Cover The sophisticated look of Rumah Makan Nusantara within Sunway Putra Hotel (Image: Rumah Makan Nusantara)
The sophisticated look of Rumah Makan Nusantara within Sunway Putra Hotel (Image: Rumah Makan Nusantara)
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Tucked away in Sunway Putra Hotel, Rumah Makan Nusantara dishes out classic Indonesian fare, preserving its culinary legacy one dish at a time
Nestled within the elegant confines of Sunway Putra Hotel lies a culinary gem that is quietly revolutionising Indonesian dining in Kuala Lumpur. Rumah Makan Nusantara stands as more than just another hotel restaurant, but rather an embodiment of the commitment to the preservation of authentic flavours of Indonesia across the archipelago. Specialities include dishes from regions like Java, Sumatra, West Nusa Tenggara, and Sulawesi, amongst other provinces.
Recognising absence of a comprehensive Indonesian dining destination within a hotel, the founders wanted a space that captures the essence of the culinary diversity, whilst maintaining the magic of a humble eatery from Indonesia.
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Above The sophisticated look of Rumah Makan Nusantara within Sunway Putra Hotel (Image: Rumah Makan Nusantara)
The sophisticated look of Rumah Makan Nusantara within Sunway Putra Hotel (Image: Rumah Makan Nusantara)
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This unique positioning has earned the restaurant remarkable recognition, including endorsements from the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia and a personal recommendation from H.E. Sandiaga Uno, former Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy of Indonesia. The restaurant has also welcomed Indonesian celebrities including megastar Rossa, ST 12, RiriMoeya, and Betrand Putra Onsu, who have all experienced authentic tastes of home while dining in Kuala Lumpur.
The walls of the restaurant are lined with posters of these celebrities, along with TVs showing Indonesian news and TV shows, giving a nice personal touch to your dining experience.
What truly sets Rumah Makan Nusantara apart from its competitors is an unwavering commitment to authenticity that extends far beyond recipe books and cooking techniques. The restaurant sources its ingredients primarily from Indonesian suppliers, ensuring that every dish captures the genuine essence of its regional origins. This dedication to authentic sourcing means that diners can experience flavours that are often impossible to replicate when using other substitutes.
Above The famed Soto Betawi that is a must try, made from tender beef simmered in a rich, aromatic coconut broth (Image: Rumah Makan Nusantara)
The famed Soto Betawi that is a must try, made from tender beef simmered in a rich, aromatic coconut broth (Image: Rumah Makan Nusantara)
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At the heart of this authenticity lies staple ingredients like Kecap Manis, the iconic Indonesian sweet soy sauce that embodies the restaurant's philosophy. More than just a condiment, this molasses-rich ingredient brings warmth and depth to signature dishes, from the fragrant Nasi Goreng Kambing to the beloved Ketoprak, capturing the soul of Indonesian cooking.
The menu at Rumah Makan Nusantara reads like a carefully curated journey through Indonesia's provinces, each dish representing the distinct culinary traditions of its region. From Jakarta comes the comforting Soto Betawi, a rich soup featuring tender beef in aromatic coconut milk broth, spices, and vegetables. Another unmissable dish from the region is the beloved street food Ketoprak, with lontong, tofu, and vermicelli that’s enveloped in a savoury peanut sauce to tie it all together.
Above Nasi Goreng Kambing served with acah, the unbeatable combo (Image: Rumah Makan Nusantara)
Nasi Goreng Kambing served with acah, the unbeatable combo (Image: Rumah Makan Nusantara)
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West Nusa Tenggara contributes the bold and fiery Ayam Bakar Taliwang, showcasing the region's love for intense, smoky flavours. Central Java brings the aromatic Tongseng Kambing, where tender mutton simmers in a fragrant, spiced broth that balances sweet and savoury notes perfectly.
The restaurant takes pride in offering regional specialties that diners can be hard pressed to find elsewhere in Malaysia. Dishes like Empal Gentong, a rich beef and offal stew from Cirebon, West Java, and Mangut Ikan Nila, featuring tilapia in turmeric-coconut sauce, represent the kind of authentic regional cooking that Indonesian food enthusiasts have long sought in Kuala Lumpur.
Above A team favourite is their Jus Alpukat, the creamy avocado smoothie (Image: Rumah Makan Nusantara)
A team favourite is their Jus Alpukat, the creamy avocado smoothie (Image: Rumah Makan Nusantara)
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Not only do their savoury dishes hit the brief and beyond, the traditional Indonesian treats offered by Rumah Makan Nusantara complete the dining experience. Jus Alpukat, the Indonesian avocado smoothie with chocolate, is pitch perfect. It's the perfect cold finish to any meal, and especially one here.
Above The private dining space within the restaurant for any and all occasions (Image: Rumah Makan Nusantara)
The private dining space within the restaurant for any and all occasions (Image: Rumah Makan Nusantara)
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Acting as a cultural bridge for diners seeking to understand the breadth of Indonesian cuisine, or Indonesians abroad looking for a taste of home within a sleek and sophisticated environment, Rumah Makan Nusantara provides an authentic window into one of the world’s most diverse and flavourful cuisines.
Through careful ingredient sourcing, traditional preparation methods, and a deep rooted respect for time-honoured culinary traditions, they have certainly carved out a strong space for themselves within the dining scene in Kuala Lumpur.
Keandra's expertise lies within writing deep dives into the culture and anthropology of food, sometimes with a philosophical twist. With a background in London's F&B consultancy scene, she's excited to be back in Kuala Lumpur to champion the local dining scene.
Reach her at keandra.hing@tatlerasia.com, @keandruh
