Babas Rootz — Restaurant in Kuala Lumpur

I need not add more photos since there are already loads here. Mostly quite authentic Nonya dishes. Only that Nonya people can pick some deviations that apparently was done to suit KL people (read as people who don't know how to cook Nonya dishes or have not lived in Baba-Nonya homes where the mother or grandmother or aunt were the cooks or in charge of the kitchen., or are actually still cooking the traditional nonya style). some deviations - Jiu hoo char - the fried till soft mainly turnip dish flavoured heavily by first frying shredded sun dried cuttlefish, shredded almost cooked meat (pork or chicken), shallots or red onions and shitake or black mushrooms. Here some sugar was added to suit KL palates. Whereas, traditionally a dash of dark soy sauce was added. Dark soy sauce is made with caramel which gives a caramelised sweet flavour which is different from plain sweetness of sugar. Assam prawns - usually fried till slightly crispy and dark. Here the chef added dark soy sauce to the tamarind paste to make a dark sourish savoury gravy. Nice to go with rice but not really nonya to my wife's 86 year old aunt and us who are used to our mothers' cooking. Perut ikan - usually the fish stomachs are collected from the fishmongers over a few weeks and stored in glass jars packed with salt (it's salt preserve) and allowed to "ferment" (actually technically putrefy as the salt loving non-disease causing bacteria thrives under the high salt condition, breaks down the proteins to release compounds that contribute heavily to savoury flavours - check info with savoury flavour specialists). The perut ikan in salt is ready for use when it reaches a pasty somewhat greyish dark colour, without clear signs of fish parts/stomach, such that in the eventual dish there'll not pieces of fish to bite on. At Baba Rootz, we found pieces of the fish stomach very tough and rubbery. Hence indicating the fish stomach had not undergone sufficient breakdown by bacterial action. So another dish that's not really agreeable to real nonya taste buds or our nonya aunty's standard. Some of these feedback was given to the boss man. Hope he takes remedial action, otherwise we won't be going back to his place, inspite of the nice and...

From my personal experience, I will give 3 stars for the location and the environment (it is in a housing area, so is very quiet and peaceful. we are the only table at that moment). In term of decoration, i would say is nice, not really authentic Baba Nyonya deco.

Food taste vise I will give 2 stars. I tried a few Baba Nyonya restaurant before, I would say it is so-so only. it does not taste bad, just does give me special impression (maybe I haven't try their signature dish). Appetizer (Pai Tee) is a bit disappointed (a bit oily and presentation is a bit out). Dessert (cendol and pulut hitam) it is not bad.

PRICE. Sadly I will rate 1 star only. It is way too expensive. Honestly, me and my friends choose this place is because of the 5 Stars rating. Initially saw the price give to us prior we confirm our booking (FYI. need to pre-book 1 day before and choose the dishes from the menu they provide), we think very expensive, but in view of the high rating so we give it a try. I rate 1 star is because for the food portion is small. As I mention earlier, food taste is just so-so, nothing is outstanding. The dish in the menu is very simple and very common.

Personally, I wouldn't recommend this restaurant. All the aspect don't meet 5 Stars. Hope they can improve in the future to meet the 5...

This is a place you feel like walking into a friend's home and being served home cooked food. Price on affordable side in comparison to other restaurants within Klang Valley. Good quality ingredients and taste. Portions are sufficient and just right. Authenticity is subjective since every peranakan household has their own recipes and style. If you are in search for Penang nyonya cuisine, this place is definitely worth a visit. If you are seeking ah mah's cooking, go look for ah mah instead. It she passed on, then drop by Baba Rootz for alternative. Service is prompt and attentive yet not intrusive. Parking aplenty unless it is fully booked. Location is quite unexpected being housed in residential. Pre book via WhatsApp at least 48 hours prior. Allow time for host to reply hence plan early. Payment...