Little Tokyo’s Modern Indonesian Restaurant Serves a Stunning Beef Rendang

Here’s Kasih (pronounced kah-see), a 120-seat Indonesian restaurant opening March 29 from Vindex Tengker, a celebrity Indonesian chef. Tengker has partnered with chef de cuisine Zachary Hamel, formerly of E.P & L.P., to bring locally sourced fish, vegetarian dishes, and sambals (spicy dipping sauces) to Little Tokyo.

Indonesian food hasn’t quite reached the status of some other Asian cuisines, but with dishes like babi guling (Balinese-style roast pork belly), mie goreng (stir-fried vegetables), a peanuty gado gado, these Southeast Asian classics will help the cuisine land on the culinary map. Already Rinjani, Mr. Sate, Bone Kettle, and even the SGV Badminton Club have started a new wave of modern Indonesian fare, joining the older restaurants scattered across town.

Located at the bottom floor of AVA Apartments in Little Tokyo, Kasih feels open and bright with geometric blue light fixtures floating from the ceiling. Wood tables and leather chairs give it a stylish yet casual flow, making it a solid date night option.

The menu consists of classic Indonesian fare enhanced by modern cooking techniques and Southeast Asian flavors. Additionally, Kasih makes sambals from scratch, making them ideal sauce companions for the food. As for libations, Kasih’s bar program features unique cocktails like the Ladybird made with mezcal, tangerine syrup, and bird’s eye chili.

Kasih will keep dinner hours Monday to Wednesday from 5 to 11 p.m. and will close at midnight on Thursdays. And for the late night weekend crowd, the restaurant plans to stay open until 2 a.m. but will close Sundays.

Kasih. 200 S. Los Angeles St. Los Angeles, CA 90023.

Kasih Little Tokyo Los Angeles Indonesian

Wonho Frank Lee

Wonho Frank Lee

• Essential Downtown Los Angeles Restaurants [ELA]