Right now, the Klang Valley is brimming with bars and speakeasies. However, if you’re tired of the usual pubs and want to try something new, here are a few oriental-inspired bars around the Klang Valley for you to visit and reconnect with your Asian roots. Of course, they’re nothing less than IG-worthy too!
1. Shelly Yu’s
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Shelly Yu’s is a Peranakan restaurant and bar that serves delicious authentic dishes and Nyonya-inspired cocktails. Think of ingredients such as galanga, assam boi, coriander and even sambal that are included in their truly special drinks menu. Not to mention, they make their own tonics that come in a variety of flavours such as bunga telang, pandan and tamarind. Truly unique! A plus for this bar would be their beautiful decor featuring vibrant murals and Chinoiserie lamps in warm tones.
2. Yilo
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Who says PJ doesn’t have great bars? Yilo is a restaurant and bar that will have you reminisce old China thanks to its red couplets and traditional celadons on display behind the bar. They even have a lion head used in Lion dances hanging from the ceiling. Their specialty is the Chinese rice wine, Nu Er Hong, served up in a traditional Chinese celadon. Even drinking it is an experience as you pour it out into old-school crockery and take a sip straight from the bowl, olden-day China style!
Address: 23, Jalan SS 23/15, Taman Sea, 47400 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
3. ShuangXi
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With a name that means ‘Double Happiness’, it’s no wonder patrons have a delightful time at ShuangXi. From the specialty cocktails to the old school decor, everything about ShuangXi gives off that old Shanghai ambience. Located in Chinatown along Jalan Tun H S Lee, customers will have to make an advanced booking with them as they serve a limited amount of customers every night. On some occasions, they even conduct workshops like brush lettering and flower arrangements among others to support the local arts and crafts scene.
Address: 177, Jalan Tun H S Lee, City Centre, 50000 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
4. Opium KL
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Source: time out
Opium KL is a restaurant-bar-lounge nestled in the busy streets of Changkat, Bukit Bintang. It has an unmistakable vintage oriental vibe featuring Chinese posters on its walls and antiques displayed throughout the bar. The bar here features mouthwatering cocktails and three different types of Chinese white wine for its guests. Not to mention, the wine or cocktails here are largely served in traditional Chinese wine or tea pots topped with beautiful garnish.
Address: 50, Changkat Bukit Bintang, Bukit Bintang, 50200 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
5. Suzie Wong
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Suzie Wong is largely inspired by 1950s Hong Kong, and this bar has decor the resembles Hong Kong’s famous Lan Kwai Fong. One of the unique things about Suzie Wong is how they feature old school performances that were popular back in the day for their customers. Guests love the cabaret shows here as they are very flamboyant and glamorous. Amidst the amazing set-up, the cocktails are to die for, as they ooze a unique twist of east meets west. Presentation of drinks are also on-point!
Address: Wisma Lim Foo Yoong, 86, Jalan Raja Chulan, Kuala Lumpur, 50450 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
6. Fu Luck Bar
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Fu Luck Bar pays homage to popular pop culture from way back. Its whole theme screams vintage and nostalgia – thinkwhite rabbit candies, little green solider figurines, old school calendars and many more. The cocktails served here are also a hit, featuring local favourites with a twist. Recommended: their signature Ice Kacang cocktail is served in a vintage Chinese pottery that’s perfect for Instagram!
Address: 438 Jalan Tun Razak, Electric Boulevard E-G04, Selangor, 50400 Kuala Lumpur, Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur
7. The Red Chamber
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Source: eat drink kl
The Red Chamber is a new speakeasy bar in KL and it resides in a quiet, residential area of OUG. Channeling 1970s Shanghai, the place exudes a retro charm like no other and just like its interior, the drinks here are equally interesting. Also, some good news for coffee fans, there’s a cocktail for you! Try Sleepless Nights, which contains a double shot espresso with peanut butter, and nuts for crunch.
Address: 2A Upper Floor, 3, Jalan Hujan Rahmat, Taman OUG, 58200 Kuala Lumpur, Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur
8. The Pawn Room
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The Pawn Room is another oriental-inspired cocktail bar with a pretty feature wall of flowers. Their inspiration is drawn from ancient pawn shops and the quirky bar is filled with vintage ornaments such as an old record player or a ceiling filled with Chinese paper umbrellas. Not to mention, their drinks are also heavily inspired by oriental flavours. For example, the Chinese Cinderella, which is served warm in a tea cup, combines black dates with sherry Carpano Bianco Vermout, and elderflower liqueur.
Address: 46, Persiaran Zaaba, Taman Tun Dr Ismail, 60000 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
9. PS150
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Source: facebook
PS150 is a hidden bar in a typical Chinatown shophouse. Finding it can be quite difficult but once found, you can expect a whole new eye-opening experience. The interior is decked with comfy corners with a strong Asian vibe. Behind the bar, you’ll also find yourself indulging in expertly-curated cocktails featuring ingredients ranging from obscure vermouths to local ginger wines. To find PS150, look for a vintage toy store that will lead you to a passageway to the cleverly hidden spot.
Address: 150 Ground Floor, Jalan Petaling, City Centre, 50000 Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
10. China Bar KL
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Source: the city list
China Bar KL is the sister establishment of the bar of the same name in Hong Kong. The bar is decked out with lots of red and traditional Chinese ornaments with dragons, lanterns and pillars featuring other Chinese symbolism. Their cocktails aren’t just Insta-worthy too, as they’re bound to take your taste buds on an oriental journey. A must-try would be their signature cocktail, ‘The Erik’, named after the bar’s mixologist who created the concoction.
Source: the yum list
Address: The Hive @ TREC, 436 Jalan Tun Razak, Kuala Lumpur
Next time you’re looking for a place to chill and have a great night out with friends, give these places a try! Know anymore oriental-inspired bars that we missed out on? Let us know in the comments!
ALSO READ: Broke But Want Free Drinks? Check Out These Awesome KL Bars on Ladies’ Night!
