No bollocks, just Junk

The Jakarta Post ,  Jakarta   |  Sun, 10/28/2007 4:35 PM

In Kuching, Sarawak (East Malaysia), the place to be for trendy-wendies is at Junk restaurant-cum-bar, which is literally dotted with ""junk"" in every conceivable space. Its owners, husband and wife George and Roselyn, surely know the value of such paraphernalia's aesthetics that give the place an X-factor.

From the moment you enter through the antique carved wooden door, you'll notice the interior with an old-world charm, one with a heavy Sarawakian influence, as seen in the artwork and ethnic wooden wall paneling.

Notably, on the underside of the staircase is a blackboard listing the menu. Talk about optimizing space. When you look up toward the ceiling you'll notice shelves filled with old canisters, tins, toys, etc., as well as a big a** chandelier, which is thankfully not tacky. In fact, it succeeds in lighting up the place in a gauzy, relaxed yet stylish manner.

Meanwhile, the bar is made from weathered wood. Behind the bar are old wooden shelves lined with bottles of beverages. Old, disused bottles are also used as dcor pieces that make the bar look attractive.

Well-known for its extensive beverage menu, Junk is indeed a great watering hole. Recommended are ""Crush"" drinks (ice-blended concoctions). With a wide variety of fruity flavors to choose from, we had the non-alcoholic pink pineapple and longan-sugarcane varieties, which were great thirst-quenchers after a long, balmy day of exploring Kuching. More impressively, the affordable drinks (RM7 or Rp 20,000 per glass) were served in generous portions. We couldn't ask for more.

Junk, 80, Ground & 1st Floors, Wayang St, Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia.

-- Tan Hee Hui/contributor

Copyright © 2008 The Jakarta Post - PT Bina Media Tenggara. All Rights Reserved.