Things are definitely brewing on Keong Saik Road with the recent opening of much-hyped Potato Head Folk. Not only has Keong Saik Snacks been rebranded to The Study, new establishment 31 Bar & Kitchen has also moved in, diagonally across the Indonesian four-floored headquarters of cool.
Modern French is the order of the day here, but there’s no frou-frou white tablecloth or hard-to-pronounce menus to speak of. The ambience’s relaxed and easy-going (leave your food snobbery at the door), with plain wooden furniture and lots of DIY elements like the wooden crate bar structure and recycled hanging pendant lightbulbs. What’s coming out of the kitchen is just as unfussy—think mango and prawn ceviche, wagyu onglet skewers (much like satay with a lot more marbling) and cheese platters. Everything comes in rustic mason jars, wooden boards or simple plates to complete the experience.
Also, did you know this is where the Potato Head Folk people come to unwind? Whether it’s the head chef or bartender looking for a beer, they traipse their way over to chat and find respite from the buzzing PTT scene. “The Potato Head guys occasionally head over here for a smoke and a beer, just to chill out with us on their breaks,” says owner-manager Andre Rannaud. “Sometimes, Saffy, my assistant manager walks down the road to hang and have a beer with the guys there during their off-hours. They’re all so busy and we’re very chill anyway.”
