There are genres of bars, just as there are genres of films, and I love indie films and cocktails with a native twist. You know the place: martini glasses, bite-sized snacks and hearty mains with a mix of local and international ingredients all served by smartly-dressed waiters who say, “Nice choice, Miss,” when you order “the signature cocktail”.
Talk to the Derrek, Knowhere Group’s marketing manager properly, and you’ll have a corner table whenever you are there, as well as a deep but unintended knowledge of cocktails and quality drinks, thanks to the myriad of spirits, beers, wine and hard liquor lined up at the bar. Most crucially, of course, there are award-winning bartenders who will craft and present a delectable selection of new seasonal cocktails every three months until the end of 2019.
Delectable Cocktails
“Try our award-winning cocktail, Keluarga,” says Derrek. A neatly presented glass of milky white goodness topped with a dehydrated lime slice was placed at our table. Made with barcardi carta blanca rum, pandan, coconut, ginger and lime, this award-winning Barcadi Legacy tipple is incredibly delicious. It’s no wonder that it’s a signature at the Knowhere Eatery, Bar and Cigars.
The atmosphere is relaxed, with endless parties celebrated and birthdays sung about, and the band plays contemporary music. The cocktail list is reasonable enough to ensure a nap in the grab car home and the waiters are attentive. While reading the menu, I couldn’t help noticing how well they have incorporated local ingredients into the cocktails. The Sirap Setan for example, has Tanqueray Gin sous vide with lemongrass, blue pea flower, pandan, rose and citrus. Definitely for those with adventurous tastebuds. A glance through the menu also tells me that Nova contains a delectable mix of Stolichnaya Vodka, homemade lychee syrup, watermelon, rosemary, and citrus.
The seasonal cocktails, then, is like a secret santa list. You never really know what you will get every three months. The menu also gives a nod to a globetrotter’s way of recommending the drinks and cuisine. I like the sound of Epal Rum, it contains Brugal Anejo rum, campari, aromatic bitter, gula melaka, pandan and citrus with apple foam…and it is “the preferred drink of Indonesia grandmothers who use rum as a cure-all.” Fancy a bartender’s interpretation of Papua New Guinea’s beachside? Try the Bird of Paradise, an intoxicating mix of bols genever, campari, peach liquor, vanilla, coconut, passion fruit and citrus
Malaysianised Contemporary Food
Oh, and the grub? The must-have for when your tummy wants more than just tipples? Well, if you admire fusion food then you are in luck. The chef has a knack for combining local ingredients with contemporary comfort food. My favorite is the Nang Nak Knowhere pizza – who knew that jackfruit, onion, tomato, and mozzarella on pizza can taste so good! My friend and I also ordered some gorgeous looking pasta, namely the Ulam Pesto and the Sambal Smoked Salmon Pasta. We also had the Fumed Duck and Sharing Platter served at our table. The platter is a delightful combination of flightless wings, chicken liver pate, sautéed mushrooms, crispy baby shrimps and garlic bread. Of course, we couldn’t finish it all. But we did take it back home!
My favorite bar is the one in the movie Crazy Rich Asians, the king of all things shiny. But Knowhere Bangsar, that clever fusion eatery and bar, is top 10. Go for the cocktails, order a pizza and bask in the tunes; take your tourist friend there, go for your birthday, book the space for your 40th birthday party, and they’ll give you something special. It’s good for the soul, this craven but honest desire for good late night food and drink.
Opening Hours
Monday – Tuesday : 4pm – 1am
Wednesday – Friday : 4pm – 2am
Saturday : 11am – 2am
Sunday : 11am – 12am
Knowhere Bangsar
50, Jalan Maarof, Bangsar,
59100 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Call: +6 0102202358
View: instagram.com/knowherebangsar
