Red Red Botak Head: Restaurant hidden in library that even KL residents don’t know about

During my recent visit to Kuala Lumpur (KL), Malaysia, I happened to come across a secluded restaurant that I bet even most Malaysians aren’t aware of.

Red Red Botak Head (RRBH) is located within BookXcess, a cosy bookstore on the rooftop of The Gardens Mall, Kuala Lumpur. While RRBH isn’t in a high-traffic area, it draws in those seeking a more unique dining experience.

The restaurant’s quirky name, inspired by a familiar playground rhyme, reflects its fun and playful vibe. Situated on one of the highest floors of The Gardens Mall, it also offers a great view of the city.

Nestled within the bookstore, the restaurant is quaint and provides a truly unique dining experience.

RRBH’s menu, like its name, is anything but ordinary. Creative, bold, and full of surprises, the dishes reflect Chef Tan’s innovative flair.

What I tried at Red Red Botak Head

We started our meal with their spiced Buttermilk Chicken (RM37). While it appeared unassuming, the chicken had a paper-thin crust on the outside and was incredibly juicy on the inside.

The chicken was served with mashed potatoes and two sauces—a spicy chilli sauce and an intriguing neon pink sauce made from dragonfruit. Visually striking and delicious, the slight sweetness of the dragonfruit sauce added an unexpected layer of flavour that paired well with the savoury chicken, making it a memorable dish. This dragonfruit sauce is also featured in other dishes at the restaurant.

While it might resemble fried chicken from a fast-food restaurant, it certainly doesn’t disappoint.

Next, we had the Strip Cow Cow (RM88)—a striploin steak served with mashed potatoes and their signature pink sauce. I had high hopes for this dish but unfortunately, it was a let-down. The steak looked and tasted overcooked. The sliced pieces were beyond medium rare or even medium.

Each bite felt like a jaw workout as I struggled to chew through the dry, rubbery pieces. The sauces helped the steak go down easier but didn’t change the fact that it was completely dried out. This is not a dish I would recommend.

Still feeling peckish, we tried the Oriental Baby Octopus (RM32). These bite-sized octopus pieces were coated with a special marinade, then torched and seared for an extra smoky flavour.

It was drizzled with their signature bright pink dragonfruit sauce whose sweetness complemented the seafood. While the octopus made for a great snack, there was a slight fishy taste which I didn’t enjoy.

Despite a few disappointments, I’m eager to return and be more adventurous, especially to try some of their signature dishes like the Unagi Laksa (RM43). Instead of traditional laksa noodles, it features angel hair pasta in a seafood bisque broth.

This rich, flavourful broth is served with a generous slice of unagi and assorted condiments, creating a seafood lover’s dream. The balance between the traditional and the contemporary is what makes this dish stand out— it feels familiar yet entirely new.

RRBH’s whimsical approach extends beyond the food. The drinks menu also reflects Chef Tan’s creativity. The Dirty Latte (RM12) and Dirty Carol (RM13) are chilled coffee drinks with playful names, while Charmillionaire (RM14), a refreshing mix of chamomile, yuzu, and honey, makes for a perfect palate cleanser.

These drinks are more than just thirst-quenchers— they embody the same inventiveness that defines the food menu.

Final thoughts

What truly sets RRBH apart is its combination of creativity, flavour, and atmosphere. The restaurant doesn’t rely on its location to attract customers but rather on the strength of its unique concept.

From the bookstore setting to the bold dishes and playful drinks, every detail feels carefully considered and thoughtfully executed. The lively ambience and innovative menu make this rooftop spot a hidden gem, well worth the visit. Sometimes, the best experiences come from venturing off the beaten path, and RRBH is one of those delightful surprises that makes the extra effort worthwhile.

Expected damage: RM20 – RM60 per pax

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