Food & Dining

Looking for a casual watering hole to enjoy a glass or two of blended malt in Kuala Lumpur? We’ve got you covered with our picks to kick-back after a long day at work or to have some down time on the weekend and pair whisky and food in KL.

1. . #MiyagiSays

Remember The Karate Kid? This recently-opened Uptown Damansara bar is named after the famous character in the 1980s classic. This creative restaurant cleverly combines the flavours of modern Japanese cuisine with a uniquely Malaysian twist – or as they brand themselves, a Japanese Mamak.

One of the top picks here include a sharing platter, made up of Miyagi fried chicken, tamago fries, tandori chicken and chicken satay, served alongside a sambal dipping that certainly packs a punch. For the perfect pairing, opt for their whisky highballs. Served with their own soda and a slice of lemon, this is one of the most refreshing ways to enjoy whisky in KL!

Address: No. 52, Jalan SS 21/35, Damansara Utama Petaling Jaya, 47400, Selangor

Phone: 603-77316195

Website

2. LAVO

Located in Tropicana Golf and Country Club, this resto lounge brings a large selection of wine and food. The main dining area is where you can tuck into dishes from the fusion menu of Western and Italian favourites. For a good experience of whisky and food in KL, get your hands on The Singleton Meat Platter.

The sharing plate consists of breaded calamari rings, smoked chicken, baked chard potato, grilled lamb shoulder, grilled pineapple, chilli beef con carne, mint mayonnaise and citrus lemon sauce. This pairs perfectly with the Singleton Glen Ord 12 year old, allowing diners to uncover the rich and smooth flavours of this single malt whisky.

Address: No. 8 Persiaran Tropicana, Tropicana Golf and Country Club, Petaling Jaya, 47410, Selangor

Phone: 03-7887 7710

Website

3. The Whisky Bar

This whisky connoisseurs staple in Changkat Bukit Bintang has been around for quite a while. The establishment carries over a hundred labels of whisky, including bottles from South Africa, Taiwan and Wales. Additionally, the rich wooden furniture offers a warm and comforting ambience to enjoy the best blended malts.

Meanwhile, the cigars help enhance the experience, especially when you’re kicking back to catch a Premier League match or Formula One race on the weekend. If all that booze is making you a little hungry, try their “match made in heaven”. The steak and whisky is the ultimate combination for anyone and anytime.

Address: 46, Changkat Bukit Bintang, Bukit Bintang, 50200 Kuala Lumpur

Phone: 03-2143 2268

Website

4. Powerplant Malaysia

This eatery doubles up as a Korean restaurant and bar. With several outlets in the Klang Valley and one in Genting Highlands, there’s little excuse to miss out on pit stop. The pork belly and pork luncheon is one of its bestsellers, served with Raymun noodles, pork, assorted vegetables and a homemade gochujang flavoured broth.

But if you’re coming for the food, consider staying for the drinks, with the soju-based cocktails being the pick of the bunch. For whisky lovers, Powerplant has you covered with offerings of single malt scotch, as well as Japan’s Nikka Black.

Address: Pearl Shopping Gallery, 3 Damansara, SkyAvenue and EkoCheras Mall

Phone: 011-2688 8076

Website

While swanky restaurants and bars are always welcomed, sometimes you crave for a drink or two in humble establishments and their casual environments. So the next time you’re heading out in KL, remember to give these laid-back food and whisky joints a try!

Related: Vegan Sues Burger King’s Impossible Whopper