Following the success of Melbourne CBD Indonesian favourite, Yoi, Lie and her two sons, Michael and Dion Sanusi are excited to reveal their second Indonesian restaurant venture, called ‘Kata Kita’.
Situated at 266 La Trobe Street Melbourne, at the entrance to Melbourne Central, Kata Kita translates to ‘Together we say!’, an invitation to relax, unwind and enjoy good Indonesian hospitality.
Together, Lie, Michael and Dion invite their customers to Jalan Jalan around Kata Kita’s menu of many flavours, as they honour a plethora of traditional Indonesian dishes each boasting traditional flavour and flare.
Kicking things up a notch from Yoi’s speedy, hawker-style delights, Kata Kita delivers a new layer of modern Indonesian dining, combining traditional recipes with luxe local ingredients and sophisticated flavours all designed to share with family and friends.
Be prepared for flavour bombs of zesty lemongrass, tongue spiking chilli, homemade aromatic sambal underscored with zesty lemongrass, shrimp and sweet palm sugar, served tastily together on a plate! Kata
An archipelago with over 6,000 islands, Kata Kita is showcasing the very best of Indonesian regional specialties featuring Balinese favourites including Babi Guling, 5-hour slow roasted pork coated in bambu genep (Balinese spices) served with Lawar, a mixture of crisp vegetables and coconut and fried shallot sambal.
Sea food fans will be tempted by whole grilled pomfret fish Ikan Bakar, marinated in turmeric and shallot sauce, served atop banana leaf and topped with fried shallots and sweet and spicy soya sauce balanced with garlic, eschalots and lime. Other favourites include Kepiting Saus Padang, Indonesian-style hot and spicy crab served drizzled in Padang sauce and Salmon Lodeh, a chilli spiked coconut stew of long beans, chayote and chilli, served with crispy skin grilled salmon.
Introducing Nasi Goreng’s spicer and richer cousin, Bebek Goreng Madura is an Indonesia delicacy prized for its fried duck that’s as crispy as it is tender. The deep flavours are served with Lawar (vegetables and coconut), raw sambal and traditional bumbu hitam, a rich and unique black sambal of blended spices that are fried until it turns its signature black colour.
For smaller bites, guests can sample an array of starters including Sate Lilit, mince pork rolled on a lemongrass stick, Babi Bakar, Balinese pork ribs glazed in sweet and sticky soy sauce served with bumbu genep, micro herb salad and fresh lime and Scallop Gulai, perfectly grilled scallops served with a rich, spicy curry sauce.
Hanging out for dessert? Indulge in sticky and sweet Indonesian favourites including Kolak Biji Ubi sweet potato balls served with creamy and salty Pandan coconut milk, Ketan Kitam black sticky rice porridge or Cendol Bao, the Kata Kita take on the tradition Es Cendol, a friend bao sandwich filled with coconut ice cream and Pandan jelly topped with shaved sugar.
As always, Lie and her sons are passionate about Indonesian culture and Indonesian food. By sharing Indonesian food, they are sharing Indonesian cultural knowledge too, as both are intertwined and remain the perfect gateway to forging strong cross-continental relationships.
Indonesian food culture is about sharing food that family and friends enjoy and Kata Kita intends to cater for groups of people, for celebrations and special occasions, as well as after work and lunch.
A former mixologist at Bulgari Hotel in Bali, Dewo is an expert at creating delicious concoctions in a glass. Mixing his magic over Jimbaran Bay sunsets, Dewo now brings his passion for precise and perfectly balanced cocktails to Melbourne. Not only curating and creating the cocktail list at Kata Kita, Dewo will also be a flamboyant fixture in the Kata Kita Bar.
With the view to open 22nd of November 2021, Kata Kita is a capacious 200 SQM and can accommodate 80 patrons. With considered and well- crafted interiors by TA Square, interiors tropical rattan weaves decorate the walls and have been handcrafted into bespoke pendant lighting. The entire effect is showcased with beautiful stones and marbles throughout.
Must try dish: Babi Guling
One of Bali’s most famed dishes, Babi Guling is a glorious (and a little bit gluttonous) feast enjoyed by all! Think 5-hour slow cooked Balinese roast pork served with crispy glass skin, Lawar (mix of vegetables and coconut), bumbu genep (Balinese spices) and sambal embe (Balinese fried shallot sambal).
Must try cocktail: ULUWATU.
Teleport your tastebuds to the cliffs of Uluwatu. This refreshing concoction of Beefeater gin, Cointreau, pressed pineapple juice and passionfruit pulp is topped with a smokey passion fruit bubble, that’s as fragrant as it is flavourful! When the bubble pops, the party starts!
Kata Kita is a destination of choice and the hot new restaurant for those seeking an authentic Indonesian dining experience in Melbourne.
