Qi Bar KL – Hidden Oriental Cocktail Bar, Chinatown Kuala Lumpur
Words: Stephen Reid
Photos: Monica Tindall
Chinatown, a bustling hub of tradition and modernity rubbing against each other, sometimes jarringly, has always been renowned for its vibrant street food scene, market stalls and traditional shops. In recent years, however, the district has witnessed the beginnings of an exciting transformation, with trendy bars and modern restaurants adding a new dimension of interest for KL residents and tourists alike.
Qi Bar KL
Back in August, we enjoyed visiting Mona Lisa KL, Mark M Nejad’s stylish new Italian restaurant in the heart of Chinatown. During our visit, we caught a glimpse of Qi Bar, a hidden speakeasy tucked away behind the restaurant. We were immediately intrigued by its opulent red decor. Now, we’re excited to return and delve deeper, exploring its movie set atmosphere and indulging in its expertly crafted cocktails, even if we are the earliest customers of the day.
Stepping into Qi Bar is rather like stepping onto a film set, a captivating blend of Wong Kar-wai’s atmospheric cinematography and the opulent extravagance of Baz Luhrmann’s Moulin Rouge, with a dash of “Big Trouble in Little China” thrown in for good measure. The dimly lit space is bathed in a seductive red glow, with plush velvet curtains cascading from the ceiling and ornate Chinese lanterns casting intricate shadows on the walls. Although it is late afternoon at the time of our visit, as there are no windows, once the door closes, we are spirited to another world, where it could be any time of day.
The bar counter itself is fashioned from timber with a deceptive distressed paint finish, making it appear to have been used for many years of celebrations and decadent late-night parties. However, the establishment, like its sibling restaurant, Mona Lisa, is almost brand new. Behind the bar are rows of shelving stocked with an impressive array of spirits that glimmer under the ambient lighting between drawers like those usually found in Chinese medicine stores. Dark wood accents and traditional latticework add a touch of old-world charm, while plush velvet and Chinese designs on the upholstered seating provide an intimate and luxurious setting for enjoying expertly crafted cocktails. It’s an eye-catching fusion of classic Chinese aesthetics and a hidden speakeasy bar, setting the stage for a truly unique drinking experience in the heart of KL’s Chinatown. And to keep the night going, a live DJ spins tracks on weekends, ensuring the party atmosphere continues well into the night.
Cocktail Menu
Qi Bar’s cocktail menu invites customers to ‘unleash their inner dragon’ with their Dragon Gimlet (RM 34). It features premium Bulldog Gin, dragonfruit puree, and lime juice. Bulldog Gin is a London Dry Gin founded in 2007 by an American entrepreneur. It met with great success in its native USA before expanding internationally, and it was bought by the makers of Campari in 2017. This vibrant concoction was expertly shaken over ice by mixologist Noor. The deep red hue of the dragonfruit, accentuated by the dim lighting of the bar, creates a dramatic visual effect. However, the drink reveals a more nuanced purple or burgundy colour once we took it outside to take a photograph. Bulldog Gin is renowned for its smooth taste, while the lime juice balances the sweetness of the dragonfruit.
Premium Roku Gin is the star in the refreshing Jasmine Gin Highball (RM 38). Infused with jasmine, salt, and lemon and topped with soda water, this cocktail is a light and invigorating choice, particularly for those like Monica, who prefer less sweet drinks. In Japanese, Roku translates as “six”, and inside each bottle of Roku Gin are six botanicals sourced in Japan and eight traditional gin botanicals, the most important being juniper. Served in a quirky tiki glass adorned with a kiwi fruit garnish, this highball is a visually appealing and palate-pleasing option.
Monica’s preferred go-to cocktail is a classic, her beloved Negroni (RM 48). This iconic drink is made with equal parts premium Bulldog Gin, vermouth rosso and Campari, served over ice and garnished with a sliver of orange peel. The drink is said to have become common in Italy in the late 1940s, although the directions for its preparation were first recorded in French cocktail books in the 1920s. Served in a short tumbler,’ old-fasioned’, or rocks glass, it is most often enjoyed as an apéritif before dinner. Monica gave this one her personal seal of approval.
Although the South China Sea is mainly in the news these days concerning territorial disputes, the cocktail menu at Qi Bar reminds us that it is also a tropical paradise spread across 600 coral reefs in the vast ocean, which is the inspiration for the South China Sea Swizzle (RM 38). Also served in a tiki glass, this figurine looks a little more fierce and is without a ukulele; the cocktail itself is a delightful combination of Black Tears Dry Spiced Rum from Cuba, sherry, fresh pineapple juice, passionfruit and cloves. Perhaps more suited to a tropical beach or resort poolside, this tropical-flavoured drink is ideal for those who prefer their cocktails on the sweeter side; however, be careful, the rum still packs a punch.
The award for the most quirky drinking vessel has to go to our penultimate cocktail, the Szechuan Sour (RM 38). It was served in a giant ceramic chicken drumstick. While its playful appearance may suggest a less serious cocktail, it’s actually a sophisticated twist on the classic whiskey sour. The addition of Mala, a numbing Sichuan peppercorn and chilli seasoning, adds an intriguing dimension to the drink. Having experienced the intense numbing sensation of authentic Sichuan pepper during a visit to China, I approached this cocktail with some trepidation. No such worries here, however, as the premium Monkey Shoulder Whisky, egg white and Mala were perfectly balanced. The result was a well-executed whiskey sour that leaves a delightful, tingling sensation on the palate, prompting you to take another sip.
Our mixologist, Noor, said many customers have told him that he resembles the little ceramic panda that houses our final cocktail, the Long March (RM 38). Though named after Mao’s historic journey, this drink evokes the spirit of a Moscow Mule, sharing many of its ingredients, albeit presented in a charmingly quirky panda vessel rather than a traditional copper mug. Confusingly, the vodka this cocktail contains comes from neither China nor Russia but from France. Grey Goose vodka is one of the most expensive vodkas on the market, renowned for its incredibly smooth, clean and creamy taste and texture. It’s expensive as it is made from the same top-grade of wheat from Picardy in France used for breadmaking. Noor combines it into a cocktail using ginger beer, mint lime juice and lychee. I’ll be sure to introduce this drink to a good friend in Australia on his next visit to KL; his two go-to cocktails are a Moscow Mule and a Lychee Martini. I’m confident he would enjoy this delightful fusion of the two drinks.
Qi Bar Review
Qi Bar is a fun escape into a world of expertly crafted cocktails and opulent Chinese-inspired decor. Dim red lighting, Chinese fabrics and ornate lanterns create an intimate setting perfect for a night of indulgence. Beyond the cocktails, Qi Bar offers an impressive selection of spirits, wines, and non-alcoholic beverages, all with excellent service. Live DJs keep the party going on weekends, making Qi Bar the perfect spot to unwind and explore the exciting new wave of Chinatown nightlife.
Reasons to visit Qi Bar KL: the thrill of the find down a Chinatown alleyway; atmospheric red interior; must try the Long March and the Szechuan Sour.
Qi Bar
78, Jalan Sultan, Chinatown, City Centre
50000 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (behind Mona Lisa KL)
+6011 1639 5330
qibarkl.com @qi.barkl
Qi Bar KL Opening Hours
Monday – Wednesday: 5 pm to 1 am
Thursday – Sunday: 5 pm to 3 am
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