Valerio C.
Yelp
While planning the night out in Malaysia's capital I found "The" trendiest hidden bar in Kuala Lumpur. Located in Petaling Street (or Kuala Lumpur's Chinatown) you'll find a charming "pre-war shop" which digging into history a little further used to be a brothel that now houses one of the best places for cocktails in KL.
The whole feeling is to old local times, with aging unpainted walls, fun vintage décor, beer bottle chandelier, this place embraces its history and creates a unique vibe in the process. Even the bar is recently decorated by something it was found on a street - Out of all things a Mexican Day of the dead mask. So, as cool and trendiest places as they go, this place has it, just be prepared to stand at the bar, wait for a table or even wait to get in.
The menu is very well balanced, you'll even find a chart of where each drink falls into range according to your taste. From light to strong and comforting to adventuring. So you can choose what's most appealing to you. On this occasion I started with my selections before going towards the Top 3 recommendations.
My First Pick:
Malaysian Breakfast: Sweet and creamy, served with Kaya Jelly
Ingredients: Coffee Whiskey, Amaro Blend, Kaya Syrup, Kaya Jelly
Bee's Knees: Light sweet and Refreshing
Ingredients: Lemongrass Gin, Ginger Honey-Lemon, Lemon Juice
Top 3 Recommendations:
When asking what's next the bartender advised their top 3 most popular drinks. Each according to a favorite spirit: Vodka, Gin and Mezcal
1. Salty Chinaman: Citrusy and Salty, probably my favorite of the night
Ingredients: Preserved Lemon vodka, Preserved Lemon Peel, Lime Juice, Orange Bitters, Sprite
2. Age of Blossoms: Strong aromatic Rosemary taste
Ingredients: Chrysanthemum Gin, Orange Liqueur, Max Berry Syrup. Salted Beetroot Money, Lemon Juice, Egg White
3. Sap Sap Tsui: Light Smoky profile with a sweet Passion fruit, spicy gingery kick
Ingredients: Tequila, Mezcal, Orange Liquor, Green Tea Ginger Honey, Lemon Juice, Passion Fruit Puree
This was all complimented by hot snacks, namely the salted egg fried chicken, which was crispy, soft and with the classic salted egg taste without being overpowering. A great match!
Overall, if you are in KL and are looking for something different or places that locals would know about, then this is the place to go. No great views, little old indoor bar with an interesting past, bright red neon lights which read Petaling Street in Chinese and a great selection of authentic cocktails that will keep you entertained.