With roots in Java, the mother-and-son duo behind Kulon Pte. Ltd. draw their culinary inspiration from Indonesia's rich gastronomical heritage. For them, food has always been more than just sustenance - it's a way to preserve culture, tell stories, and foster connections across generations.
Our journey began in 2018 with the launch of IndoJava at Singapore Polytechnic. This one-year venture was an experimental step into the F&B industry, designed to learn the ropes and gauge public interest. IndoJava offered a curated selection of Indonesian dishes, introducing students, staff, and the broader public to the flavors of Indonesia. The initiative found success as customers embraced the vibrant and heartwarming dishes.
IndoJava's reach extended beyond campus when we participated in the Singapore Writers Festival 2018, operating a pop-up stall at the historic Old Parliament House. This opportunity was a testament to our ability to bring a slice of Indonesia's culinary heritage into Singapore's vibrant cultural scene.
Encouraged by IndoJava's reception, we set out to realize our vision of bringing Indonesian comfort food to a wider audience. On October 30, 2020, Kulon Bakmi opened its doors at 30 Bali Lane in the Kampong Glam district, a heritage area in central Singapore steeped in multicultural history.
Kulon Bakmi specializes in Bakmi, Indonesia's beloved dry noodle dish. Its menu pays homage to traditional recipes while embracing innovation, offering creations like Bakmi Empal and Bakmi Char Siu to cater to Singapore's cosmopolitan palate. The philosophy at Kulon is simple yet profound: to balance authenticity and adaptation, reflecting the shared histories and evolving tastes of Southeast Asia.
Through its carefully crafted dishes, Kulon invites diners to savor the warmth of Indonesian comfort food, presented in a cozy and welcoming space in the heart of Bali Lane.
On September 1, 2024, Kulon expanded its horizons with the launch of Ono Ramen at 734 North Bridge Road. This concept reflects co-founder Haris' belief in the power of food to bridge cultures.
Ono Ramen combines the precision of Japanese ramen techniques with the bold, vibrant flavors of Indonesia. Dishes like gulai-inspired ramen and tauto broth represent the harmonious blending of two distinct culinary traditions. The restaurant's casual, accessible model aligns with Singapore's dynamic dining scene, creating an adventurous and memorable experience for diners.
Ono Ramen isn't just about innovation - it's a celebration of the connections food can forge across borders. By offering something familiar yet refreshingly different, Ono Ramen has carved out a unique space in Singapore's culinary landscape.
Beyond the restaurants, Kulon's story is intertwined with our broader vision. Haris serves as the founding President of the Rasa Indonesia Initiative, launched by the Ministry of Trade Indonesia and endorsed by the Indonesian Embassy in Singapore.
The initiative aims to build a supportive ecosystem for Indonesian entrepreneurs in Singapore, particularly within the F&B sector. By fostering collaboration, providing mentorship, and creating opportunities for cultural and business exchange, the Rasa Indonesia Initiative celebrates the rich intersection of Indonesian and Singaporean cultures.
Under Haris' leadership, the initiative has become a platform for empowering small businesses and amplifying their voices. It embodies Kulon's commitment to not only sharing Indonesian flavors but also nurturing a vibrant community that celebrates cultural heritage & entrepreneurial spirit, and strengthening bilateral cultural ties.
Kulon Pte. Ltd. is more than a business - it's a celebration of heritage and a journey into what's possible when tradition meets innovation. Whether through the comforting flavors of Kulon Bakmi, the cross-cultural creations of Ono Ramen, or the community-building efforts of the Rasa Indonesia Initiative, the team is united by a shared belief in the power of food to connect people and tell stories that transcend borders.
As Kulon looks to the future, it remains dedicated to preserving Indonesia's culinary legacy while adapting it for modern tastes. By blending authenticity with creativity, Kulon seeks to inspire the next generation of diners, entrepreneurs, and food enthusiasts to appreciate and explore Southeast Asia's rich gastronomical landscape.
Whether you're savoring a bowl of Bakmi in Bali Lane or experiencing the cross-cultural culinary creations at Ono Ramen, we invite you to be part of our story - a story where food bridges cultures, connects people, and culinary heritage thrives.