Taking over Barlai’s old spot at Sekeping Sin Chew Kee is Pahit, the latest specialist bar to open in KL. Run by CK – the brains behind popular Bangsar watering hole Coley – Pahit specialises in all things gin, from gin-based cocktails to the classic gin and tonics.
The bar is hidden between two busy roads – Jalan Hang Jebat and Jalan Pudu – notorious for their never-ending traffic jams, a place one would never expect such a calm and quiet bar to exist. It’s located along a quiet row of old houses which date back to the 1920s; this location along with a small courtyard decked out with rattan chairs and short tables provide a quaintly charm; a nice respite from the hustle and bustle of the city without having to travel too far. Perfect for after-work drinks.
If you’re a fan of gin, you might have a tough time deciding which gin to choose. The menu boasts an impressive list of gins from all over the world. For beginners who might find gin slightly too bitter, we recommend one of the fruit-infused G&Ts; the lychee and ginger flower version in particular. The lychee gives the drink a refreshing sweetness, which is balanced wonderfully with the spice of the ginger flower.
For cocktails, go for the house specialty, Gin Pahit #2 – the bar’s take of the classic cocktail Pink Gin. It’s a mix of London dry gin, orange bitters, lime and their own homemade falernum syrup, resulting in a bitter cocktail similar to the original, but with a hint of sweetness to make it more palatable for our local taste buds. Another (very) refreshing cocktail is the Pineapple Smash – a concoction of Bols Genever, pineapple juice, vermouth, mint and their homemade raspberry and bay leaf shrub. It’s a perfect blend of sweet and sour, making it the ultimate post-work drink after a long week.