A metropolis defined by diversity and cultural fusion, Malaysia’s capital city of Kuala Lumpur (KL) is slowly but surely emerging as a serious contender in the ever-evolving and highly competitive Asian bar scene. The accolades that the city has recently received are a testament to the progress made by its beverage purveyors: The 2024 edition of Asia’s 50 Best Bars saw three Malaysian cocktail establishments on the list, with one bar causing quite a stir — in the best way possible — by leaping a staggering 42 spots to breach the top 10.
Below are the three spots that made this year’s Asia’s 50 Best Bars list, and two honorable mentions to round things off. Whether you’re a purist who favors the classics, an adventurous drinker with a palate for something out-of-the-norm, or just someone looking for a great time over a cocktail, these bars will do it for you.
Penrose
As alluded to above, Penrose is the cocktail bar that secured the No. 8 spot on the Asia’s 50 Best Bars list in 2024, ascending from the No. 50 spot on last year (its debut on the list) and bagging the Nikka Highest Climber Award. Located on a busy, bar-packed section of Petaling Street, Penrose is marked by its signature geometric metal door, giving it an almost bunker-like frontage. Inside, the setting is intimate and moody as cushioned chairs outline the narrow black marbled counter and dim downlights illuminate pockets of the space.
Helmed by star bartender Jon Lee, who cut his teeth at the beloved Tippling Club in Singapore before returning to KL, the menu is segmented into “highballs,” “sours,” “spirit-forward,” and “temperance.” Signatures include the “Rum Musa,” an intricate rum cocktail inspired by the classic banana daiquiri. Here, Malaysian bananas are used, with rum, tamarind, and pimento berries completing the ingredient list. For a refreshing yet bold concoction, try the “DITA,” which uses gin, kiwi, melon, and absinthe.
Bar Trigona
Setting base within the towering walls of Four Seasons Kuala Lumpur, Bar Trigona secured the No. 36 spot on the Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2024 list. Staying true to the five-star locality, Bar Trigona’s decor is luxurious, with floor-to-ceiling windows providing the KL cityscape as a backdrop, accompanied by marbled flooring, velvet chairs, and pendant lights.
Despite all this modernity, Bar Trigona is still a Malaysian cocktail bar at its core, focusing on amplifying sustainably-sourced local ingredients in imaginative fusions. The latest menu, “Color Me Curious,” is heavily inspired by uniquely Malaysian flavor profiles, and fuses them with modern mixology. The result is a curated ensemble of boozy delights. Take the “Sienna” for instance. It has tequila, carrot, saffron, and local pickle brine. Or the inventive “Cacao And Curry,” which is a potent brew of rum, whiskey, ethically-sourced cacao in a curry puff-like shape, malbec, and falernum. Some drinks are also available bottled for takeaways, in servings between one and five. Try the “Bumblebee,” which includes the bar’s namesake Trigona honey as the main ingredient.
Reka:Bar
Describing itself as a “post modern flavor lab,” Reka, which means “creation” in Malay, debuted at No. 41 on the Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2024 list. Opened in 2021 away from the city center in a residential suburb, Reka exemplifies KL’s burgeoning cocktail scene with a comprehensive experience from decor to drinks. The interior blends scientific and modern design languages: low ceilings, neon blue lights, plush seating, and a brightly-lit liquor cabinet.
Striving to be at the forefront of innovation and sustainability, their latest cocktail program uses locally sourced ingredients such as tempoyak (fermented durian) and tuak (rice wine). Check out the “Born and Aged,” which features scotch, herbal liqueur, vermouth, pink peppercorn, and the aforementioned tuak aged in chocolate.
Coley
A pioneering establishment in the KL cocktail scene, Coley has garnered a loyal following over the years for its dynamic cocktail program, bar takeovers, warm service, and quaint hole-in-wall setting. There’s a drink for everyone here. Irreplaceable classics include the “Hanky Panky” (created by the late bartender Ada “Coley” Coleman, whom the bar is named after), creative house specials like the coffee-laced “Papillon Eye,” and a slew of refreshing low-proof “Koktels,” as they’re known here.
Located in a quieter part of the suburb of Bangsar, just a stone’s throw away from the KL city center, Coley is easy to miss at night. Tip: Look out for a golden-black circular fixture, dim lights along a narrow corridor, and you’re there.
rākh
Touting itself as “Asia’s first culinary bar,” rākh’s philosophy in mixology is grounded by sustainability and creativity. As the sister bar of contemporary Indian restaurant Jwala (just upstairs in the same complex), rākh is heavily inspired by the rich and diverse flavors of the Indian community, turning staples into one-of-a-kind tipples while incorporating repurposed kitchen leftovers for garnishes.
For example, the “Rasam” is a reinvention of the spicy-tangy South Indian soup. It’s made with house-made vodka infused with herbs and a seven-day fermented tomato puree. A warm foam and a sprinkle of dehydrated power made from leftover spices complete the drink.
As KL continues to draw in throngs of tourists with its culinary charms, the city’s cocktail scene is also climbing to new heights in the process. With entries on the Asia’s Best Bars list and an eagerness for creativity and cultural preservation, it won’t be long before the Malaysian capital city becomes a bonafide cocktail destination.
Banner image by Haedi Yue.
