JungleBird Kuala Lumpur – Rum Bar, Bukit Damansara
Words: Jacob Weber
Photos: Han Sen Hau
How many varieties of rum can you name off the top of your head?
Five? Maybe ten, if you’ve had the luxury of a Caribbean holiday recently?
If you can make it to fifteen — congratulations! That’s 5% of the selection available behind the bar at JungleBird Kuala Lumpur.
JungleBird Kuala Lumpur
Over the last decade, the “Rumah Rum” has been building its collection of over 300 varieties of sugarcane-based liquor to proudly boast one of the best-stocked rum bars in the region, never mind the city.
And they haven’t just been stockpiling limited edition Bacardi (although that’s probably available if you ask nicely). JungleBird Kuala Lumpur’s collection includes some outrageously exclusive and super-rare rums that most other bars would dismiss as urban legend. There’s a bottle of 23-year-old Ron Zacapa Centenario in a handwoven ‘petate’ from the pre-Diageo days, which technically doesn’t exist anymore. There’s also a bottle of ‘Black Tot’, which definitely doesn’t exist anymore — this is the stuff they used to give to sailors as daily rum rations, a practice which ended in 1970. It’s going at RM2850++ a shot, so if you have a spare three grand lying around, get yourself a measure and spend the rest on some of the incredible food they have here.
If you don’t have a spare three grand lying around but fancy some expertly crafted cocktails (with a rum base or otherwise), you should get yourself here as well.
Appendage Menu
We’re actually here to sample the six cocktails on the Appendage menu,
which is mostly non-rum. (I tried to get them to replace a vodka measure with a Black Tot shot, but for some reason was refused.) As it turns out, these guys are excellent mixologists, no matter the main ingredient.
We kick off with a Tingly Zesty-Pop Gimlet Drink (RM48), JungleBird Kuala Lumpur’s take on (guess what?) the traditional Gimlet. I personally prefer this version; a zingy, zesty blend of Bacardi Carta Blanca rum (old habits die hard, I guess) with falernum, a tangy citrus medley and kaffir lime, with a Bacardi-branded sugar paper garnish. Did you know that the logo is a bat because bats pollinated the sugarcane back in Cuba, where it all began? Now you do.
The Sunshine Fizz (RM50) features a Tanqueray London Gin, Aperol and absinthe for good measure (pun intended), in the classic ‘fizz’ style without ice, topped off with a generous grapefruit garnish. Besides the well-balanced boozy recipe, the most impressive ingredient here is the foam topping that looks like you could bounce a basketball off it. Turns out it’s kept in the freezer for a few seconds before serving, which is a nice touch.
Maria Full of Grace (RM55) would be spicy enough on its own, thanks to a punchy recipe of Volcan de mi Tierra Tequila, oloroso sherry and charred capsicum, but Divyesh Chauhan, co-owner and bartender, has also decided to spray the glass with a pre-made habanero tincture for some extra heaty depth. The tequila is infused with nori for some umami—there’s a sentence I never thought I’d write—and then this complex concoction is clarified overnight, strained and carbonated to create JungleBird Kuala Lumpur’s own version of a Bloody Maria (which in turn is a version of the Bloody Mary).
Whatever (RM55) is a lot more thought-out than its name suggests. Belvedere vodka, passionfruit, vanilla and a sharp citrus sherbet combine beautifully into a cocktail that celebrates sweetness without making it its whole personality. It’s not sickly or cloying, just juicy and vibrant.
I decide that Pilgrim’s Redemption (RM50) is my favourite JungleBird Kuala Lumpur cocktail before I’ve even tasted it. The original cocktail is known as the “Missionary’s Downfall”, but Divy has turned it upside down — geddit? The twist here is replacing the traditional rum and peach with brandy and apricot, topped off with pineapple, citrus, honey and mint. The pineapple hits on the first sip, the apricot swoops in, and the honey is a comforting safety net. Honestly, I’d drink this without the brandy.
If you’re a fan of floral cocktails, I highly recommend the Elderflower Allotment (RM55) — a deliciously delicate, light, gin-based cocktail whose ingredients have been strained through with lavender milk to add even more herbaceousness to proceedings. The carbonated rosemary-thyme-and-orange syrup adds even more full-bodied tastiness to every sip.
Taco Menu
Thankfully, there’s some sustenance to go with the six cocktails on the menu. We’ve timed our visit to try out the tacos (RM15 – available on Thursdays) that JungleBird Kuala Lumpur has been reinforcing its rum-based reputation with.
The Chicken al Pastor is a personal highlight; the adobo-marinated chicken bounces off the pineapple mango-chipotle salsa, and the fresh salad topping adds a bonus layer of deliciousness. The Baja Fish is a fresh, lighter contrast, but no less tasty, with a black corn tortilla and lime-avocado crema that makes it feel more filling.
The Mojo Pork uses the same pulled pork filling as the infamous Cubano sandwich, and we immediately see why that’s been such a success. The cabbage-carrot slaw cotija (cheese) and jalapeño coriander aioli balance out the rich, tender pork, making a meaty mouthful that would make Jon Favreau proud. (The 2014 movie ‘Chef’ was inspired by the Cubano. If you haven’t seen it, watch it. If you haven’t eaten it, do so.)
But after all that, it’s the ‘Carnitas’ that are the collective favourite, which is the biggest praise I could possibly give a vegan taco. The slow-cooked jackfruit-and-mushroom filling with black bean epazote and culantro (not cilantro) salsa is convincing (and delicious) enough to satisfy even the most dedicated carnivore. It’s a tasty way to get a few of your five a day, that’s for sure.
JungleBird Kuala Lumpur Review
JungleBird Kuala Lumpur isn’t just a one-trick pony. Or a 300-trick pony. Rum-based or not, every cocktail is crafted with the same passion and precision that’s earned this place a regular spot on Asia’s 50 Best Bars list. The food deserves a spot on a fancy list as well. Add the music, excellent service and the feel-good tropical vibes, and you’ve got a recipe (I know, how original!) for a great night out.
Reasons to visit JungleBird Kuala Lumpur: one of the best rum bars in Southeast Asia with over 300 varieties; Taco Thursdays; creative cocktail menu; great Cuban-inspired menu and other carb-heavy classics to soak up the booze; excellent service and friendly staff.
JungleBird Kuala Lumpur
61M, Jalan Medan Setia 1, Bukit Damansara
50490 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
+6 03 2011 5715
@junglebirdkl
JungleBird Kuala Lumpur Opening Hours
Monday-Thursday 4 pm – 1 am
Friday 4 pm – 2 am
Saturday 2 pm – 2 am
Sunday 2 pm – 1 am
Find more KL bar recommendations here, and stay up-to-date on the latest gourmet and travel happenings around Malaysia via The Yum List on Instagram and The Yum List on Facebook.