Ma Pa Me is a passion project, through and through. Classically-trained Indonesian-born chef Alfan ‘Alfie’ Musthafa is using his finely honed culinary skills to bring to life the recipes of his youth, harmonising past and present in a sense-enlivening fashion. The restaurant, which officially opens today on South Bank’s Little Stanley Street strip, may be the newest concept from the hospitality crew behind dumpling and beer depot Harajuku Gyoza and burger specialist Fritzenberger, but Ma Pa Me’s convivial spirit is all Alfie’s doing. There’s a familial essence underpinning the entire eatery, from its name (‘Ma’ refers to Alfie’s grandma, ‘Pa’ to his grandfather and ‘Me’ to Alfie himself) to the fare, which is inspired by home-cooked family celebration feasts. The space itself (formerly home to French Martini) is comprised of breezy alfresco dining (complete with timber tables and green banquettes) and an interior bar area boasting high tables and chic brass-and-tile aesthetic. On the walls hang framed pictures depicting Alfie’s family, adding a charming extra-personal touch to Ma Pa Me’s look.

With food being a key ingredient to Alfie’s family dynamic, guests can expect a host of family recipes taught to Alfie by his grandparents, who helped instil a love for the culinary arts and entertaining when he was young. Indonesian, Thai, Chinese and Japanese influences are evident across Ma Pa Me’s menu of family-approved plates, which start with snacks before gradually expanding to large-format dishes. Crunchy yuba rolls, Mooloolaba prawns on crispy sesame toast, slow-cooked Tasmanian lamb ribs with chinkiang black vinegar caramel and Hiramasa kingfish sashimi with pomelo, red curry oil and red nahm jim make for a brilliant starting point, perhaps enjoyed with a fruity cocktail from the bar. The main event features sizeable (and share-worthy) mains such as rendang beef curry, twice-cooked pork belly with bumbu genap, charcoal-grilled or crispy fried whole market fish, charcoal-grilled black Angus sirloin and Alfie’s own take on nasi goreng. Desserts like the white chocolate-glazed oolong tea parfait and Indonesian coconut honeycomb cake with pandan jam are sublime finishers, leaving you with mouth-watering memories you’ll be reflecting on until your next visit.

 Ma Pa Me is now open to the public. Opening hours and contact details can be found in the Stumble Guide.