Kak Rose 911

Restaurant Kak Rose 911 is rather popular among food bloggers; an online search will render an outstanding number of hits. The restaurant is a large stall, there is an air-conditioned section off to one side, but most patrons prefer to sit in the open-air area, which is breezy and well ventilated thanks to its high, barn-like roof. Kak Rose opens only for  lunch, so with its sleepy, kampung kitchen feel, it is a great place for a lazy luncheon with friends or colleagues. It holds possibility as a night spot should the owners someday plan to expand the operating hours.

The cuisine has a Minangkabau theme to it. The daging salai is supposedly worth checking out. The small beef slices were tender and juicy, soaking in a yellow and salty, coconut milk soup. The tempoyak masak daun kayu is better, even if you are not a fan of durian-infused recipes or even of daun kayu. It has a spicy bite, fragrant but not pungent and the soft leaves are saturated with coconut milk seasoned with herbs. The ikan bakar is fresh, flaky with delicate white and pink flesh, but lacks both a strong flavour and a crispy skin—which is how I generally prefer ikan bakar.

But still, Kak Rose elevates the humble ikan kembung to a specimen of finely-timed, grilled perfection. Of note is their sambal belacan, served with a side of tempoyak, which added another element of flavour to the food. And the rice is well cooked, washed properly, fluffy, unsticky and served piping hot. I didn’t find exceptional Padang cuisine, which was what I was expecting after so much blogging. I did find simple, well-cooked, wholesome food, a great atmosphere and a slice of small-town goodness right in the middle of the big city.

Text Kamariah Rahmah Photo YwHan