Ibu Ruby’s, a restaurant built in honour of Haji Mohd Imran’s first home chef in Indonesia, pays tribute to the rich and diverse flavours of Indonesian cuisine. Inspired by his childhood experiences in Indonesia, Haji Mohd Imran created this dining destination to showcase authentic Indonesian dishes, drawing from the culinary expertise of Ibu Ruby herself, who spent her lifetime perfecting the art of cooking in Yogyakarta.
With the recent launch of their new set menus for two and five persons, we couldn’t resist indulging in the Imran’s Celebration Feast for five, an elaborate spread that truly embodied the soul of Indonesian cuisine. Here’s what we savoured:
The Imran’s Celebration Feast
Designed for a table of five, Imran’s Celebration Feast is a feast worthy of its name, bringing together some of the most beloved flavors of Indonesian cuisine. This set is an immersive dining experience, blending bold spices, smoky grills, rich curries, and refreshing salads into a harmonious spread. Every dish in this selection is crafted to highlight the depth and variety of Indonesian cooking, offering a perfect balance of heat, sweetness, and umami. From the sizzling seafood to the perfectly grilled meats and vibrant vegetable sides, this set captures the essence of a true Indonesian celebration, making it an ideal choice for those looking to share a hearty and flavorful meal with family and friends.
The feast began with the Seabass Bakar Sambal, a beautifully grilled whole seabass that was smoky, tender, and perfectly flaky. The sambal on top was fiery yet balanced, adding a tantalizing depth of heat that enhanced the fish’s natural sweetness.
Next, we dug into the Udang Gulai Lemak, a comforting, coconut-rich curry brimming with fragrant spices. The prawn was incredibly tender, its broth that carried hints of turmeric and lemongrass, making each bite an indulgence.
The 10 Sticks Ayam Satay Madura were a definite highlight—succulent, well-marinated skewers of chicken, grilled to perfection. Each stick had a delightful char that paired beautifully with the velvety peanut sauce, which was sweet, nutty, and utterly addictive.
The Daging Dendeng Minang was a textural delight. The thinly sliced beef was crispy on the edges yet still had a tender bite, coated in a sweet and spicy sambal that left a lingering warmth on the palate.
Bringing a refreshing contrast to the bold flavours, the Gado Gado was a vibrant medley of blanched vegetables, tofu, and tempeh generously coated in a thick, creamy peanut sauce. The crunch from the fresh greens and the nutty richness of the sauce made for a perfect balance.
For a simple yet delightful vegetable dish, the Urap Kacang Botol featured winged beans stir-fried to retain their crunch, tossed in a lightly spiced sauce that complemented the other dishes without overpowering them.
The Kerabu Ikan Bilis added a tangy, umami-packed punch to the meal. The crispy anchovies were mixed with fresh herbs and a zesty dressing, delivering a burst of texture and flavour in every bite.
Another grilled delight, the Terung Bakar, had a deep caramelized flavour with just the right amount of smokiness. The meat was juicy, tender, and full of rich, charred notes that made it a standout.
To further enhance the meal, we had a trio of Three Sambals, each with varying levels of spice and tanginess. From mild to fiery, these condiments allowed us to tailor the heat level of every bite.
The meal was rounded out with Kangkung, a simple yet flavorful stir-fried water spinach dish, adding a touch of earthy umami to the spread. And, of course, the Steamed Rice, fluffy and perfectly cooked, served as the ideal base to soak up all the bold and complex sauces.
The Must-Try: Nasi Ayam Penyet
Beyond the feast, we couldn’t leave without trying Nasi Ayam Penyet, a signature dish highly recommended by the staff. The crispy fried chicken was juicy on the inside, with an irresistibly crunchy golden crust. Served with a spicy sambal, fresh vegetables, tofu, and tempeh, this dish had everything you’d want in a comforting Indonesian meal – bold spices, satisfying textures, and a deeply aromatic flavour.
A Sweet Ending: Pisang Bakar
To complete the meal, we indulged in Pisang Bakar, a grilled and caramelized sweet banana dessert that was as indulgent as it was nostalgic. The bananas had a smoky, caramelized crust that paired beautifully with the velvety Bulla vanilla ice cream, while the drizzle of palm sugar added a deep, molasses-like richness. Topped with crushed roasted pistachios for a nutty crunch and served in a charming coconut shell, this dessert was a delightful fusion of warm and cold textures that made for the perfect ending to an already memorable meal.
Ibu Ruby’s new set menus are a true homage to traditional Indonesian cooking, offering a well-curated selection of dishes that highlight the richness of the cuisine. Whether you’re dining as a duo or with a group, these sets deliver an authentic and fulfilling feast that captures the essence of Ibu Ruby’s culinary heritage.
For more details and updates, check out their Instagram: @iburubys.
