Cover A series of sharing plates on Upper House’s menu (Photo: Upper House)
A series of sharing plates on Upper House’s menu (Photo: Upper House)
1 / 1
We speak to founders Alex Cheah and Kelvin Cheah who share more about the exciting new concept
The stark contrast between the rooftop glasshouse that sits on the top two floors of B Hotel Kuala Lumpur and the charming, chaotic bustle of the surrounding neighbourhood is undeniable. Located along Petaling Street, and unlike other speakeasy-style eateries or bars that seamlessly blend amongst the old buildings, Upper House is as modern and purpose-built as a restaurant can get.
The idea for Upper House, a modern Asian rooftop eatery, was born post-pandemic, with the hotel to showcase contemporary Malaysian cuisine in a tourist-friendly area. “And where better than in the heart of Chinatown?” Kelvin Cheah, co-founder of Karls Group, the parent company for Beta, Skillet, and now Upper House, grins. Kelvin and his twin brother, Alex, sit opposite me in the glass-panelled dining room, which overlooks the unobstructed view of the towering Merdeka 118.
Read more: Atelier Binchotan’s Ka Hong Lau and Celine Choong have just opened a new French bistro
Above Upper House’s unobstructed view of Merdeka 118
Above Sesame serenade cocktail
Upper House’s unobstructed view of Merdeka 118
1 / 2
The entire two floors that house the concept, levels 7 and 8, are completely new, built on top of the six-storey B Hotel. “We wanted to be one of the highest points in the area, so we decided to add the additional levels for Upper House,” Alex explains.
Above Kelvin Cheah, Raymond Tham, and Alex Cheah of Karls Group
Above The stunning dining room
Kelvin Cheah, Raymond Tham, and Alex Cheah of Karls Group
1 / 2
When it comes to the food, innovative sharing plates, conceptualised by the founders of Karls Group, take inspiration from Chinatown, namely the surrounding hawker stalls. “We took the team around the area to some of our favourite local eateries and to explore more hidden gems, which inspired our menu,” Kelvin adds.
Above Wagyu ox tongue on toast
Above Wagyu char siew
Wagyu ox tongue on toast
1 / 2
“We have crispy chee cheong fun, a clay pot rice bowl, and Wagyu char siew—elevated takes on nostalgic dishes.” Upper House also serves a series of crafted cocktails as the sun sets, with live entertainment and performances throughout the night.
Don’t miss: Nobu Kuala Lumpur presents a global 30-year-anniversary omakase menu
Above Upper House KL brings modern Asian sharing plates to the heart of Chinatown
Upper House KL brings modern Asian sharing plates to the heart of Chinatown
1 / 1
“In the long run, we hope Upper House will become a collection of rooftop restaurants, each inspired by its surrounding neighbourhood, whether here, or even Penang and Borneo,” Alex enthuses. “It is something completely different and we are so excited to see Upper House take off.”
NOW READ
6 new menus to try in Kuala Lumpur this October
10 new restaurants, cafés, and bars in Malaysia to visit in October 2024
A dive into caviar, the luxury ingredient taking Asia by storm
Credits
Images: Upper House
Topics
Best of Tatler Asia video highlights
Featured videos from around Tatler Asia: Get exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the interviews we do, the events we attend, the shoots we produce, and the incredibly important people who are part of our community
About
Katelyn is the dining and travel editor of Malaysia and Indonesia. Based in Kuala Lumpur, she offers readers an inside look at the movers and shakers in Asia’s growing food and beverage industry.
