5 best bars in Kuala Lumpur that will take you back to the future

Here’s our pick of five bars in Kuala Lumpur with some history, notoriety, and a dash of class.

1. Chinatown nights at PS150

Locals might consider Kuala Lumpur’s Chinatown a labyrinth of stalls peddling “quality” knock-off bags and slightly tacky watches, but tucked away on Petaling Street is destination bar PS150. Its prewar shophouse location is little changed from decades past when the area’s seedy underbelly was obvious to all. The difference now? Instead of there being a line of some of the city’s shadier personalities propping up the bar, there is a mix of tourists and internationally minded city folk. They come for the slightly louche vibe and the cocktails, the latter of which are created by bartender Angel.

Expect drinks such as the tropically spirited Jackie Joy – a blend of Matusalem Platino rum, apricot brandy, sweet vermouth, rosemary syrup, and jackfruit. Or the disco-inspired Salty Chinaman that recalls long sultry summer days. The tipple comprises preserved orange peel vodka, lime, lemonade and orange bitters. PS150 makes up for its slightly hard to find location with its sassy Asian version of a mid-20th century speakeasy. You definitely won’t just have one drink here.

2. Botak Liquor tempts the bold and the brazen

Also in the Petaling Street area, Botak Liquor is a charming joint that’s making a name for excellently prepared drinks with touches of botany. Originally a brothel, the space – with its original mosaic tile flooring and hanging gardens arrangement of plants – now houses one of the city’s more forward-thinking bars.

Botak (“bald” in Malay) Liquor is all about “farm-to-glass” drinks, created by bartender Jon Quek. The almost medicinal Pei Pa Koa blends grappa, organic elderflower syrup, and freshly plucked kaffir lime emphasises local ingredients and plants. It will probably help clear a sore throat as well.

3. Drink in the sights at Man Tao