Kepala Manyung Bu Fat in Cinere, South Jakarta, A Wholesome Restaurant for Bold Spicy Taste

Kepala Manyung Bu Fat started as a humble diner in the owner's house in 1969. Fifty years later, it has expanded into four branches in Semarang and Jakarta.

The highlight of this dish is a whole piece of smoked ariid catfish head poured in a spicy stock called bumbu mangut. Similar to those fancy food names in a fine-dining restaurant, the ridiculously long name represents what this food is all about: smoked ariid catfish head in traditional spicy stock.

Kepala Manyung Bumbu Mangut is a traditional dish from Central Java that is popular across North Coast Way (Pantura).

Banik wasn’t joking when she told us that one fish head could cater to a family. My plate sees a leviathan that I had to gobble up. This hearty dish features a richly-flavored smoky fish head, with delicate meat and crisp texture on some singed bits.

The spicy stock is all about boldness, with layers of spice and aromatics that make you always keep going. But with more than three hours of smoking process, the fish’s smoky flavor won’t lose that easily.

Wholesome Restaurant Neglect One Important Thing

Banik ensured the Kepala Manyung Bumbu Mangut I’m eating is identical to the Bu Fat’s recipe. The only difference is her restaurants serve more food. For those who feel squeamish at the sight of a black, big fish head on a plate, these foods are definitely attractive alternatives.