Cover Jann captures the soul of Chinatown with every detail and every pour

Where history, culture, and craft cocktails collide—Jann brings Chinatown’s legacy to life with every sip

Perched high above the heartbeat of Chinatown, Jann is a spirited sanctuary that captures the essence of Kuala Lumpur’s most storied neighbourhood. As the streets below buzz with life—hawker stalls sizzling, lanterns swaying in the breeze—Jann offers a moment of pause, a space where time slows just enough for memories to be made. Every corner of the bar tells a story, from the soft glow that dances across polished surfaces to the rhythmic clink of glasses in celebration. Here, heritage is not just remembered—it is reimagined, poured into every glass and echoed in every warm exchange. With its magnetic energy and skyline views, Jann invites guests to not only drink in the city’s past but to become part of its ever-evolving narrative. Whether you are seeking a quiet sunset moment or a vibrant night out, Jann is where stories begin and Chinatown’s legacy continues—one sip at a time. It is no wonder Jann was voted one of Tatler’s Best 20 Bars in Malaysia for 2025!

See also: Royal Salute unveils the 62 Gun Salute Collection

Inspired by the story of a young girl named Jann, who grew up amidst Chinatown’s lively energy, the bar pays homage to the area’s rich history. Each cocktail tells a tale, celebrating legendary figures, traditional trades, and cultural quirks that define the neighbourhood. It’s no wonder Jann has earned its stripes as one of the 100 Best Bars at the Tatler Best of Asia Awards.

Tatler Asia
Above Crafted with care and inspired by culture

Leading the charge is up-and-coming bartender Aaron Lee, whose passion for mixology shines through in every creation. With a knack for reimagining classics using local ingredients, Aaron has quickly made his mark, earning accolades like Top 12 Finalist in the MONIN Cup Malaysia 2024.

See also: The easy way to make a strawberry matcha latte

Tatler Asia
Above All of Jann's signature cocktails

The drinks menu is a journey through Chinatown’s flavours. The Dear Jann is a whisky-based delight, blending Lilet Rose, Jasmine Soda, and citrus, finished with preserved orange peel for a sweet-sour-salty kick. For something creamy and comforting, the Tau Foo Fah transforms the beloved tofu dessert into a silky blend of spiced rum and homemade soy curd. And for a savoury twist, the Bak Kwa highball pairs whisky with the smoky richness of local meat jerky, a nod to Petaling Street’s culinary heritage.

Tatler Asia
Above The famous Tau Foo Fah

Whether you are sipping cocktails under the stars or soaking in the vibrant ambiance, every moment here feels like a celebration of Chinatown’s enduring spirit. Come to Jann for the views, stay for the stories, and leave with a taste of Kuala Lumpur’s heart and soul.

NOW READ

Yen: where imperial flavours are elevated

Small plates made local at Copaa

Scorched with heritage: Firewood Penang ignites culinary tradition

Credits

Images: Tatler+

Topics

Raisa Zulqaisar
Dining Writer, Tatler Malaysia
Tatler Asia
Raisa Zulqaisar

About

Raisa, our Dining Writer, grew up in a multicultural household where food was more than just a meal—it was a way of expressing love. With Malay, Chinese, and Indian heritage, she was constantly surrounded by diverse flavors, home-cooked feasts, and the joy of sharing meals with family.

Her passion for food deepened during her studies in the UK, where she experienced vastly different dining cultures. A firm believer in the power of food to tell stories, she loves traveling, experimenting with local dishes, and uncovering hidden gems to share with others.

When she’s not writing about food, she’s likely munching on chips, chocolates, or whatever snack is within reach.

Work

Raisa covers all things food and drink, from emerging dining trends to timeless culinary traditions. She enjoys spotlighting new talent, discovering innovative menus, and sharing the best of the local dining scene with the world.

Follow her on Instagram @raisazulqaisar