Rumah Makan Nusantara staff presenting the Ketoprak (left) and Risoles (right) along with other dishes on the menu at the restaurant located in Sunway Putra Hotel. — Photos: AZMAN GHANI/The Star
THERE is an Indonesian restaurant in Kuala Lumpur city that offers dishes from the republic’s major provinces such as West Sumatra, Jakarta and Central Java.
Rumah Makan Nusantara, situated at Sunway Putra Hotel, is touted as the first and only authentic Indonesian restaurant within a hotel setting.
Hotel senior general manager Wilfred Yeo said the restaurant offers a large selection of Indonesian cuisine under one roof.
“Everything served here is made from scratch. The dishes are kept as authentic as possible, similar to what one would find in Indonesia,” he said.
“We have close to 80 dishes from various regions of Indonesia as well as a selection of Malaysian dishes.”
The restaurant is also part of Indonesia Spice Up The World, a gastro-diplomacy programme aimed at promoting Indonesia’s rich cuisine and establishing 4,000 Indonesian restaurants overseas by 2024.
Rumah Makan Nusantara was endorsed as the 1,301th such outlet by Indonesia’s Tourism and Creative Economy Minister Sandiaga Uno.
Emping Melinjo, a cracker made from melinjo nuts, makes for a delightful start to a meal.
The Kuala Lumpur restaurant’s interior showcases a contemporary design and highlights Indonesian arts and crafts.
Risoles (RM20nett), typically sold at food carts known as “gerobak makanan” in Indonesia, is a recommended appetiser.
Rumah Makan Nusantara’s version features pastry wrapped with chicken filling and vegetables. It is then rolled in breadcrumbs and deep-fried.
Risoles are believed to be a product of Indonesia’s colonial history as they are similar to Dutch croquettes.
It is a satisfying snack when served piping hot.
Ketoprak (RM30nett) resembles gado-gado but has rice noodles in the mix.
A personal favourite from the restaurant was the Ikan Nila Goreng Kecap (RM77nett).
Cooked in a style similar to Indonesia’s deep-fried flying fish using the gurame fish, it leaves the ikan nila, better known as tilapia, with its flesh juicy and skin, crispy.
Ayam Bakar Taliwang (RM55nett) hails from West Nusa Tenggara and is chef-recommended.
The grilled chicken is seasoned with aromatic spices and the marinade includes chillies, garlic, shallots, tomatoes and various spices.
Tongseng Kambing (RM62nett) is a hearty and indulgent dish from Central Java.
Ikan Nila Goreng Kecap is the writer’s personal favourite.
Its rich gravy is perfectly balanced with hints of sweetness from palm sugar, tanginess from tamarind and lime as well as the creaminess of coconut milk.
A section of the restaurant’s menu is dedicated to sambal and categorised by their heat level.
They include Sambal Tomat, Sambal Mangga, Sambal Cabe Ijo Teri and Sambal Balado Merah, with Sambal Terasi being the spiciest.
Sambal Cabe Ijo Teri has a creamy texture, similar to how an avocado is mashed into guacamole.
The Es Teler and Jus Alpukat make for sweet endings and are also great to cool the palate after a spicy meal.
Es Teler (RM23nett), an Indonesian fruit drink, comes with sago, nata de coco, coconut shavings, avocado paste, water chestnut and jackfruit.
Jus Alpukat or avocado shake (RM20nett) is a satisfying drink made from blended avocado drizzled with chocolate.
Other chef-recommended dishes include Daun Singkong Bumbu Kencur, Sambal Kentang Ampela Pete and Tauhu Telur.
Rumah Makan Nusantara’s interior features a contemporary design and highlights a selection of Indonesian arts and crafts.
The restaurant also has lunch sets called “Set Makan Siang”, available on weekdays from noon to 2.30pm.
It offers a daily rotation of dishes such as Ayam Geprek, Soto Betawi and Ikan Nila Cabe Ijo, with each set including a dessert and drink of the day.
Prices start from RM32nett.
RUMAH MAKAN NUSANTARA, Lobby, Level 9, Sunway Putra Hotel, Chow Kit, Kuala Lumpur. (Tel: 03-4040 9888). Business hours: Noon-10pm, daily.
This is the writer’s personal observation and is not an endorsement by StarMetro.
