A female-owned bar: Challenging stereotypes with every pour.
In the heart of Petaling Jaya, amidst the vibrant nightlife, stands a beacon of empowerment and creativity: a female-owned bar that challenges the norms of the industry. Bars and clubs have long been synonymous with masculinity and are often male-dominated spaces where women play secondary roles or none at all. However, narrow narratives like these are swiftly evolving to become more inclusive, and establishments like Terumi in Taman Paramount, PJ, are leading the charge.
All-female team? Cool!
Established mid-2022, Terumi is a testament to Shirmy Chan’s resilience and ingenuity. She is a renowned veteran mixologist within Malaysia, and is changing the game not only with her female-owned bar, but also with her all-female team. This is not your average cocktail bar, it is a statement of safety, comfort, and womanism.
Image Credit: Google Reviews
Chan’s long journey into the world of bartending was not conventional or easy. In an industry where women are overlooked and frequently underestimated, she faced numerous hurdles. Not only are the hours long for a bartender, but when big emotions and alcohol are involved, work becomes more challenging.
In addition to this, female talent is so often overshadowed and it is crushing to realise that one does not have the same opportunities as male counterparts. Fueled by her passion for mixology and a strong desire to carve her own path, Chan persevered. Now, holding a leading position, she has created a more encouraging space for females and provides good opportunities for female bartenders to flourish.
The goal for Terumi was clear; to create a space where customers felt safe, calm, and comfortable. For this reason, unlike most bars, Terumi projects a zen-like concept that oozes serenity and peace. To some, it is as much a sanctuary as it is a bar. Music here is soft and the lighting is not harsh on the eyes. With plush leather seats and minimalistic decor, this bar calms you instead of frazzles you. This attracts a wider female clientele who feel safe within the walls of Terumi.
Image Credit: Google Reviews
Let’s talk drinks!
Besides being a catalyst for change, Terumi talks the talk and walks the walk. It is a cocktail bar that does not disappoint! The Director Edition drink menu, curated by Chan herself, highlights popular cocktails like their Fisherman’s Blue, which won the Giffard West Award in 2019. This drink creatively combines gin, sake, blue curacao, grapefruit, lime, and edible gold dust. Yum! There are also other crowd-favourites like Mr.Jack White and It’s All Coming Back Now.
Image Credit: Google Reviews
Terumi has a signature drink menu which highlights drinks that incorporate natural ingredients. The Ukiyo; a vodka infused drink with Japanese purple potato, almond, lemon, water, foam and tuille, or the Komorebi; a white rum infused with sweet pea, lime juice, simple syrup, and sweet pea oil.
They also offer a selection of non-alcoholic drinks for those who don’t drink. Just as much thought and passion goes into the creation of these drinks.
Image Credit: Google Reviews
Since its establishment, Chan and her team have continuously perfected and improved the Terumi menu through innovation and collaboration. The menu changes three times a year, presenting a combination of new drinks and expertly crafted crowd-favourites. Now that is dedication with an innovative spirit.
Don’t forget about the food!
What most people don’t know is that Terumi actually serves some really good dishes. Their Tobiko Siu Mai (RM25) comes with shrimp and pork dumplings, tobiko, and in-house made chili vinegar sauce. These dumplings are almost too pretty to eat, but when you finally cave and bite into them, they’re juicy, fresh, and delicious!
Image Credit: Google Reviews
The Chicken Kaarage (RM28) is a no-brainer, crispy boneless fried chicken while you enjoy a few cocktails? Perfection. They also have other dishes like their Crispy Tofu Puff and their Steak Fries. Known for their cocktails, appreciated for their delicious bites—Terumi has it all.
Image Credit: Google Reviews
In a world where the notion of a female-owned bar would have been frowned upon just a few years ago, Terumi represents Chan’s hard work, perseverance, and fight. Through Chan’s courage to chase her dreams, this bar has become more than just a cocktail haven in PJ. It is a symbol of empowerment, inclusion, and progress in an industry that is gradually catching up with the times.
Check out Terumi in Taman Paramount for killer cocktails and zen vibes.
Terumi
Address: 9a, Jalan 20/16, Taman Paramount, 46300 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Operating Hours: Monday – Thursday 6:00pm – 12:00am, Friday and Saturday 6:00pm – 1:00am, Closed on Sunday
Food Status: Non-Halal
Contact: 011-59150308
