In A galaxy not so far away – or perhaps on the mezzanine floor of a shoplot in Taman Paramount, Petaling Jaya – lies a bar that brings pop culture to life through whimsical, craft cocktails.
From drinks inspired by Super Mario’s favourite food to imaginative concoctions served in cups crafted to pop culture characters like Yoda, The Rebel Penguin of Whimzy Town offers a delightful mash-up of nostalgia and whimsy.
“So try, you must,” as Yoda would say, and step into a world where every sip takes you on a journey of reminiscence.
“The Rebel Penguin aims to put the fun back into cocktails by drawing inspiration from pop culture.
“We wanted to create a unique and maximalist experience for our guests, to let them enjoy the full extent of our hospitality,” said bar owner and mixologist Alvin Au Yong.
When asked about the bar’s intriguing name, he explained that it reflected its quirky concept.
“I’ve always liked penguins.They’re cute and adaptable.
“We’re doing something different compared to other bars.
“It is like being rebellious and breaking away from rules and trends, to create a fictional world where all manner of whimsicality takes place” he said.
Previously, Au Yong operated The Rebel Penguin of Funky Town at Wisma Cosway, Kuala Lumpur.
The bar was relocated to PJ and rebranded.
It offers a slightly larger space with seating for about 25 guests.
One can see brightly-lit neon decor and plenty of game and movie characters on display.
There’s a playable arcade game in the corner of the room.
If you are observant, you can even spot several penguin plushies at the bar.
Guests can start off with the Brick Energy cocktail – a refreshing, bubbly concoction of longan- infused whisky, Ambarella vermouth, scented geranium, sour grape and oolong tea soda.
Served in a customisable brick-studded cup, the cocktail is topped with a seaweed rice cracker and longan.
The sweetness of the longan balances beautifully with the subtle earthy undertones, making it a delight to sip.
A nod to the beloved game series Super Mario is the Mama Mia!
Inspired by Mario’s love of spaghetti, the drink is served in a Mario-themed cup, complete with his iconic red hat as the lid.
This inventive cocktail combines olive oil-washed gin, shiitake mushroom sherry, peach liqueur, sea buckthorn and lemon juice.
The result is an aroma reminiscent of marinara sauce.
“‘I use a block of clarified tomato ice that will elevate the flavour of the cocktail over time, once dilution kicks in.
“This incorporates another layer of savouriness to the cocktail,” said Au Yong.
The savoury and tart cocktail is garnished with a gooseberry, mushroom chip and dehydrated tomato slice, all of which complement the drink’s complex profile.
For those seeking something more spirit-forward, the Gym Bro cocktail is a standout.
It features peanut butter- washed bourbon, haskap berry, aged soy sauce, cacao bitters and clarified feta cheese, with sage as a garnish.
The slight nuttiness pairs seamlessly with the umami-rich ingredients to create a bold and balanced drink.
True to its name, it’s served in a cup shaped like a muscular, flexing torso.
For groups, the Par-Tea Starter is a must-try.
This sharing portion cocktail combines gin, apricot brandy, absinthe, longan blossom honey, bergamot and rose tea, as well as lemon juice.
It’s served in a whimsical Beauty and the Beast-inspired teapot and teacup set featuring Mrs Potts and Chip.
The bar also offers shots, mocktails and bar snacks, ensuring there’s something for everyone.
With its charmingly eccentric atmosphere and inventive drinks, The Rebel Penguin of Whimzy Town is more than just a bar – it’s a playground for the imagination.
Reservations are recommended for larger groups, as space is limited.
THE REBEL PENGUIN OF WHIMZY TOWN, 37A, Jalan 20/16, Taman Paramount, Petaling Jaya. (Tel: 011-2506 3313) Business hours: 6pm to midnight (Wednesday to Saturday)
This is the writer’s personal observation and not an endorsement by StarMetro.
