It’s not often that dining reviewer WENDY JOHNSON uses the work “cracker”. She saves it for special dishes, such as this week’s “cracker”, the Ayam Rendang in an unassuming cafe in O’Connor. 

IT was a delicious surprise to stumble across Kopiku Café, a family-run operation in the Sargood Street shopping section, O’Connor.

This small, unassuming café serves a wide range of dishes, but the star section of the menu focuses on authentic and well-priced Indonesian. It’s fabulous.

We were in the area, were intrigued and walked out very happy having shared two main Indonesian specialties. 

The eight-item Indonesian line-up of dishes included the Ayam Rendang, an absolute cracker, which we tucked into with gusto ($18). Two massive chicken legs, braised in curry, were served with fried potatoes, tomatoes and a boiled egg, which feature in so many Indonesian dishes. 

It was packed with flavour and beautifully spicy. The chicken was super tender, and we mopped up the gravy with spoonfuls of fluffy white rice. We were silent as we ate, concentrating on the winning tastes.

Our second main was the Soto Tangkar ($20), a slow-cooked beef stew with rich spices. It, too, was served with tomatoes and a boiled egg. We were expecting a thick stew but weren’t disappointed with the “soupier” version. The beef was finely shredded, and the “soup” chalked full of flavour.

Kopiku’s Indonesian dishes also include Nasi Goreng and Mee Goreng ($18), the Lontong Sayur, a light curry soup with long beans, tempeh (fermented soybeans) and tahu (fried tofu) for $17. Also enticing is the Babi Kecap, slow-cooked pork belly ($20). 

Kopiku – beyond Indonesian cuisine – is a great all-rounder café and has a well-earned reputation for its extensive brekkie menu. Items range from basic toast and banana bread through to heartier fare. The Kopiku roti, drizzled with creamy, rich condensed milk, sounds exciting ($7.90).

For lunch, Kopiku caters for those who love burgers and those simply keen on a thoughtful sandwich or fresh salad. Kopiku also creates pizzas (saw a couple being served on the way out and they looked amazing). Customers can customise their own pizza (10-inch, $13). Select a base (garlic, tomato, pesto) and add as many toppings as desired ($2 to $4). Dishes for kids are all under $12.

Kopiku’s décor is basic with walls of a steel grey colour and bright orange plastic chairs placed around square wooden tables. A massive selection of desserts is displayed by the cash register. We were too full, but thought hard about a thick slice of salted caramel cheesecake ($6.90). Smaller sweets include friands ($5.40), Florentines ($5.90), croissants ($5.50) and a choc and orange slice ($7).

Drinks, beyond the full range of coffee and a decent selection of quality teas, include fresh juice, smoothies, milkshakes, thick shakes and ice drinks.

Kopiku Café is BYO. Dine indoors or in the small area out the front of the café.