with us, we will provide the best service possible. A traditional Indonesian dish with a rich and delectable flavour profile on the tongue that leaves the heart satisfied.
We will give you the best from our restaurant so that you return home happy and satisfied as a result of your visit. Hopefully you will feel satisfaction from our restaurant services.
We provide memorable experiences that you and your beloved ones will never forget. With our delicious food and refreshing beverages, you will feel more delighted and pleased to come with us with another day.
Award Event
From Humble Roots to SME Excellence
We are proud to announce that Zoul’s Corner has been honored with the SME Excellence Business Award 2025/2026 and the Top Leading Entrepreneur Award 2025/2026.
Under the visionary leadership of Mr. Azhar Mohd Salleh, Zoul’s has grown from a humble family stall into a celebrated brand. These accolades are a testament to our commitment to quality, resilience, and our mission to bring the "Real Smash" to the heart of Singapore’s food scene.
After reaching 4 locations in 2024, we are currently accelerating toward our next two openings. Our ultimate goal of 15 outlets is built on a foundation of sustainability—reinvesting in our people and our processes to ensure that as we grow larger, our quality remains as sharp as ever. We aren't just expanding a business; we are scaling a legacy.
A Night of Honor at The Ritz-Carlton: Celebrating the Spirit of Enterprise 2025
We are deeply honored to announce that our founder, Mr. Azhar Md Salleh, has been recognized as a Spirit of Enterprise (SOE) 2025 Awardee. Hosted at the elegant Ritz-Carlton, this night celebrated the grit and vision required to build a brand from the ground up.This award is a tribute to the journey of Zoul’s Corner—from a humble hawker stall to an award-winning brand. While the trophy carries his name, Mr. Azhar dedicates this honor to the people who make Zoul’s possible: our hardworking team and our loyal customers. Every plate of Nasi Ayam Penyet we serve is a chapter in this ongoing story of passion and perseverance.
World-Class Flavor: A Global Culinary Landmark
In 2023, Zoul’s Corner officially stepped onto the global stage. We are immensely proud to be recognized with the Cordon Bleu Chef, World Top Heritage Gourmet Award, and the World Top All-Star Chef Award. These awards signify more than just skill; they mark Zoul's Corner as a guardian of culinary heritage. By blending traditional techniques with world-class standards, we have become your passport to unforgettable tastes.Being honored on a global stage fuels our passion to continue serving you the finest heritage cuisine. Our commitment to excellence ensures that every bite of our award-winning flavors makes your taste buds dance with joy. From our kitchen to the world, we bring you the gold standard of gourmet heritage. Experience the artistry and passion that earned us a place among the world’s elite chefs—right here at your local Zoul’s.