If you ever thought Malaysian drinking culture is nothing much to speak of, you are sorely wrong! After all, six Malaysian bars have recently been listed among Asia’s top 100 bars. Malaysia Boleh indeed!
Specifically, the list, published by The World’s 50 Best, had a total of four Malaysian bars in the top 50, with two more listed in the expanded list of 100 bars. So, the next time you want to get drunk in style, these are some Malaysian bars for you to check out:
Malaysia’s top 2
- Penrose KL
Image Credit: Nhu Quynh Pham Thuy on Google Review (Left), Guan Yong Tan on Google Review (Right)
Sitting at 10th place on the list, Penrose KL can thus be seen as the best bar in Malaysia. This bar is the 3-year-old baby of bartender Jon Lee, who wanted a cocktail bar with some class to it. The place has minimalist decor and just 25 seats.
Signature drinks here include the Rum Musa cocktail, which has three different banana distillations. Worth checking out is the Penrose Gibson, which has a savoury twist to it. Here’s a fun fact: The name “Penrose” is taken from a Nobel Prize winner. Find out why by visiting!
Address: 149, Jalan Petaling, City Centre, 50000 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
- Three X Co
Image Credit: Kelvin Tan on Google Review (Left), Thomas Chong on Google Review (Right)
Coming in hot on Penrose’s heels at 15th place is Three X Co. This bar was founded in 2017 by a trio of friends. Really, it is quite a hidden establishment, nestled behind an old-school barbershop look on the third floor of Bangsar Shopping Centre.
The bar has a classy feel to it, with emerald walls and leather seats. Also, quite a few drinks here have a Malaysian twist to them. These include the Whimsy Wabbit, a lychee martini twist with jade jelly, and Naughty Nana, a bourbon mixed with banana liquor and Tie Guan Yin tea.
3rd & 4th place
- Bar Trigona
Image Credit: Mike Wazo on Google Review (Left), Shannon Beat on Google Review (Right)
The only hotel bar on this list of Malaysian bars, Bar Trigona sits at a comfy 39th place. Located in the Four Seasons Hotel KL, this bar first opened in 2018. It is named after the Malaysian trigona bee and, likewise, is dedicated to highlighting local ingredients via its drinks.
This is seen in how honey is sourced from beehives in Negeri Sembilan. Also, be sure to check out the “Colour Me Curious” series, which are cocktails made with pomelo, banana, cacao and torch ginger, using every part, including peel and seeds.
Address: 145, Jln Ampang, Kuala Lumpur, 50450 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
- Reka Bar
Image Credit: Logeetha Balakrishnan on Google Review (Left), Anish Dev on Google Review (Right)
At 47th place is Reka Bar, a futuristic cocktail bar located in Bukit Damansara. Founded in November 2021 by Nick Choo, the name is inspired by both the Malay word “reka” (to create) and the Greek word “Eureka” (I found it!).
Funnily enough, the bar looks more like a scientist’s hangout, with copper-lined pathways and glowing lab equipment. So, to drink your smarts away, check out the Dusun, a durian-based cocktail with lacto-fermented durian, jackfruit and housemade chilli gin.
Address: 67M, Jln Setia Bakti, Bukit Damansara, 50490 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
5th & 6th place
- Backyard Bodega
Image Credit: Backdoor Bodega on Google Review
The 64th best bar in Asia is the only one of the Malaysian bars outside the Klang Valley. A Georgetown speakeasy, it is located behind The Swagger Salon clothing store. Plus, it was founded by Koh Yung Shen, a former copywriter turned self-taught bartender.
Also, the menu has over 40 signature cocktails, many of which are inspired by Penangite flavours. Examples include the Kepala Hotak, a blend of coconut rum, pandan and kaya and The Meg, a nutmeg-spiced rum. So, do support this place, Penangites!
Address: 37, Jalan Gurdwara, 10300 George Town, Pulau Pinang
- Coley
Image Credit: Coley on Google Review (Left), Seonyoung Yang on Google Review (Right)
Last but not least is Bangsar’s Coley, coming in at 92nd place. Founded by CK Kho, it is named after Ada Coleman, a famous bartender who created the Hanky Panky. Also, the bar has a warm and inviting look, with corridor-style seating, terracotta floors and vaulted ceilings.
Additionally, the cocktails here are both innovative and familiar, with local ingredients being used often. So, check out the standout creations like the Gin & Coconut, which mixes gin with coconut water and lime. Also, try the 3 Canes Old Fashioned, a cocktail made with white rum, spiced rum and cachaca.
Address: 6-G, Jalan Abdullah, Bangsar, 59000 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
You should also check out: Check out one of Malaysia’s oldest surviving bars, it’s run by an 85-year-old Sinhalese uncle
Feature Image Credit: Yue Ma on Google Review (Left), Peter Gan on Google Review (Right)