Kara Kara Penang – Zen and Yotta, Café & Bar

Kara Kara Penang

Monica Tindall

Designing a space where the present is what people of the past imagined the future to be is just as mind-dazzling as it sounds. And, it’s exactly what the team at Kara Kara in Penang set out to do. Inspired by science fiction films of the 80s, they created a café/bar that is stirringly nostalgic while at the same time presenting a depiction of the future. 

Entering down a back alley bordered by paint-peeling walls, customers follow a trail of artwork to a giant wooden door. Like shiny breadcrumbs, a silver sculpture, painting and plant lead to Kara Kara’s entrance. Housed inside an old warehouse, the high ceilings and wide-open space are ideal for the concept.

Kara Kara Penang

Eyes are immediately drawn upwards to the “reborn” sculpture on the wall faced with interlacing circles hanging from the roof. Cool polished cement is accented by pale blue and purple cushions and shiny statues. Also mimicking the technology of the past, tin foil is used in abundance to line walls (and a slide!), giving the impression of “special effects” used in those same sci-fi movies of a bygone era.

Well, that is what you see if you enter during the day when Kara Kara is Zen. When the sun goes down, Yotta takes over, and the calm grey expanse morphs into a show of neon lights. A café menu of coffee and cake transforms into cocktails and yakitori. We visit during the day but are so intrigued by the space and the quality of the cocktails that we promise to return on another evening.

Zen Menu

There are lots to fill the tummy during the day with the Zen menu. Several rice bowls, burgers and pizzas are guaranteed to satisfy savoury cravings. At the same time, a selection of homemade cakes should serve sweeter preferences.

Oyaka Don (RM 18), a chicken and egg rice bowl, is served in a tin bowl, perfectly in tune with the setting. The fat, short grains of rice are bouncy in texture underneath the omelette and toppings.

The Chargrilled Char-su Cheeseburger (RM 25) is a beauty with the meaty patty and melted cheese balanced with mild acidity from the pickles and sauces. The fries are crisp and done well. 

A meat-free option is found in the Tropical Pizza (RM 28), and we’re impressed with the quality of the crust. Discovering that the chef was formerly at Via Pre, an Italian icon in the town, it all makes sense. Roman in style, the crust is thin with a little crunch to it and sturdy enough to support generous toppings without going soggy. 

For those coming for coffee and cake, the Ondeh Ondeh (RM 15), Kara Kara’s signature by Emily, is a delicious mix of pandan and coconut. The cake is light, and that shredding coconut topping with a touch of gula Melaka is addictive. Pair it with a Sweet Potato Latte (RM 14), and you have yourself a very pretty colour scheme.

As the music advances from Buddha Bar-style beats to progressive house, lighting changes and energy increases, but the chilled vibe remains the same. While the surroundings are exciting, you can still enjoy the “boom boom” vibe without distressing your ears. If you love the music, you can find their carefully curated playlist on Spotify. 

Yotta Menu

We don’t make it to the evening (but promise to return). However, Bartender Haitham kindly gives us a cheeky look at the menu (to the envy of many a table) during the day. And, after the first cocktail, I’m convinced they should add at least a couple to the Zen offerings, if not to encourage daytime imbibement but to celebrate the striking presentation of some of their signatures.

All drinks are on premium spirits and crafted especially for Kara Kara. No matter what your cocktail style, I recommend beginning with the Barbella (RM 50). It’s stunning in the glass with its exceptionally long stem and pale-blue hue. Roku Gin is combined with violet liqueur, egg white, butterfly pea and lime in a well-balanced bevvie with a fresh acidic entrance and lingering floral finish. 

Best taken later in the evening, the Brazil 1985 (RM 58) is more of a spirit-forward cocktail. Plantation OFTD (69%) and Amaretto are paired with a seaweed cracker garnish. Take a sip of the drink and a bite of the cracker to get the full salty-sweet experience.

Kara Kara Review

Our time at Kara Kara has been highly enjoyable. The design is stimulating, cocktails are promising, and the allure of seeing the bar at night has us hooked.   

Reasons to visit Kara Kara: an intriguing space; relaxed vibe; great music; fantastic cocktails; daytime Zen and nighttime Yotta experiences; must try the Barbella cocktail.

Kara Kara Penang
5B, Pengkalan Weld, 10300 George Town
Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
+6 017-270 6729
www.facebook.com/karakarapenang/

Kara Kara Opening Hours
Zen session 2pm – 7pm
Yotta session 7pm – 12am

Find out more about travel to Penang here and stay up to date with the latest gourmet happenings around Malaysia here and here.