RYE Speakeasy & Whisky Bar Hilton Petaling Jaya
Words: Stephen Reid
Photos: Peter Tan
Tucked away within the Hilton Petaling Jaya, RYE is a new whisky and speakeasy bar that defies expectations.
Eschewing the traditional stuffy, dark, and dingy atmosphere associated with many other whisky bars, the bar welcomes guests with a brightly lit hallway and a prominent backdrop of its name – a great spot for photos with friends or the live entertainment artists. This sets the stage for RYE’s contemporary chic and speakeasy charm blend. A marble-topped bar gleams under stylish pendant lights, and plush, patterned armchairs and sophisticated sofas invite us to settle in. Warm woods, brass accents, and captivating murals, including a notable nature-inspired scene behind the live music stage, create a luxurious yet intimately inviting setting for fine whisky and nightly performances. For more private gatherings, two elegant rooms are also available. RYE is also popular with the corporate and conference crowd, providing an ideal space for post-meeting drinks and client events.
At The Yum List, we spend a great deal of time with food and beverage professionals across Malaysia and beyond, and we’ve developed a knack for recognising those exceptionally suited to their roles. Our host at RYE, Fara, was a perfect example. We received an incredibly warm welcome and a tour of the brand-new establishment, which had opened just a few weeks prior. Fara’s infectious energy and enthusiasm for her workplace were evident as she graciously accommodated our photographer’s and reelographer’s requests – rearranging dishes and even posing for us, all with a cheerful smile. Her cheerful spirit only briefly softened ever so slightly when we mentioned our inability to stay for the live band that evening, as she was sure we would enjoy ourselves.
Fara told us that RYE’s ambience evolves throughout the evening, transitioning from a relaxed pre-dinner drinks spot to a vibrant after-dark destination. Live entertainment is central to this, enhancing the sophisticated atmosphere. The resident band, The Eclipse Project, performs soul, jazz, and R&B from midweek through the weekend. RYE also hosts monthly ticketed live music events featuring celebrity Malaysian artists.
RYE Menu – Hilton Petaling Jaya
Drinks Menu
The drinks menu at RYE presents a comprehensive selection, catering to various tastes. It features a mix of classic and international cocktails, a diverse range of spirits including an extensive whiskey and Scotch collection, gin, rum, vodka, and tequila, alongside aperitifs, liqueurs, a curated craft beer selection, and even non-alcoholic options like mocktails, juices, coffee, and tea. This broad assortment ensures that there’s something to please every palate, from those seeking familiar favourites to those wanting to explore more unique and premium offerings. However, given RYE’s focus on whiskey – a spirit central to the bar’s very identity – we would have appreciated a broader selection of small-batch whiskies available by the glass, allowing for a more in-depth exploration. (We have it on good authority that a bumping up of bottles is in the works.)
Craft Cocktails
In addition to the cocktails featured in the menu, we were pleased to discover a selection of craft cocktails available, showcasing the talents of expert mixologist Bob Kwa. Bob’s long and impressive career has been dedicated to crafting cocktails, and he has recently returned to Malaysia after gaining experience in numerous establishments overseas, most notably and recently in Zanzibar.
The RYEgroni (RM 55) was a must-try as the establishment’s signature cocktail. This inventive twist on the classic Negroni, a favourite of Monica’s, features the unexpected yet delightful addition of caramelised pineapple and even lavender-infused tea. In a departure from tradition, Bob crafts his own infusion, using bourbon instead of gin and incorporating local spices from Asia, including the aromatic cinnamon, cardamom, and nutmeg from northern Penang. The result is a sophisticated and intriguingly complex cocktail that elevates the familiar Negroni.
A truly great bar offers exceptional drinks and bartenders with captivating stories, and Bob certainly fits that bill. He shared the intriguing origin of the Peachy Blinders (RM 55), a cocktail inspired by his time in Birmingham, UK, during the filming of the TV series “Peaky Blinders.” Asked to create a peach drink for the cast, he crafted this surprisingly refreshing blend of his own lychee and lemon lemonade, a hint of peach syrup, local Malaya small-batch Malaysian Gin, fresh almond milk (also homemade), and aqua faba. Expertly shaken with ice to create a smooth, foamy texture, it’s served in a highball, adorned with thyme and an almond. Forget the cloying sweetness often associated with peach; Bob’s creation offers a light, almost elderflower-like taste that’s incredibly easy to drink and has star power.
Our quest for the perfect espresso Martini has led us to many bars, but RYE’s Resstini (RM 55) stands out as a truly distinctive creation. This after-dinner cocktail masterfully combines the unexpected: truffle-infused fat-washed whisky, cold-brewed espresso, a rich Guinness reduction, and vibrant passionfruit puree, all chilled and presented in a coupette. A final flourish of freshly grated Emmental cheese – chosen for its delicate flavour over sharper alternatives – adds another layer of intrigue. With its fascinating interplay of tastes, including a welcome touch of brightness from the passionfruit, the Resstini is a bold and bittersweet cocktail that adventurous palates should not miss. Our videographer Eugene’s enthusiastic reaction – “It made me see colours as I tasted it!” – speaks volumes about its complexity and creativity, or perhaps we are just working him too hard!
For our final cocktail, we had to sample the Jungle Bird (RM 55), a Malaysian classic born at the Kuala Lumpur Hilton. This iconic tropical concoction, first mixed in 1978 at the Aviary Bar, is known for its compelling sweet, sour, and bitter profile, traditionally built around the vibrant red and distinctly bitter Campari, balanced by pineapple juice, Demerara sugar syrup (or sometimes just standard sugar syrup), lime juice, and dark rum, all vigorously shaken and served over crushed ice. Bob elevates this classic by replacing the usual Demerara or simple sugar syrup with his own house-made salted caramel syrup, adding a richer and more nuanced sweetness. Furthermore, his Jungle Bird boasts a more delicate hue, suggesting a slightly lighter touch with the Campari, allowing the other flavours to shine more subtly. Adorned with a pineapple leaf, the resulting drink is remarkably easy-drinking, with the tropical pineapple beautifully nuanced by the salted caramel, making it a sophisticated and fitting tribute to its Malaysian origins and the Hilton.
Food Menu
We appreciated that the snack menu goes beyond the typical offerings of peanuts and olives; RYE features a variety of finger foods and a few pizzas, giving patrons the option of something a little more filling to accompany their drinks throughout the evening.
In keeping with the Malaysian theme established by our Jungle Bird cocktail, we had the classic Chicken Satay (RM 28) as our starter. Six skewers of delicious, juicy chicken arrived on top of a delightful miniature charcoal grill for tabletop cooking. This interactive element allowed us to cook the satay to our liking; I particularly enjoyed achieving a slightly charred and crispy exterior by leaving the skewers over the coals a bit longer. The chicken was then lavishly coated in a rich, thick peanut satay sauce and served with the customary sides of compressed rice, cucumber, and red onion.
Our photographer Peter was particularly impressed by the Deep-fried Buffalo Wings with Barbeque Sauce (RM 28). He described the experience of biting into the wings: a crisp batter giving way to juicy, moist chicken, with a deceptive kick from the spicy seasoning. Although accompanied by a small stainless steel pan of barbecue sauce, Peter suggested they were so flavourful that the sauce was almost unnecessary.
Next, we sampled the Baked Salmon and Potato Croquettes with Perchik Sauce (RM 30). Perchik sauce, a popular Malaysian condiment typically used to baste or marinate grilled chicken, was served in a small cast-iron pot alongside the croquettes. The presentation on a wooden carving board, garnished with alfalfa sprouts and flower petals, was lovely. The sauce was an excellent accompaniment to the croquettes, featuring a crisp shell encasing soft salmon-flecked potato.
Continuing with the salmon theme, and for our final bite, we sampled the Smoked Salmon and Pepper Tomato Salsa Bruschetta (RM 28), a refreshing and lighter option. Six pieces of toasted French bread were each topped with finely diced tomato and bell peppers, combined with small cubes of smoked salmon. This colourful salsa, along with crisp lettuce, delicate alfalfa sprouts and pea shoots, added a touch of freshness.
RYE Review
RYE, a new whisky and speakeasy bar within Hilton Petaling Jaya, offers a stylish departure from the typical dark and stuffy whisky bar. Instead, it presents a contemporary chic space where guests can enjoy a luxurious yet intimately inviting ambience and live music every evening with no cover charge. RYE showcases expertly crafted cocktails, thanks to the talent of mixologist Bob, who brings international experience to his creations, all complemented by the exceptional hospitality of staff like Fara. (A small tip for maximising comfort: RYE’s air conditioning can be pretty effective, like many indoor spaces in Malaysia. Those sensitive to cooler temperatures may wish to bring a light layer, such as a shawl or cardigan, to ensure a comfortable visit.)
Reasons to visit RYE: sophisticated ambience and attentive, friendly service; nightly live performances (soul, jazz, R&B); must-try the RYEgroni and the Peachy Blinders cocktails, and the adventurous should be sure to order the Resstini, a twist on an espresso martini topped with grated Emmental.
RYE Hilton Petaling Jaya
2, Jalan Barat, Pjs 52, 46200 Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
Link to RYE on Google Maps
@hiltonpetalingjaya
+6 037955 9122
RYE Opening Hours
Wednesday to Sunday: 4 pm to 1 am
(Hilton Honors members are eligible for discounts of up to 25%.)
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