Gin specialists Pahit on Jalan Sin Chew Kee mix old-world charm and creative cocktails, making for a new and authentic Malaysian night spot.
Photo: Shaffiq Farhan/Malaysia Tatler
Malaysia is currently undergoing a gin revolution, with more locals developing a taste for the clear Juniper flavoured spirit.
Sensing this demand and being a gin lover himself, local bartending legend CK recently opened his latest bar Pahit.
Taking over Barlai's old spot, the gin specialists occupy a heritage lot on Jalan Sin Chew Kee, blending old-world charm with a modern bar setup that respects the venue's roots.
Photo: Shaffiq Farhan/Malaysia Tatler
The bar is small enough to feel intimate yet big enough to have a number of medium-sized parties at any given time.
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The focus here is clearly on gin, with more than 60 bottles of the clear spirit currently stocked for juniper lovers to discover.
With so many to choose from, take a cue from us and order these five delicious cocktails for a guaranteed win.
Swipe right to discover these amazing cocktails
Photo: Shaffiq Farhan/Malaysia Tatler
One of the bar's signatures is the Gin Pahit #2, a cocktail with a slightly bitter entry and a ginger-like spiciness that stays on the tongue. The cocktail has a clear citrus influence and is suitable to either start or end your night.
Photo: Shaffiq Farhan/Malaysia Tatler
Yet another one of Pahit's highlights, pineapple smash is a refreshing yet strong drink. The taste of gin is quite a kick to the nose, bitter yet well rounded on the palate. If you're looking for something stiff with a subtle taste of pineapple, this slow sipper is a good drink to take your time and enjoy the bar's ambiance.
Photo: Shaffiq Farhan/Malaysia Tatler
Fruit infused gin cocktails also steal the spotlight on the menu, offering new ways to explore the dynamic spirit beyond the classic gin and tonic. This ginger flower and lychee version has flavours that hits close to home, with a strong lychee presence and a light herbal finish. Easy to enjoy, smooth and light on the palate, this is a cocktail that is hard to put down.
Photo: Shaffiq Farhan/Malaysia Tatler
Another clear winner, this pineapple and basil fruit gin was an instant favourite of ours. Packed with a strong pineapple flavour with a hint of basil at the end, this cocktail is tropical, easy to love and incredibly refreshing.
Photo: Shaffiq Farhan/Malaysia Tatler
As Malaysian as you can get, this calamansi asamboi is the sophisticated, older brother of limau ais. A sweet-sour combo from the lime will be first thing that hits you. Refreshingly tasty, the asamboi tastes comes into play as the drink dilutes and opens up, making the drink's flavour profile evolve as time goes on.
Pahit is located at 3, Jalan Sin Chew Kee, Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur. Contact them at 603-2110 0776 or visit their Facebook page here.
For more places to drink: the lounge at Marini's On 57 promises great exclusive cocktails with a killer view