by Dr Rahim Said
Our first encounter with “bakso goyang lidah” happened in the 1990s during a family trip to Bali.
Back then, on our drive to Nusa Dua, we couldn’t help but laugh at the quirky signboards advertising this mysterious dish. Our children giggled at the idea that a soup could make your tongue “goyang”—to shake, twirl, or sway.
We had no idea what bakso was. Little did we know that we were on the verge of discovering a culinary delight that would keep drawing us back to the island.
Bakso, as we later learned, are tender meatballs—seasoned and cooked to perfection, traditionally served in a savoury broth with noodles. You’ll find these small gems sold by street vendors all over Indonesia.
Back then, however, we were cautious tourists, avoiding roadside stalls in fear of the dreaded “travel bug.” It wasn’t until years later that we ventured deeper into this delectable dish, thanks to frequent trips to Bali and friends who made the island their home.
It took time, but we eventually developed a deep appreciation for bakso, particularly the home-cooked varieties where authentic Javanese flavours shine.
Fast forward to today, and it’s not just any bakso that sways our taste buds — it’s Franki’s bakso at Bungalow 18 in Damansara Heights, Kuala Lumpur. Using her Javanese grandmother’s cherished recipe, Franki has turned this humble dish into a Friday ritual for us.
Every week, my wife and I eagerly line up at Bungalow 18, often before 11 a.m., to secure our share of this incredible bakso. But even then, it’s a race — those in the know arrive early, drawn by the irresistible aroma wafting from the kitchen as the bakso simmers to perfection.
Franki’s bakso doesn’t just “goyang” your tongue — it sweeps you off your feet!
The meatballs, tender and full of flavour, float in a broth that has a delicate balance of spices. Every bite invites another, with the broth caressing your palate in a way that lingers long after the last spoonful. It’s a dish that, quite literally, moves you.
And the best part? This bakso brings back all the nostalgia of those early Bali trips. It’s no wonder that one of our kids now calls Bali home — falling in love with the island and, of course, with bakso.
So, if you’re looking for a meal that will make your taste buds dance, head to Bungalow 18 on Fridays for the ultimate bakso goyang lidah experience. Just be warned — you may find yourself hooked, forever chasing that first delicious sway.
Bungalow 18 is at 18, Jalan Damansara Permai, Taman Damansara Endah, 50490 Kuala Lumpur,
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