Cover Chloe Tan boasts a huge following on Instagram (@lizzchloe/Instagram)
Chloe Tan boasts a huge following on Instagram (@lizzchloe/Instagram)
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A toast to the top Malaysian women in the local cocktail scene
Making a cocktail goes beyond a simple mix or shake of ingredients and liquors. A talented bartender is a great host to the guests at the bar, is creative on the fly and caters to differing palates. It takes creativity, experimentation and flavour development to build a stunning cocktail.
As with many other male-dominated industries, women in bartending work face their own set of challenges including being marginalised and having little or lack of role models. These eight Malaysian women, however, have persevered and worked their way through to becoming some of the most talented and respected individuals in the industry.
Read more: Shirmy Chan’s Bar Terumi is one of Malaysia’s few female-owned bars
1. Shirmy Chan
Above Shirmy Chan at Bar Terumi (Photo: Daniel Adams)
Shirmy Chan at Bar Terumi (Photo: Daniel Adams)
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Making a name for herself in some of Kuala Lumpur's most prominent bars such as 61Monarchy, Shirmy Chan now leads and owns Bar Terumi in Taman Paramount. With Bar Terumi, Chan aims to create a safe space for everyone at the bar from patrons to bartenders.
2. Angel Ng
Above Angel Ng boasts an impressive portfolio (Photo: Angel Ng)
Angel Ng boasts an impressive portfolio (Photo: Angel Ng)
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Angel Ng has been a leading figure in the local cocktail industry for years. With notable stints at PS150 and The REX Bar, Ng now leads the team at local food collective Triptyk's namesake bar, which focuses on zero waste and champions zero-proof alcohol.
3. Amanda Wan
Above Amanda Wan's work has been praised by many across the continent (Photo: @awwsquirrel/Instagram)
Amanda Wan's work has been praised by many across the continent (Photo: @awwsquirrel/Instagram)
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Having been in the industry for over a decade now, Amanda Wan is a trailblazer in the local cocktail industry. Her job has taken her to cities like Singapore and Hong Kong, and she currently serves as Wholly Spirits' advisor.
4. Chloe Tan
Above Chloe Tan is a force to be reckoned with in the bartending industry (Photo: Chloe Tan)
Chloe Tan is a force to be reckoned with in the bartending industry (Photo: Chloe Tan)
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The only female bartender in the Global Top 5 of the 'Hennessy My Way 2022' challenge, Chloe Tan is undoubtedly talented. She has made waves in the local industry at Johor's Cabinet 8 by JWC.
Don't miss: By the Glass: Chloe Tan, award-winning mixologist
5. Hanna Razali
Above Hanna Razali is Backdoor Bodega's sole female bartender (Photo: @backdoorbodega/Instagram)
Hanna Razali is Backdoor Bodega's sole female bartender (Photo: @backdoorbodega/Instagram)
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Hanna Razali's first foray into the industry was at Mighty Monster in Kuala Lumpur before moving to popular hot chicken sandwich spot, Fowlboys. She has since found her calling in the bartending world and is currently impressing with her cocktails at Penang's famed Backdoor Bodega.
6. Megan Lim
Above Megan Lim treats cocktail making as a creative outlet (Photo: @red_unnie/Instagram)
Megan Lim treats cocktail making as a creative outlet (Photo: @red_unnie/Instagram)
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Getting her start in the coffee world, Megan Lim was enamoured by the cocktail industry and the rest was history. She has worked with renowned brands like Chivas Regal and Roku Gin and is currently serving up some of the most delicious cocktails in the city at BAC in Bukit Damansara.
Read more: Ask an Expert: How to craft an award-winning cocktail menu
7. Raz Ng
Above Raz Ng sees her job as creating drinkable art (Photo: @razxberry/Instagram)
Raz Ng sees her job as creating drinkable art (Photo: @razxberry/Instagram)
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Citing Angel Ng as one of her inspirations, Raz Ng is revered in the local cocktail industry. Recently, she has taken her talents to renowned restaurant Rosemead, and rum-focused bar Sugarhall, across the causeway to Singapore.
8. Tracia Chan
Above Tracia Chan got her start in the coffee industry (Photo: @tracia____/Instagram))
Tracia Chan got her start in the coffee industry (Photo: @tracia____/Instagram))
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Tracia Chan believes in the art of cocktails. Currently at beloved bar Dissolved Solids and its new sister bar Soluble Solids, Tracia Chan is a central player in the local cocktail game, especially when it comes to playful takes on local ingredients.
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Amanda is a KL-born and raised third culture kid, who lives to eat. If not found reading, writing for Tatler Dining, or snacking, she is most likely playing with her dog, Katsu, sourcing new Birkenstocks, or looking for a new restaurant to venture to.
Follow her on Instagram at @feedingamanda.
