When Ibu Ruby’s first opened its doors, it was known for its comforting blend of Malay-Indonesian dishes that felt like a warm hug from your nenek. But the restaurant has recently taken a bold step forward—revamping its entire menu to focus solely on authentic Indonesian cuisine. Curious (and slightly nostalgic), I revisited Ibu Ruby’s to see what this new chapter was all about. Spoiler: it’s delicious, affordable, and rich with true Nusantara flavour.
Affordable Meals, Bigger Taste
One of the standout changes at Ibu Ruby’s is the introduction of its new affordable set meals, each one paired with a choice of refreshing beverages like Yuzu Strawberry, Yuzu Lemonade, Teh Malaya, or the house favourite, Ruby Lemonade. I chose the Yuzu Strawberry, which was surprisingly zesty, sweet, and a great palate cleanser throughout the meal.
Now, onto the dishes.
Nasi Rendang Ayam Bali
The first plate to arrive was the Nasi Rendang Ayam Bali, and it immediately impressed. The rendang had the right balance of heat and spice, with the chicken tender and juicy—clearly simmered for hours in the aromatic spice blend. The Balinese twist came through with subtle citrusy notes and a slightly smokier edge compared to the usual rendang—something that really set it apart. It came with fragrant rice, fresh acar, and a perfectly cooked egg. A full, comforting meal with an Indonesian soul.
Nasi Rendang Sapi
Beef lovers, take note—this dish is for you. The Rendang Sapi (beef rendang) was slow-cooked to near perfection, with rich, deep flavours soaked into each bite. The beef was fork-tender, and the rendang gravy was thick, spicy, and layered. It leaned more towards the West Sumatran style—dry, bold, and earthy. The richness of the dish was nicely balanced with crunchy sides and rice that soaked up every drop of that umami-packed rendang.
Nasi Goreng Batavia
For something less heavy but still flavour-packed, the Nasi Goreng Batavia was a winner. It had that classic wok hei (smoky stir-fry aroma) with every grain of rice coated in flavour. Topped with a fried egg with a runny yolk, crispy fried shallots, and accompanied by keropok, this fried rice was comforting yet punchy. It’s a great option for those looking for a quick, satisfying lunch.
Satay Time: 4 Flavours, 4 Stories
Ibu Ruby’s satay menu now features four bold takes on Satay Ayam, each representing different Indonesian regions.
- Satay Ayam Maranggi: Marinated in a sweet soy glaze, this was smoky, slightly charred, and had hints of garlic and coriander. Definitely one of the sweeter options.
- Satay Ayam Madura: This was rich and savoury, featuring a bold, dark peanut sauce with just the right amount of spice. Classic and satisfying.
- Satay Ayam Kelapa: A surprise favourite—this came with grated coconut in the marinade, giving it a slightly nutty, fragrant profile and a crispier texture on the outside.
- Satay Ayam Padang: The most intense of the bunch—spicy, full-bodied, and deeply flavoured with Padang spices. For spice lovers, this is a must.
Each skewer was grilled just right—juicy on the inside, smoky on the outside—and served with matching sambals and condiments.
The rebranding of Ibu Ruby’s isn’t just a facelift—it’s a meaningful step towards representing authentic Indonesian cuisine, without losing the heartwarming atmosphere the restaurant was first known for. The set meals are wallet-friendly, the portions generous, and the flavours unmistakably Indonesian.
If you haven’t yet revisited Ibu Ruby’s under its new identity, now is the time. Come hungry, come curious—and be ready to fall in love with rendang all over again.
📍 For more info and menu updates, check out @iburubys on Instagram
