Basic HTML Version
40 ~ FireFlyz
Savour
A Charming Space
Barlai is a watering
hole which has a strong
personality and is yet
another winner from the
BIG Group. Occupying
one of Kuala Lumpur’s
few remaining and well
preserved British colonial-era
bungalows, Barlai’s decaying
walls, bamboo blinds, naked
light bulbs illuminating
the space beautifully and
white window panes reflect
a bygone era. This oasis
of calm offers a menu
specialising in affordable
cocktails using local
ingredients.
M
ore
than
just a bar, the
space also
hosts gigs,
readings
and exhibitions are held upon
request. Narrow stairs lead down
to themezzanine floor, where
all this happens. Pay attention
to where you are going and you
may stumble across the ‘secret’
room, where comfy beanbags are
accessible by a double-decker-
style climb.
Taking requests
Recommended drinks include the out-
let’s version of the classic Sling cocktail
filledwith rum, gin, vodka, calamansi and
ginger ale; andMilo Kawmade from Irish
BarLai
3, Jalan Sin ChewKee, Bukit Bintang,
50150 Kuala Lumpur,
Tel: +60 16 6810 671
whiskey, hazelnut liqueur andMilo. The
Barlai Pina Colada, with a unique twist of
pandan syrup,meanwhile, is a hit among
the ladies.
The bartender also entertains custom-
ers’ requests to whip up treats not listed
in themenu. I asked for a Long Island
Iced Tea, and enjoyed his unique twist
of infusing it with lemon juice and sugar
syrup.
On some days, it gets crowded here
and the crowd is amix of business types
and backpackers. Come early for the
best seats in the house – at the front
courtyard or veranda that’s next to the
white wooden door entrance andwindow
panes.
If you find that you have had toomuch
to drink, do not try to get to the ‘secret
room’. Those stairs are not the easiest to
climb when you have had a few.
Come early for the best seats in the house
– at the front courtyard or veranda that’s
next to thewhitewooden door entrance
andwindowpanes.
Barlai’s decaying
walls, bamboo blinds,
naked light bulbs
illuminating the space
beautifully andwhite
windowpanes reflect a
bygone era.
Thewarm lighting
inside of Barlai.
Photo & Words: Tan Hee Hui