Shuang Xi
This is not your typical bar. If you’re looking for great drinks and a cozy ambience, Shuang Xi is just the place for you. The space is decked out in greenery and vintage decor, giving a chill aesthetic that’s perfect for your Insta feed!
The relaxed, friendly atmosphere of Shuang Xi – which translates to “Double Happiness” – complements the mellow and authentic cocktails, with names like Sweet Dream and Familiar Stranger, which comprises unique flavour combos such as liquor with banana milk and salted caramel, or ginger with plum wine. Ps – The proceeds from beverage sales go directly to a community of local artists.
If you’re interested in spending your night out here, reservations are required, as they only serve a limited number of guests per night. Head on down to their Facebook page to book your spot, and check out their Instagram at @shuangxi_177 here while you’re at it!
Address: 177A, First Floor, Jalan Tun H.S. Lee, City Centre, 50000 Kuala Lumpur.
Opening hours: Thursday till Sunday, from 7:30pm till late.
Concubine KL
Tucked in the heart of Kuala Lumpur’s revitalised Chinatown, these walls were once the sanctum for endless Mahjong nights, gang lord reunions, and also women of the streets, opium users, and Chinese merchants.
Embodying the oriental elements of KL, this ornamental bar stands out with its original menu of cocktails such as Pineapple, Porn Star Martini, and Empress Negroni. They’ve also got a menu of canned cocktails so you can take it to-go! Be sure to browse their dinner menu as well, as it features a mouth-watering array of dishes and desserts, available for delivery and dine-in.
At Concubine KL, the vibe is flirty and funky, and everything is done with a spicy touch of fun and sass. Featuring the preserved old wooden structure, the interior walls are decorated with alluring murals of concubines and splashed with bright pink and jungle green that perfectly complement the bursts of neon lights, resulting in an urban reinterpretation of Chinatown; “respecting the old but bringing to it a lens of the future.”
Address: Lot 2, Jalan Panggong, City Centre, 50000 Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: Tues -Thurs, 3pm to 12 am; Fri – Sun, 1 pm to 12 am
Check out their website and other socials here!
Website: concubinekl.com
Facebook: @concubinekl
Instagram: @concubine_kl
The Deceased KL
Dancing around the theme of death, spells and Chinese mythology, The Deceased KL is known as one of the most unique speakeasy bars in the city. Situated in an old building that served as a Chinese medicine hall in the 1950s, the area is preserved in the concrete walls of an aged building – but thrives with its ghoulish decor of skulls, creepy baby dolls, an eerie selection of vintage trinkets, and mannequins seated in corners of the bar.
Their blood-curdling drinks are heavily influenced by Oriental and Malaysian ingredients, ranging from oolong tea to rice wine, star anise to green bananas, Chinese rose liquor and even vodka infused with red dates, which highlight the complex but unique identity of The Deceased. With a selection of creepy cocktails that is still evolving, a great amount of effort is put into the presentation of the drinks to widen the emphasis on the spooky theme.
Um… how can I find this place? Of course you can’t, it’s a hidden bar, duh! But I’ll tell you how you can: If you’re standing right in front of Mingle Cafe, you’re in the right spot. Just look for the bright blue door off to the side. You can ring the doorbell and wait for someone to buzz you in, or you can press the digits ‘4444’ and ascend the stairway to hell… (Psst, if you see this mannequin in the wheelchair, you’re in the right place!)
Address: 55, Jalan Sultan, City Centre, 50000 Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: Daily EXCEPT Tuesday, 4pm to 12am
Check out their socials here!
Facebook: @thedeceasedkl
Instagram: @thedeceased
