Where to get a good drink in KL

Remedy Cocktail Bar, Taman Paramount

Remedy Cocktail Bar

Words: Jacob Weber
Photos: Rich Callahan

There are many great bar names in KL, but ‘Remedy’ has to be one of the most accurate.

Remedy Cocktail Bar is a new bar in Taman Paramount, Petaling Jaya, that already feels like an old part of the neighbourhood. It’s in the classic cocktail bar style with a laid-back lounge vibe – complete with funky retro seating and a private area for after-work drinks, special occasions, or any occasion that calls for it. You’ll be more than welcome.

Where to get a good drink in KL
Entrance
Remedy Cocktail Bar Taman Paramount
In You Go!
Remedy Cocktail Bar Taman Paramount
Remedy Cocktail Bar Taman Paramount
Remedy Cocktail Bar Taman Paramount
Remedy Cocktail Bar Taman Paramount
Remedy Cocktail Bar Taman Paramount
Cosy Lounges
Remedy Cocktail Bar Taman Paramount
Patio and Outdoor Smoking Area

Jason and Ivy, the very personable partnership behind this jazzy new venture – literally, with these playlists – have cabin crew experience with Singapore Airlines, so you can imagine how finely tuned their attention to detail, and great service is. (And the batik cloth coasters are a subtle homage to that legacy, which we love.)

Together with Head Bartender Joshen Chew (who is putting his prior cheffing experience to great use in the cocktails), they’re rolling up their sleeves and opening their doors to anyone and everyone who could use a stiff drink after a long day – a remedy, if you will.

As I said, it’s accurate. Unpack it a little further, and it even starts to get poignant.

Remedy Cocktail Bar Taman Paramount
Joshen Chew Readying Us A Cocktail

Remedy Cocktail Bar – Taman Paramount

Because a good bartender is much more than a mixologist. They’re a therapist, a counsellor, a shoulder to cry on. The reason bars have ‘regulars’ is not simply down to the quality of its drinks – but the company of the one serving it. Great alcohol and a warm welcome are a potent combination – and Jason, Ivy and Joshen have nailed it.

Everyone rotates between roles; all three make cocktails, serve customers, and clean up. It keeps things agile, and it keeps them honest. The vision is a classic cocktail joint, and teamwork is making the dream work.

The cocktail menu carries both classic and modern cocktails and some signature house specials crafted by Joshen. The selection isn’t huge, but it’s varied and interesting enough to feel like it. If you’re hungry, Remedy has struck up a sensible partnership with Habanna Charbroil Steakhouse downstairs. There’s a special snacks menu for the bar or the full menu on request – another clever touch that means more focus on cocktails and no lingering smell of food in the bar!

Service with a smile, check. Suitable jazz soundtrack, check. Cocktail menu – time to check it out.

Special Cocktail Menu at Remedy Cocktail Bar

We start with something light and refreshing: the Mayfield Bergamot (RM38). Earl grey-infused gin, lavender syrup, citrus and lavender mist all combine beautifully into a lovely sharp concoction that tickles the taste buds and tingles on the palate. It flings the door wide open for the Sage and Sea Salt (RM48), an interesting little number featuring a creative sea salt and seaweed garnish on the outside of the rim for a little edge. It’s clean and refreshing, thanks to the sage-infused vodka, citrus, pink grapefruit and grapefruit soda – and that final salty layer immediately leaves you wanting more.

Remedy Cocktail Bar Taman Paramount
Mayfield Bergamot
Remedy Cocktail Bar Taman Paramount
Sage and Sea Salt

Rich’s customary mocktail (off-menu) arrives; a tasty earl grey, elderflower and lemon juice blend. I christen it the Earl Grey de Flower, but I don’t think anyone’s listening.

Remedy Cocktail Bar Taman Paramount
Mocktail
Mocktail

The Sugar Baby (RM38) is the first cocktail I’ve ever seen with balsamic vinegar among the ingredients – but it certainly won’t be the last time I drink it. Typically used to preserve fruits and vegetables, now Joshen is using it to bring out their flavour. This cocktail is absolutely bursting with strawberry, with the clean tropical taste of the white rum and a little hint of sharpness from the vinegar coming through afterwards. There’s a torched rosemary garnish for a little smokey, something extra. It’s a little sweet for Mon, but I’m delighted to polish this off.

Remedy Cocktail Bar Taman Paramount
Sugar Baby

The Rummy Floaty (RM45) is a trip down memory lane for anyone who went to school in Malaysia – or has been to A&W. (Did you know it was the first fast food restaurant in the country, way back in 1963?) Try it without the ‘ice cream’ first, so you get the full force of the aged rum and root beer combination, and then stir in your creamy topping – which is actually spiced vanilla mousse – for that nostalgic kick. It’s also a little too sweet for Mon, and I’m equally delighted to polish this off.

Rummy Floaty
Rummy Floaty

Classic & Modern Drinks

When someone claims to focus on the classics, a margarita is a good indicator of their commitment. Remedy’s Margarita (RM45) ticks all the boxes and even gets a bonus point for the 50-50 salted-regular rim, so you can choose the saltiness of each sip. It’s a clever touch, and there’s just the right amount of kick from the tequila.

Where to get a good drink in KL
Remedy’s Margarita

I’m a fan of an Old Fashioned and a big fan of Remedy’s version (RM50). There’s both aromatic and orange bitters, and Joshen has played around with the ratios a little bit to create a sweeter but still spirit-forward drink. The ratios are well-balanced from the beginning, and the Wild Turkey bourbon is a more satisfying choice than the typical Maker’s Mark; this brown liquor hits you in the back of the throat and stays with you for quite a while. We’re not in childhood memory territory anymore – this feels like a grown-up’s drink.

Where to get a good drink in KL
Old Fashioned

The Aviation (RM48) is a little homage to Jason and Ivy’s past lives and also happens to be one of Ivy’s favourite drinks, thanks to the Luxardo Maraschino liqueur. The Luxardo combines with London dry gin and crème de violette to create a pleasant, sweet, floral cocktail with a touch of citrus. There’s a distinct note of sherbet on the nose, which is very agreeable.

Where to get a good drink in KL
Aviation

I’m sure it’s no coincidence that there is another aviation-themed cocktail on the menu, even if it is a classic. The Paper Plane (RM55) – with a literal paper plane garnish – is a heady mixture of bourbon, Aperol, amaro, and citrus. It’s quite profound; sweet and savoury simultaneously, with an exciting depth of bitterness.

Where to get a good drink in KL
Paper Plane

Lastly, according to The Yum List tradition, we challenge Joshen to come up with his own version of a Negroni (off-menu; RM50). It gets the Monica Tindall seal of approval, which is the gold standard for Negronis in KL.

Where to get a good drink in KL
Negroni

Remedy Cocktail Bar Review

We have the privilege of being here before it opens properly, but we stay a little longer than expected (although the afternoon rain in KL should always be expected). And as soon as it does open, you can see Remedy’s vision coming to life. A few regulars start appearing, and Ivy greets them like old friends as Josh juggles glasses. Jason is being his usual attentive self. Some guests already have their favourite seats – and Ivy knows each of them. Some are happily drinking alone, and others are excitedly sitting down for a tall drink and a long gossip.

In fact, I end up staying much longer than I expected. It’s not a bad place to get some work done. At least, that’s what I tell myself. The 6-9 pm Happy Hour – Guinness, Kirin, G&T, Highball, or Vodka Tonic for only RM20 – surely didn’t have anything to do with it … right?

Reasons to visit Remedy Cocktail Bar: classic and modern cocktails done well alongside a well-crafted signature menu; excellent service in a feel-good atmosphere; good food options thanks to Habanna downstairs; hidden neighbourhood gem with a great happy hour!

Remedy Cocktail Bar
11A, Jalan 20/7, Taman Paramount,
46300 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
@remedy.cocktailbar

Remedy Cocktail Bar Opening Hours
Sun, Mon, Wed & Thurs: 6pm-12am
Fri-Sat: 6pm-2am
Tuesdays: Closed

Find more KL bar recommendations here, and stay up-to-date on the latest gourmet and travel happenings around Malaysia here and here.

One Comment

  1. It been ages since I been to an A&W
    Coffee is on and stay safe

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