A smorgasbord of Sundanese (Indonesian) fare – Bumbu Desa, The Curve

The latest addition to the The Glutton Street at The Curve is a restaurant chain from Indonesia, Bumbu Desa, bought into our Malaysian shores by none other than the same management of KL clubs empire; Quattro, The Library, Scarlett & Laundry.

Yes, “from clubs to food??“, some of my friends had commented when I shared this piece of news. Well, if you are leaking cash from your pores, F & B can still a good bet considering the eating habits of Malaysians. And something new to the F & B scene is always welcomed, especially to foodies (unless it sucks of course, but then that would make for an interesting blog post 😆 ).

The concept here is almost buffet; presentation – wise, but not price -wise. All the delicious food is laid out on a long table, and ala chap-fun style, point at your choice & state the quantity you wish. The friendly (though blur) staff will have it re-heated, price calculated & served to your chosen dining table between 10 -15 mins.

Bumbu Desa

buffetline

Calculations are done here.

prep counter

Originally started off in 2004 by a family who loves their traditional sundaland cuisine & feels a need to share it to the public, Bumbu Desa is now a popular F & B chain in Indonesia. The menu has since expanded to include cuisine from various regions of West Java. And keeping to it’s origins, the interior furnishing & even their wait staff models all things traditionally Sundanese.

bumbudesa

Joanne and I were there for a mid-week lunch & the place was packed with the office crowd. Well, good starters signs for survival so far.

The Talapia Pesmol (RM18.90) educed “ohh and mmmm” from both of us, for the flaky flesh were sweet & the sauce was a lovely blend of unidentifiable spices but all mildly spicy, piquant & intricate at the same time.

tilapia pesmol

Our chosen fibres of Gulai Daun Singkong RM4.90 was bathed in light coconut milk & bears slight reminiscent of our masak lemak, though this was definitely not as creamy.

daun singk

This interesting looking Pepes Ayam RM8.90 (Steamed marinated chicken in banana leaf) was sadly, not as intriguing as it’s name. It was a bit bland & the flavours were not strong enough to leave a good impression.

pepes ayam

The Ayam Panggang Percik RM8.90. (Marinated kampung chicken grilled with spices) reminded me again of the wonderful abilities of spices to turn everyday white meat into flavourful, tender protein.
On the other hand, the Rendang Daging (RM8.90), was an absolute horror brick of tough meat fibres & almost maimed our forks from repetitive efforts of tearing it apart. I voiced my concern to the Outlet supervisor & he muttered something about it being an Indon way of cooking. Humrphhh 😕 Anyhow, Sean was there the same night for dinner & said the beef was exquisitely tender. Urghh! What rotten luck.

daging rendang n ayam

Nasi Liwet – RM2.90 (per pax) Supposedly the Indon equivalent of our Nasi Lemak but this was way milder in coconut milk composition so I’m guessing it healthier. I personally liked it though, for it was fragrant with spices & it came topped with crispy tiny anchovies.

Nasi Liwet

Warm water was charged at RM1.90 for 2 pax & the total bill came up to RM66.90 (incl. of 10% for service and 5% gov tax) for the above.

All in all, I would re-visit again for there were a bounteous selection on the ‘buffet line’ & I certainly want to try them all! Going in a group is highly recommended of course, for that might help to ease the wallet a bit 😛

This Post Has 35 Comments

  1. cariso

    SO I can try this out uh the next time when I am at The Curve?

    1. rebeccasaw

      Yes, U do go The Curve a lot hor when u in KL!

  2. Sean

    ooh, i didn’t know it was linked to laundry, etc. but it’s quite a nicely designed & decorated place, so it does have that “professional” look! 😀
    before going there, i thought it might be part of the bumbu bali and ole-ole bali empire. the food here tastes more authentic though … wonder where they recruited all those indonesian dudes in their kitchen & service staff =)
    i didn’t manage to try the ayam pepes during dinner, cos it was sold out! grrrrr, all you lunch-eaters must have finished their stock…

  3. sophia

    I love this!! You can eat a little of everything,which is heaven for a greedy pig like myself!

    Hey, I have bad news…I’m not going to KL..the retreat has been moved to Malacca! URGH!! When are you coming down to Singapore? hee hee…

    1. rebeccasaw

      💡 No prob!! I go dwn Malacca & also go Sg ok!

  4. Selba

    The place looks nice. Even nicer than the ones in Indo, hehehe..

    Ah… they got a bit variety of food in Msia 😉

  5. TummyRumble

    i don’t like reheated food.. sounds soggy man.. you seemed to have enjoyed your meal though.. lol.. maybe I should go try it out..

    1. rebeccasaw

      some of the food is yummy 😀 but like chap fun lohh.. aft a while it gets cold

  6. Ewin

    nice! everyday makan makan!

  7. worldwindows

    Food with spices are always good eat. Indonesian food is pricey in KL. I used to eat Sundanese once a month due to constant travel in time past and absolute like the food esp those cooked on the spot!

    1. rebeccasaw

      Yea I realized frm reading yr blog! The seafood rawts big time! Nx time take me along! 😆

  8. Leo

    Wow!! High end chap fan 😛 although it’s Sundanese and not Chinese!
    If it’s in The Curve, Jenn & I should find our way here VERY SOON!!! by the way, when are we coming out for lunch again??? Please make it on Sat instead of Sunday coz I have to drive back to Pahang 🙂

  9. ciki

    i wanna try the ayam pepes! looks good.. may give it a go soon:)

  10. unkaleong

    Not really chap farn prices hor? I’m falling in love with the Gulai Daun Singkong already 🙂

    1. rebeccasaw

      Hehe.. saw yr comment on Sean’s post too. Yea, i was soooo happy that the Curve finally got somethin new! (not that i have tried all the outlets there! Hehh)

  11. Makiko S

    Looking forward to try this one – if only I can find my way to the Curve 😉 Indonesian food is almost interesting as Malaysians’

    It’s difficult to go, especially on weekends.

    1. rebeccasaw

      Huh? U dunno where is the Curve?
      Come i take you! 😛

  12. Pureglutton

    I ate a few times at Bumbu Desa in Bandung – great variety of Sundanese fare. Love their Nasi Liwet – really tasty, in Bandung!

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