Kafe Kooks

This rule breaking roti-centric eatery in Ultimo boasts an Asian fusion menu featuring a range of rebellious dishes and strong coffee.
Nishika Sharma
May 31, 2023

Overview

To lovers of bread everywhere: you've all gotten around the dipping breads, focaccia and naans of the world, giving them their fair share of time in the limelight. Now, it's time to shine a spotlight on roti in all of its glorious forms.

An innovative roti-centric eatery has set up shop on the edge of the Sydney CBD. Tucked away in a cosy corner of Ultimo is Kafe Kooks, an out-of-the-ordinary casual spot that celebrates the flaky flatbread. Kookiness and rebellion is at the heart of this joint's purpose, with the venue paying homage to David Bowie by name, aiming to build an environment where the eccentrics, creatives and wild childs feel right at home. But whether you're headed in to join the roti revolution or are visiting for a lunch date, you are guaranteed to leave with a newfound appreciation of the previously untapped versatility of roti.

Conceived by Andrew Ray, Kafe Kooks has brought his alliterative roti vision to Australian shores. Ray's menu pulls inspiration from a range of Asian influences, featuring food items from Indian, Indonesian, Singaporean and Chinese cuisines, to name a few. If you are trying out roti dishes for breakfast, keep your eyes peeled for the dippy eggs which comes with roti soldiers, the classic Sarang burung — a roti and egg take on a bird's nest with a side of sambal, and the eggs Florentine — served in a roti 'coin'.

Take a look at the rest of the menu and you'll find you are spoilt for choice. The dishes range from curries and roti paratha wraps to Asian salads like gado gado, and grilled lamb souvlaki or wasabi prawns. For something different, opt for the madtarbak which is similar to a toasted sandwich. The beef and the curbano madtarbaks are highly recommended.

You'll spot fusion dishes on the snacks menu, too, like the signature mooncake — roti paratha paired with luxe chicken liver parfait encased in whipped butter. And for something sweet to round out your meal, try the banana roti or the apple crumble.

Pair your selection with a fresh coffee courtesy of Genovese coffee, a milkshake, the dairy-free coconut iced coffee, or a selection from the excellent Simon Says Juice range.

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