On Jan. 5, Indonesian chef Yeni Rosdiyani opened a new southside location of her food truck, Yeni’s Fusion, on 510 W. Oltorf between Durwood and South First.
The West Java native has lived in Austin for over a decade and opened her first food truck in 2021 outside the Aristocrat Lounge (6507 Burnet Rd.), which is still in operation. Rosdiyani blends her Indonesian heritage with the influence of her new home in Austin to create dishes like her Empal Gentong (coconut cream beef soup) with smoked brisket or her fried shrimp green chili fries along with vegan Indonesian teriyaki or coconut soup.
“It was hard in the beginning,” Rosdiyani told the Chronicle. “You know, having a food truck is not easy. Especially for a woman. Oh my God, this last summer was brutal. But this is the thing: There’s a difference when you’re doing the things you love. Every time I go to work, I’m so happy! I’m my own boss and can do whatever I want with my imagination and chemistry.”
When we dropped by on the first day, a group of people that were there suggested that she get into specialty sushi, which has become extremely popular in the Austin-area. Rosdiyani exclaimed in response, “I’m not sushi chef! I’m Yeni!”
She explained further: “To me, food is about soul. It’s about chemistry and also instinct. How you blend the culture you have with the local culture.”
We tried a spread of her dishes such as the Martabak (wonton rolls with ground beef and egg), grilled chicken and yellow rice with salsa, her specialty brisket Empal Gentong, the barbecue wings and her curry rice special ,and were impressed by her seasoning and the quality of the food. There’s a reason that she has racked up recognition since launching her business, and now the southside has even more diversity in its Asian offerings.
Yeni’s Fusion
North Austin: 6507 Burnet Rd.
South Austin: 510 W. Oltorf
yenisfusion.com
This article appears in January 5 • 2024.
