Ajit preparing The Peranakans at R Bar in Kuala Lumpur. — Photo: CHAN TAK KONG/The Star
Every cocktail at R Bar tells a story of a specific area or shop in Kuala Lumpur.
This philosophy defines the modern, vibrant and unpretentious bar, which is built around a locally inspired narrative.
It aims to bring together international guests and locals through spontaneous, shared city experiences.
Drawing inspiration from Malaysian food, heritage and historic landmarks, the bar’s signature cocktails are crafted to spark curiosity about the city’s marvels.
For instance, the Memory Lane cocktail evokes the sights and smells of Chow Kit market, one of the largest wet markets in Malaysia.
This tropical drink pays homage to the market with toasted corn-infused Bacardi Black Rum, coconut oil-washed vodka, pineapple shrub and passion fruit, evoking the familiar scene of fresh fruit.
“The drink is reminiscent of traders peeling corn husks, with the fragrance of coconut and pineapple wafting through Chow Kit market,” said Renaissance Kuala Lumpur head mixologist Ajit Narinder.
“It brings people back to the food and goods found in the market.”
The silkiness of the oil-washed vodka and the smokiness of the black rum perfectly balance the sweetness from the pineapple and orange oleo saccharum.
The Nasi Lemak cocktail replicates the taste of the traditional dish.—CHAN TAK KONG/The Star
Another market reference is the Nasi Lemak cocktail, in which Ajit takes particular pride.
“Many have tried to replicate the taste. Some even added anchovies and peanuts, which are commonly found in the traditional dish.
“This version is perhaps the best that I have come up with,” he said.
Using sambal oil-washed light rum with coconut cream, ginger syrup, Basmati rice and lemongrass water, the cocktail successfully recreates the popular dish’s taste.
The rice and lemongrass water replicate the fragrance, while the sambal liqueur offers a hint of chilli to complement the balanced sweetness.
Having tried many quirky cocktails, I found that this concoction strikes the perfect balance in taste and aroma, making it truly wholesome.
Whisky lovers will gravitate towards The Merchants, the only whisky‑based signature cocktail on the menu, which pays tribute to the Kong Wooi Foong Tea Merchants established in Chinatown in 1928.
The Merchants
It features Dewar’s 15-year-old whisky-infused with black tea, Bentong ginger, grapefruit and Angostura bitters, finished with Earl Grey and tangerine smoke.
One first picks up notes of Earl Grey and, upon sipping, the earthiness of the black tea surges forward, creating different layers of complexity.
Another must-try is The Peranakans, a refreshing tropical mix of jackfruit-infused Volcan Blanco Tequila, Cointreau, butterfly pea syrup, lime juice, mango and longan soda.
The bar also serves non-alcoholic drinks and classic cocktails.
Beyond drinks, R Bar offers Malaysian dishes under Marriott Bonvoy’s “Malaysian Kitchen” campaign.
These include nasi lemak ayam rendang, beef satay, Sarawak laksa, chicken briyani and char kuey teow.
I ordered the char kuey teow and the flavours were spot-on, with adequate wok hei. It also came with plump, de-shelled prawns and squid rings.
Char kuay teow (front) and Sarawak Laksa.
R Bar also elevates the bar scene with weekly rituals and activations that put forth a local element.
From Negroni Night and Amaretto Day to DJ Takeover and Guest Shift, guests can engage in experiences and unique aesthetics to welcome the weekend every Friday night.
The Beverage Ritual experience is another signature offering from R Bar, where guests can enjoy a unique punch bowl featuring the mixologist’s pick for the day, either a low-ABV or zero-proof concoction, from 5.30pm to 6.30pm daily.
R BAR, Renaissance Kuala Lumpur Hotel and Convention Centre, Corner of Jalan Sultan Ismail and Jalan Ampang, Kuala Lumpur. (Tel: 03-2706 8088. WhatsApp: 012-266 5987) Business Hours: 10am to midnight, daily.
This is the writer’s personal observation and is not an endorsement by StarMetro.
