Bangsar is definitely one of KL’s biggest hotspots if you’re looking for a place to party and have drinks while catching up with friends after work. While most spots in Bangsar serve the usual pint of beer or glass of wine, this bar along Jalan Maarof is one place that doesn’t shy away from experimentation if you’re looking for something a little different.
Knowhere is a restaurant and bar with plenty of ambition when it comes to their cocktails. With award-winning bartenders at the helm of this increasingly popular spot, you can be sure to have your taste buds stimulated by the unexpected combination of flavours in each of their drinks.
Photo provided by Knowhere Bangsar
Photo provided by Knowhere Bangsar
The WORLD OF BUZZ team recently tried out some of Knowhere’s signature drinks and food, and we were pretty impressed by the offerings they had. So, here are some of our highlights;
The Drinks
1. Nova
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This delicious combination of rosemary, vodka with lychee syrup, watermelon, lime, and celery foam is definitely something we would order especially on a hot day. The rich lychee perfectly complements the mild watermelon flavour, and that last kick of rosemary adds something different to the mix, ending each sip on a pleasant, herbal note.
Rating: 4/5
2. Sirap Setan
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At the first sip, we were hit with a distinct pandan-lemon taste that mentally transported us to the beach on a sunny afternoon. To us, this tastes like an elevated (and alcoholic) ‘sirap bandung‘ with a little texture thanks to the chia seeds! Overall, we think it’s a delicious drink, but if you’re looking for something stronger with bolder flavours, we suggest maybe giving this a skip.
Rating: 2.5/5
3. Bacon Milo
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An interesting combination of beef bacon-infused vodka and a classic cup of Milo, this drink leaves a lot lingering on your taste buds. At the first sip, it tastes like your ordinary glass of Milo ais, but subsequent sips reveal a saltier note to the drink. The salty taste also lingers on your tongue more and more after each sip, providing more depth to the drink. All in all, while we appreciate Bacon Milo’s unique take, we still prefer a classic cup of ordinary Milo ais instead!
Rating: 2/5
4. It’s Nangka Thyme
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An interesting blend of jackfruit, habanero-infused rum with lime, curry leaves, and grapefruit-thyme soda, It’s Nangka Thyme has a lot going on, but this definitely works in its favour! The pleasant taste of jackfruit mixed with the distinct curry leaf flavour provides a refreshing taste. The habanero rum also adds a great kick as the drink goes down, ending things on a slightly savoury-spicy note.
Rating: 4/5
5. PB & J
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You know a drink is great when different notes are picked up by different people. Trust us, we spent a good 15 minutes taking sips of PB&J with our friends to determine what flavours we detected. While most of us immediately got a strong whiskey flavour after the first sip, the few sips we took later revealed an unexpected underlying peanut-y aftertaste that was pleasing to the palate!
Rating: 4.5/5
6. Kopi Negroni
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To be honest, we never thought this would be one of our favourite drinks of the night! Kopi Negroni definitely pushes boundaries when it comes to cocktails. Made up of a surprising blend of Tongkat Ali liquor, dark rum brewed in spices, orange peel, star anise, and cinnamon with black coffee, this cocktail is a gorgeous combination of rich flavours that are sure to satisfy adventurous taste buds.
Rating: 5/5
7. Dragon Breath
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Dragon Breath is a refreshing blend of dark rum with gingerbread syrup, lime, and pink dragonfruit. The gingerbread flavour is the first thing you taste, but the dark rum really cuts the sweetness, adding a great punch to it!
Rating: 3/5
The Food
Knowhere has some great signature dishes as well, but here are the four dishes that we definitely recommend;
1. Knowhere Nachos
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While nachos are pretty much standard fare in bars and pubs, Knowhere takes this simple Mexican dish to new heights. Drenched in Knowhere’s signature sauce, cheese, chicken, and sundried tomatoes, this plate of nachos will definitely satisfy your cravings! It’s the perfect bar snack to share!
Rating: 4.5/5
2. Burnt Butter Steak
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If you’re looking for a good steak with a bit of a local twist to it, we recommend trying out Knowhere’s butter steak. Cooked to the perfect consistency, this steak is not only tender but has a delicious sauce reminiscent of butter chicken!
Rating: 3/5
3. Plum Duck
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This bar’s Plum Duck is another standout dish in our book. While the natural saltiness of the duck is a welcome savoury note, the sweetness from the plum sauce and onions cut through and mesh very well together. Overall, it’s a salty-sweet dish with a great crunch from the onions.
Rating: 4/5
4. Seafood Platter
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Knowhere’s Seafood Platter not only is a great thing to order for large groups, but it has some great dishes to boot! One standout dish on this platter for us has got to be the Mussel Sambal With Basil Lime. If you’re a fan of Eurasian food, this dish is great to order on its own or as part of a platter! Besides that, the prawns are juicy and tender with a great tomato-garlic flavour, and the sauce served on the side has just the right kick to it.
Rating: 4.5/5
So, interested in checking out Knowhere? Here’s where you can find them;
Knowhere Bangsar
Address: 50 Jalan Maarof, Bangsar, Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: 4pm – 1am (Monday & Tuesday), 4pm – 2am (Wednesday – Friday), 11am – 2am (Saturday & Sunday)
Also read: Creepiest Speakeasy in Petaling Street Has 10 New Awesome Drinks You CAN NOT Miss!
