hidden bar in kl Archives

In Bar & Bistro By Taufulou 3 Mins Read

Backdoor Bodega, Best Hidden Cocktail Bar in Penang

29/07/2022 2 Comments

This bar Backdoor Bodega in Penang had forever been in my list since 2018. Not only till recently they have been crown at no.97 as Asia Best Cocktail Bar (a bar list which is reliable) then I rushed to book a place with them. Backdoor Bodega that also known as Best hidden Cocktail Bar in Penang.

This is a bar where the founder not only form one of our well known best street wear – Lansi over the years now they have make another mark as one of the best cocktail bar not only in Penang but also in Malaysia too.

This shop is operating right under your radar as they operates within their own street wear shop The Swaggar Saloon next to Hins Bus Depot.

Their signature drinks that rank them over top 97 best bar is also a smart usage of local ingredients like nutmeg and others. 2 of their best signature seller drink that most of the people will start off with is :

There’s their signature Kelapa Hotak @ RM35 which is made of house-made coconut rum, pandan and a spoon of kaya.

One of their top best most ordered is Mango Martini @ RM38, which features strong gin flavoured with Pamplemousse Rose, mango and grapefruit, and sago.

Tried a few of their signature drinks. Turns out to be better than expected.

Kawan Lama is an very interesting drink @ RM 50 – Makers Mark, Campari, Dolin Dry and Penang Pat Poh

After trying out their basic drinks that pass in flying colors, next I move to my own classic again. I would always have Negroni and my palate was spoilt when I was in Bangkok 6 years ago.

I must say they have serve me one of the Best Negroni that I have come across. Perfect, well balance and even it is punch with alcohol but it still balance out well.. Highly recommended.

Then I challenge the mixologist that I would love to have a Smokey Negroni that I had one of the best when I visited in Bangkok and told him to do it what he thinks he can. Fuh! the drinks come out, and I had 2 in a row. Customize is only at RM 50 which I think very reasonable and also the kick is up there.

anything out from their menu is consider as Custom drink @ RM 50 (is my assumption)

old fashion @ RM 50All their classic drinks I must say I am certainly impress. This bar would be one of my frequent visit bar whenever my friend is looking for.

It is a small cocktail bar and do be prepare to cramp with humans. There is a strong support from local to international tourist and best advise to book thru their Insta/Fb as link below. Above 9pm is walk in and you will be seated in random ods places like stair case, talk to the wall, next to toilet door if you do not mind. One of a highly recommended cocktail bar for Penang.

So happy drinking for round 1. Next to their shop on the left is another hidden cocktail bar – Best Friend Bojio!

*NON-Halal

-= Ka Ching =-

Food Rating 9/10, highly recommended, !!!~-Stamped-

–Warning– This is based on my individual taste. Try it at your own risk-

Address: Jalan Gurdwara, 10300 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Opening hours: Thu – Mon 8PM-12AM (Closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays)
Reservation made thru below:
Backdoor Bodega’s Facebook | Instagram

Operating hours: 8pm – 12pm (best advise to do bookings thru their FB/ Insta)

In Bar By Taufulou 3 Mins Read

Hidden Bar – The First Chapter Speakeasy @ TTDI

17/05/2022 No Comments

One of the latest hidden speakeasy bar in KL is this The First Chapter in TTDI. Be prepare to let the mixologist blew away our mind on their special mix. I find it quite interesting as some of their signature is its an infusion with Indian heritage.

Upon your booking, get the pin code from your reservation and at the secret door, just press on the pin code to enter. Upon waking up the stairs, look for a hidden book shelf that is able to pull outwards. That’s the place to go in.
You will be greeted by the peeps here

A place that you can certainly chill with your friends. Cozy and dim.

Starting off with some of their signature cocktails:

THE FIRST CHAPTER SIGNATURE CHRYSANTHEMUM INFUSED GIN @ RM42 : first on the left
This medley of sweet, warm and tangy flavours adds a twist to the classic Gin & Tonic.

THE SCOTTISH NUT @ RM 35 : orange base
The peatiness from the Johnnie Walker Black Label combined with creaminess from our House Infused Hazelnut Tincture leads to a well balanced, citrusy sweet cocktail.

THE RUSS @ RM 38 : pink base on the far right
Perfect for Gin lovers,this naughty cocktail
is infused with Tuak to give it that added kick!

BEN’S MARGARITA @ RM 38
Ben’s version of the classic Margarita. With a healthy double shot of Don Julio Tequila, this refreshing cocktail will leave you wanting more. Ask Ben to find out more!

PAYASAM @ RM 30
Our take on the classic Indian dessert we all know and love, this dessert cocktail is perfect for mint lovers with a sweet tooth.

WAKE ME THE F*CK UP @ RM 35
One for the coffee lovers out there! A cocktail sure to Wake You The F*ck Up! (Pardon the French)

Gula Melaka Chicken Bites is one my recommended bites. Simply juicy and crispy. Gula Melaka sauce its kinda itneresteing that is not overpowering yet do pair well with the cocktail.

3 Beef Sliders is filled with Australian beef brisket, caramelized onions, homemade anchovy oil, Monterey Jack cheese sandwich within two toasted bun. 3 in a serving. Share share is caring as the bites to some of you might not be enough.

there are some other bites too like Deep Fried Mushroom & Onion Ring

Get your reservation to have a table with a special pin code. Have fun.

Location:

The First Chapter TTDI 139a, Jalan Aminuddin Baki, Taman Tun Dr Ismail, 60000 Kuala Lumpur (the row behind CIMB TTDI)

Operating Hours: 5pm – 12pm (temporary) Tel: 011-2319 2556

In Bar & Bistro By Taufulou 3 Mins Read

The Curiousity Iron River @ Chan Sow Lin, KL

07/10/2020 1 Comment

A new hidden bar have surfaced up in KL. With your least expected area as The Curiousity Iron River 好奇鐵河 is operating at Chan Sow Lin, KL. Indeed a hidden gem for the area. If you are a person who loves to be in a second-hand kind of furniture shop, run-down ambience as I called it a rustic heritage building, then this place is a place that you would want to be.

We came here because of Petai Pizza and little did we discover further its a hidden bar. This place has great classic furniture pieces is also because the owner operates a second hand antique furniture shop.

Discovering this place would be a pain in the ass as waze will bring you to a location here you cant park your car. Best is to park your car at Jalan Satu and walk in this bright one-way street alley.

Looking at some blog posting, they have definitely light up the whole place to a new level. More vibrant and captivating. A neon blue sign board and a deck up Avatar kind lighting garden.

This is one of my favourite walkway. I felt that would be a nice instagramable spot.

little did we know that it is actually a nice bar place. We were here quite early, as bout 7.30pm for dinner. Love the ambience of this place as it is like a modern touch up of a Chinese 60’s herbs medicine shop.

We sat in this little room that is filled with unique furniture pieces.

Since we are here, trying out one of my favourite Negroni Cocktail @ RM 33. For this, I think it is more on the sweeter side. Not really my kind of taste or compare to the usuals that I usually have.

Smoked Duck Spaghetti – a better dish for the night compared to the rest.

Sarawak Laksa

Petai Pizza is indeed done nicely and the taste of petai is a bit prominent. Just that the dough need some improvement.

Nothing to shout out for the mushroom truffle pizza.

Roast Pork

Burnt cheese cake

I would suggest to come here for drinks and enjoy the ambiance.

Indeed a perfect place to hang out as after 9pm, the disco ball is turn on. Totally switched the ambience. They also turn on classic Shangainese songs and also the 60’s and 70’s English songs. Indeed perfect music to be in. Do not mind to come back for round of gathering with friends here.

As they are a newly operated bar, food-wise they still have room for improvement. they need time to adjust and will go back again.

*NON-Halal

-= Ka Ching =-

Food Rating 7/10, love the ambiance !!!~-Stamped-

–Warning– This is based on my individual taste. Try it at your own risk-

Location:
The Curiousity Iron River 好奇鐵河
138, Jalan Sungai Besi,
Chan Sow Lin,
57100 Kuala Lumpur

Operating Hours:
Mon: 5pm – 11pm
Tues – Sun: 10am – 11pm

Tel: 012-638 6660

FB: www.facebook.com/thecuriousityironriver/

In Bar & Bistro By Taufulou 4 Mins Read

Sakura Den @ Off Old Klang Road, KL

10/02/2020 1 Comment

When I was driving to this place, it seems like the area would not have a bar as it seems out from Old Klang Road. Indeed Sakura Den located at Off Old Klang Road is actually in Kampung Pasir area. After checking this place out, this would be one of a recommended speakeasy bar in Old Klang Road to hunt for.

This hidden bar in KL is head by Arsenio Mariano Jr., better known as Ash. Holding up as winner of the Bar Awards Luminaries 2019. With his vast exploration around South East Asia had is making his drinks quite adventurous. A local mixologist Sabahan that did pretty outstanding drinks with local infusion.

A place where the regulars come often for their usual drink with a glass or two before heading back to their home.

Cocktail’s Creed, which takes place every Sunday from now until March 2020, sets guests up for a surprise with every drink. Going against the grain, Ash prefers that you tell him the flavours or ingredients you don’t like, and he’ll conjure up a custom cocktail that just might make your favourites list.

Select 2 cocktails for RM70+ or 3 cocktails for RM90+ and journey with Ash through unique flavour profiles derived from using house-made ingredients such as ginseng flower and tongkat ali infusions, peach gum, and jujube syrup. Ask him about Mexican worm salt aka sal de gusano and he’ll be happy to oblige your curiosity.

For some quick snacks/bites, hit on their :

1. Tomato Salsa Bruschetta with feta cheese @ RM16+

2. Chili Garlic Prawns served with garlic bread @ RM18+

3. Fish Metti catfish with coriander, butter and Parmesan cheese baked with garlic bread @ RM18+

For a start, we try out his signature: Birds Nest – Kinsey Gin, Birds Nest, Peach Gum Infused With Longan Jujube Syrup & Ume @ RM 48. Clever mix of flavour that gives you hint of longan jujube along with peach gum gives you the substitute of bird next texture and gin that goes well with it. A nice balance of flavour.

Twisted Queen – Brugal Blanco, Carpano Antica Formula, Mangosteen Juice, Pandan Syrup, Lime @ RM 36

For a simple light drink to go with, as I want to maintain my palate for the night simple. Ginza Spritz – Kinsey Gin, Mathilde Poire Liqueur, Nigori Yuzushu, Shiso leaves, Lemon and a splash of Soda @ RM 38 is one of a right drink to hunt for. Simple yet spot on with few flavours that linger in your mouth.

This is like the limited edition bottle or its supply is very limited, only 1000 bottles produce a year. Ume Hi One of a very unique flavour. Its kind of must try if you are a gin lover. A clean and refreshing cocktail that uses Benichu 19° – an oak barrel matured umeshu.

Kopi Jantan – an espresso based cocktail with a local influence using our house-infused Borghetti liqueuer with Tongkat Ali root. A rather interesting cocktail that gives you hint of bitterness yet liquier is not too strong but slightly prominent.

I am a big fan of Negroni and especally smokey negroni. However for their version of Sakura Negroni – Sakurao Original, Umeshu,Chartreuse Gentiano @ RM 48. There is a slight twist. It is refershing yet, a strong lingering flavour of chartreuse and mild after sourness from umeshu is kinda interesting twist after it.

Now I really know there is this hidden speakeasy bar that serve pretty good cocktail. Even better if you are indecisive, just inform Ash on your flavour profile and ask him to surprise you. I think that would be quite adventurous.

Location:
Sakura Den
First Floor,
24, Jalan Kampung Pasir,
Kampung Pasir,
58200 Kuala Lumpur,

Operating Hours: 5pm – 1am

TeL: 012-393 8627

In Bar & Bistro By Taufulou 3 Mins Read

PS150 a Hidden bar in Petaling Street

04/01/2019 No Comments

One of the very early starters of Speakeasy bar in KL, is this famous place PS150 is also known as one of a Hidden bar in Petaling Street. Making a huge wave since its opening till now that it is a must visit bar whenever you are in KL.

PS15o speakeasy bar is not easy to find as I always thought it is a back door at the side alley or behind and I was wrong. The shop concept is a misleading yet love it as it feels like a sundry shop with huge collection of toys. The entrance is just right next to Merchant Lane.

there will be a guy right at the counter as he is not selling toys but the main entrance into PS 150 hidden bar.

You will be walking thru a few sections and I love the first seating area. Give you the private space and transport you like old Shanghai feel, that is dim with red lights. Sitting here too long I might get headache but only can accommodate 2 pax. Will be a great dating area.

After that, this is the natural place, that you can see the tree roots and it is open area. Great for smokers (oh no, you no longer can smoke here) It could be warm here too.

very interesting cocktail menu that they have. Not a big fan of cocktail bar, but good to visit once in a blue moon as we had a gathering here.

this is the signature place that you often get to see in Instagram. Tons of people have came here and shoot this signature old Shanghainese concept. It indeed gels with China Town.

ambiance here is nice and sitting place is quite limited.

It was a coincidence that they have a guest mixologist from Philippines.

Order one of the bar snacks to go after as I havent had my dinner. Crispy Duck Popiah – Roasted Duck, pickled cucumber and hoi sin @ RM 30. Fried to perfection that the popiah is crispy and roasted duck pair with pickled cucumber and their cocktail is indeed interesting. Personally fell that it will goes well with gin or sake mix selection cocktail. Enjoy well as per roll is RM 10.

Takeshi Cooler – dry sake, pisco E1 Gobernador, Umeboshi plum, special jaggary shrub, Lime, Soda, Toasted Rice Cracker. @ RM 45

I am a fan of Negroni and Love the balance taste they have it here. Something simple yet great!

Not a bad place to hang out, especially for those who love Speakeasy bar hopping. There are a few in the area. Great for tourist to come by here too. They have nice cocktail as I think they are balance out well.

You can try out the spooky Speakeasy bar – The Deceased (which has very interesting concept).

*Non-Halal

-= Ka Ching =-

Food Rating 7.5/10, nice place to hang out with friends !!!~-Stamped-

–Warning– This is based on my individual taste. Try it at your own risk-

Location:
150, Jalan Petaling, City Centre,
50000 Kuala Lumpur
(next to Merchant Lane)

Operating Hours:
Tuesdays to Saturdays : 6pm to 2am
Sundays : 4pm to 11pm

In Bar By Taufulou 4 Mins Read

The Deceased @ Jalan Sultan, KL

22/03/2018 1 Comment

There is one new hidden spooky Speakeasy bar The Deceased that making its way up the chart in many bar hopper list. One of a new hidden bar in ChinaTown which is just a stone throw away from PS150. Why Spooky? As the speakeasy bar is with its crazy concept of death. Especially with Chinese “pantang Larang” this is indeed the whole new next level.

To look for this place, simple. Look for Mingle Cafe, and a unit next to them. Locate this blue door as above that have “fu” on it. The best part is, upon opening the door, you will be greeted with 2 dolls and eerie ghost music background with blood red hand trail on the wall that lead you up.

The 3 flight stairs sure give you like the door is never reachable with its dim light and background music along with props on the wall on each level.

Got to know that the clever unique presented cocktails is crafted by mixologist Steven Wan whom had been in Singapore after a while hence the Deceased unique concept is born.

There are 6 cocktails on the main menu and alot specially crafted drinks are under his sleeves. Do let him know what is your profile flavour and he will cleverly come out with a drink and small little gimmick that suits back to his place.

Tables are limited indoor with only 3 long tables with air con. The rest outside is without fan and outdoor. Therefore, just come with your tshirt and shorts.

Magic Spell is in the making, to cast out. . .. .

We ordered all six and a few others under his sleves till we forgot what name x what name which we did not wrote down. However this was in the top of many peoples list and I agree with that.

Tea of Oblivion – Forget the past, worry not the future, drink this and let the fates decide @ RM 35 – black tea infuse gin, passion fruit, fresh lemon juice and soda water.

I know what you did last summer (Karma’s Bitch) @ RM 38. Absolute Vodka, fresh lemon juice, strawberry puree, bubbling water.

This is another signature you should order: Petty Person Petting – “Da Siu Yan” “@ RM 38 – Tuak (Glutinous Rice Wine) , Gin, Fresh Lime Juice, kamquat, tonic water.

Creepy shit right? where you see in Hong Kong Streets under the bridge and now is serve as a drink gimmick.

Their special in house shots, is using the emperor mini jar back in Ching Dynasty.

These are all special request and up to the mixologist to come out the drinks profile. However this is his version of Negroni as it does taste like one. The presentation of this drink is unique.

Other creative drink. as the powder is actually lime powder.

This is one of the best. Do check it out.

Party groups. This is the gigantic bucket of drink that you do not want to miss. A special in house mixture that can be shared easily 6-10 pax.

2 drinks to order from the menu to start off with:

Petty Person Petting – “Da Siu Yan”
Tea of Oblivion

Most of the cocktail here are alright as I am not a cocktail person, however in the menu, 6 of them mostly are sourish base. Our bill came about RM 300 for 7 drinks which is not too bad.

This is how the outlook looks like. This blue door!

Currently, it is advice to book before you go over especially on weekend. It will be crazy pack. Also do go on weekdays or 6pm when they open. There are alot of OOTD spots.

Ciaoto the deceased. NO food is served. only drinks.

The main set back is: service will be pain in the ass. Long waiting time for your drinks and they do jumble up cuz they are rather new and also 2 mixologist only. so do prepare to wait, a cocktail drink will easily take 3-5 minutes for one. so you do the maths if it is full house.

*NON-HALAL

-= KA CHING =-

Food rating 8.5/10 , if u want crazy ambiance and insta purpose, this is it!! -Stamped-

-WARNING –This is based on my individual taste. Try it at your own risk-

Location;
The Deceased
55, Jalan Sultan, Kuala Lumpur.

Operating Hours:
Daily, 6pm-2am.

Tel: 018-200-0262

hidden bar in kl

Backdoor Bodega, Best Hidden Cocktail Bar in Penang

Hidden Bar – The First Chapter Speakeasy @ TTDI

The Curiousity Iron River @ Chan Sow Lin, KL

Sakura Den @ Off Old Klang Road, KL

PS150 a Hidden bar in Petaling Street

The Deceased @ Jalan Sultan, KL

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