alt Club KL – Dine & Lounge – Malaysian Tapas
Words: Jason Anom
Photos: Han Sen Hau
What may be unremarkable from the outside may reveal something completely different on the inside, and alt Club KL is a fine example of that. Located on the fourth floor of the non-descript Menara Noble Land in the heart of the CBD, alt Club KL is a unique dining and lounge concept that invites you to discover your alter ego. Inspired by the idea of embracing different sides of yourself, alt Club KL offers a relaxing and laid-back atmosphere where you can enjoy a variety of Malaysian tapas, handcrafted cocktails, wine, spirits and beer.
As you enter from the lift lobby, get ready to be transported through the looking glass as the automatic doors open. You will notice the anti-minimalist aesthetic at play from the plush entrance foyer with two classical statues amidst heavy drapery. Think modern rococo meets Alice in Wonderland. With this plush yet comfy setting, alt Club KL is a great spot to unwind after a busy day, to commemorate a special moment, or just have endless bites and drinks with friends on a Friday evening.
Proprietor Kenny Ng brings his passion for excellent food and flair with his binchotan grill and French techniques to Malaysian tapas. All items are prepared in-house, from marinades and sambals to bread (oh, the bread!). alt Club is the more relaxed Ultime, and regulars at fine dining restaurant will be pleased to know that the bread selection is also served at alt Club (RM25/basket). Order a basket as you wait for your orders, lie back as you look up at the ceiling and admire the paintings looking down at you, or discover your alter egos in the mirrors next to them as you savour each morsel.
alt Club KL Menu
alt Club KL’s tapas menu is a unique and exciting line-up showcasing the best local ingredients and culinary expertise with a global twist. The bartenders are ready to whip up some cocktails to complement the flavours on the plate, but we think wine is the strength here (just take a peek inside the cellar). Choose by the glass or confidently order your fave by the bottle.
Oysters 2 Ways
The juiciness of the Oysters 2 Ways (RM 120, 4 pieces) is perfectly captured in a duo of opposing styles: one hot, one cold. The oyster in tempura with spinach powder sprinkled on top gives that nice crunch of tempura but with the succulent oyster within, sitting on mayonnaise that balances the flavours but makes sure the oyster shines. On the other end, the oyster with basil granita and shallots is something completely different, with that luscious oyster being harmonised by a light and refreshing cold granita on top.
Otak-otak
Unlike your usual otak-otak, which is steamed or grilled, this Otak-otak (RM 25) is made sous vide. This not only changes up the cooking technique but brings out the creamy flavour and spice. The spice is mild but well-balanced, and the plating is guaranteed to win your favour as the prettiest otak-otak you’ll ever encounter.
Chicken Skewers
Think satay, but make it atas for tapas. These chunks of chicken on the Chicken Skewer (RM 28) are marinated for a day, and the result is a delightful flavour with deep smoky undertones. Add to this a refined, creamy peanut sauce that is so smooth you will think you’ve gone to nirvana.
Sambal Seabass
Things get spicier with the Sambal Seabass (RM 65). The fish is baked in the oven and retains a nice, fresh flavour and is tender to the fork. A hit of homemade sambal balado provides a slight kick to the palate – not enough to knock you out, but just enough to dance on your tongue.
Sze Chuan Chicken Gizzard
The next dish is not exactly for the faint of heart, but don’t let this stop you from trying the Sze Chuan Chicken Gizzard (RM28)! Cooked with a marinade of dried chilli mixed with mala oil, with undertones of Sze Chuan peppercorns, this dish sneaks up on you. At the initial bite, it teases you until the mala oil kicks in – that lingering spice just makes you want to have another hit before soaking it in with bread. It’s not exactly the same as having it with rice, but it does the trick!
Peking Duck
If something milder is more to your liking, then the Peking Duck (RM72) has that perfectly crispy skin you would expect from the best around. The duck is moist and succulent, with beautiful colour and texture that could tempt those not in to duck to go for another bite. There is no need for any sauce or condiments for this Peking Duck; the flavours speak for themselves.
Drinks Menu
alt Club KL offers a varied selection of Champagne, red and white wines, bottled beer, spirits and a handful of classic cocktails to pair with their tapas menu.
The Lychee Mojito (RM45) is a refreshing drink in between bites. It’s well balanced with rum, lime juice, soda and mint leaves, with a nice hint of sweetness not overpowering, just tickling our fancy. Meanwhile, the Bloody Mary (RM45) has a rich, deep flavour that evolves over time.
However, as mentioned, alt Club has quite a decent wine cellar, and it’s a smooth 2020, Domaine Giraud, Châteauneuf-Du-Pape, that takes our fancy. Did you know that Chateauneuf-Du-Pape was the first official appellation in France? The typical GSM, Grenache-dominant blend exhibits a ripe plum bouquet followed by a weighty palate with more fruit in the mouth, a hint of spice and a lengthy finish. It’s delicious now, though still quite young and could be kept for another decade. Find this and other beauties at the alt Club cellar.
Reasons to visit alt Club KL: If you want a quirky but not over-the-top dining experience that explores how Malaysian flavours translate to a tapas-style soiree, but in a relaxed atmosphere where you can just while away the day with some really good bread, then alt Club KL is a good stop. Here you can reimagine and thoroughly savour what Malaysian flavours can be like in a setting that is unorthodoxly playful. Plus, they have a nice terrace that overlooks the city where you can grin like the Cheshire Cat looking out towards Changkat as the mala oil sinks in.
alt Club KL
Level 3A, Menara Noble Land,
Jalan Changkat Ceylon,
50200 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
+6 012-433 1143
[email protected]
alt Club KL Opening Hours
Tuesday – Thursday, 6pm – 12am
Friday – Saturday, 5pm – 12am
Closed on Sundays and Mondays
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