Jazz may have had its golden age back in the 1920s. That doesn’t mean we can’t bop to the greats 100 years down the road. As it happens, there is a new restaurant in KL where jazz fans can and should check out, named Kiku.
Kiku, Malaysia’s 1st jazz kissa cafe
Located within Yap Ah Shak House, this is possibly Malaysia’s first Japanese-inspired jazz kissa cafe. What is a jazz kissa cafe? These were established in post-war Japan, when Japanese locals took a liking to American jazz music and wanted places to gather and listen to tunes.
Likewise, Kiku is the perfect place for local jazz fans to gather. When you walk into the restaurant, you will be left confused as to whether you have walked into a vinyl record store. Some sections of wall are lined with racks and shelves, housing vinyl records.
Over 200 vinyls
Mind you, these are not just for show or decor. These are actual jazz records, with many classics as well as modern takes on jazz. Additionally, at 8.30 pm every night, a playlist curated by Kiku will be played on the restaurant’s record player.
A Japanese-style menu
While it is nice to come here to enjoy the music, Kiku offers more than just a good audio system. The place has a Japanese-inspired menu, prepared by Chef Madison Kan, who has over 15 years of experience, with many ingredients made in-house.
In fact, Kiku has something of a dual identity. During the day, it is a place where workers can come to grab a quick bite in the form of bentos. And once night falls, the lights dim and Kiku becomes a full-fledged bar with jazz playing in the background.
Hamburg Donburi
With a cheerful tune in the air, I decided I wanted something savoury and I got it with the Hamburg Donburi. Though it appeared a little dry at first, breaking the bouncy onsen egg gave moisture, which just made the mixture of beef, rice and fries work perfectly.
Ebi Burger
If you want something else with a patty, the Ebi Burger is a good bet. The patty is made with fresh prawn, so the patty has a mildly sweet taste. The star of the show is the wasabi mayo, which has a creamy texture but a noticeable heat to it.
Yakitori
What if you are hungry for an appetiser? Kiku has a selection of skewers, and the Yakitori is a must-try. These are made using chicken thighs, interspersed with leeks. The chicken is juicy, with the skin carefully charred together with the crunchy leeks.
Japanese Highball
To visit a jazz kissa cafe without getting a little tipsy is sacrilegious. So, what better way to fix things than by enjoying a glass of Japanese Highball? Combining whisky and soda together seems so simple, but the taste is anything but.
Beers
For the authentic Japanese salaryman experience, down your sorrows with Kiku’s selection of Japanese beers. These are actual Japanese beers, with names like Lucky Cat and Kyoto White Yuzu. They are best enjoyed cold, of course, and don’t hesitate to drink it all at once.
Worth your time?
Given its intimate and private atmosphere, Kiku is a great place for either a private lunch or a post-work group hangout. Either way, with classy music playing in the background and good food on the table, there’s no better place to get tipsy than here.
Kiku
Address: Level 3, Yap Ah Shak House, 17, Jalan Yap Ah Shak, Chow Kit, 50300 Kuala Lumpur, Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur
Opening Hours: 12 pm – 10 pm daily
Contact: 011-40510656
Halal Status: Pork-free | Alcohol served
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