Nestled inside Kuching's storied Old Court House, ROOTS is a heritage-framed dining destination where history meets modern culinary craft. Since 2019, Chef John Lim has drawn on his Peranakan roots and grandmother's kitchen to shape a menu built on locally sourced Sarawakian produce, fermentation, and bold yet familiar flavours — a heartfelt tribute to the land, culture, and people of Sarawak.

OVERVIEW

Located within Kuching’s historic Old Court House, ROOTS offers an intimate dining experience surrounded by heritage, character and warmth. Set inside one of the city’s well-known heritage buildings, the restaurant carries a sense of old-world charm while presenting a contemporary approach to dining.

Established in January 2019, ROOTS serves modern cuisine with a local twist, led by Chef John Lim. The kitchen focuses on fresh, locally sourced produce, balanced flavours and creative techniques, including fermentation, which has become part of Chef John’s culinary exploration.

Inspired by his Peranakan heritage, early memories of cooking in his grandmother’s kitchen and a deep appreciation for local ingredients, Chef John creates dishes that feel familiar yet exploratory. Each plate brings together local flavours, international influences and a strong sense of place.

With its heritage setting and ingredient-driven approach, ROOTS celebrates Sarawak’s produce, culture and evolving food scene.

AMBIENCE

ROOTS carries a warm, heritage-inspired interior that reflects the character of its Old Court House location. The space features dark timber flooring, classic wooden furniture, tall windows and soft lighting, creating an intimate and refined dining atmosphere.

The design balances old-world charm with a modern restaurant setting. Vintage cabinets, framed artworks, textured wood finishes and warm neutral tones give the space a sense of history, while the open bar and clean table setting keep it
contemporary and polished. Overall, the interior style can be described as heritage contemporary, with a cosy yet elevated feel. It is suitable for both casual dining and special occasions, offering guests a comfortable space that feels rooted in Kuching’s cultural and architectural character.

MUST TRY

• Dabai Crackers with Dip
• Hazelnut Cauliflower Soup with Brioche Roll
• Tiger Prawn & Mussel Paella with Chorizo
• Grilled Beef Striploin
• Blue Cheese Pepper Pasta with Cured Beef
• Miso Keluak Chocolate Cake with Mulberry Ice Cream

FOOD

ROOTS serves modern cuisine with a local twist, with a menu built around seasonal produce, locally sourced ingredients and contemporary cooking techniques. The food range includes starters, seafood, grilled meats, pasta, risotto, paella, desserts and house-made beverages such as tepache and kombucha.

The menu highlights creative local flavours with international influences, offering dishes that feel refined while still connected to Sarawak’s ingredients and food culture. Popular dishes include Dabai Crackers with Dip, Tiger Prawn & Mussel Paella with Chorizo, Grilled Beef Striploin and Miso Keluak Chocolate Cake with Mulberry Ice Cream.

PRICING

ROOTS’ menu ranges from approximately RM25-RM175, depending on the dish. Starters begin from around RM28, mains range from RM49 to RM175 and desserts are priced from RM25 to RM28. The average spend per person is approximately RM90 to RM150, depending on the selection of starters, mains and desserts.

ABOUT CHEF

Chef John Lim is the chef behind ROOTS, with a culinary journey that began in his grandmother’s kitchen. Inspired by his Peranakan heritage and deep passion for cooking, he brings together local ingredients, international influences and modern techniques in his approach to food.

At ROOTS, Chef John focuses on fresh seasonal produce, balanced flavours and creative use of fermentation. His cooking reflects a strong connection to Sarawak’s ingredients, while presenting dishes that feel thoughtful, refined and rooted in heritage.