AS far as speakeasies go, the prominent ones are usually found in Kuala Lumpur, specifically in areas like Petaling Street, Taman Tun Dr Ismail, and Damansara Heights. However, a new and stylish hangout spot for unique cocktails and delicious food has emerged in SS2, Petaling Jaya, exposing the secret scene. Rahsia, which means “secret” in Malay, is an enchanting and elegantly designed bar led by Elizabeth David, a certified pastry chef from Ipoh, Perak. David decided to open this bar after returning to the Klang Valley once the Covid-19 movement restrictions were lifted.
Industrial yet playful is the vibe in this secret bar in Petaling Jaya.
“It wasn’t planned and I was thinking about what to do after my stints in France and the US. Then I saw that a shoplot was available for rent in SS2 and two weeks later, I secured the location and went for it,” she told StarMetro. As a tribute to the concept of a secret bar, she chose the name “Rahsia”. From the exterior, guests can notice artificial green foliage on the second-floor balcony, which serves as the bar’s alfresco area. Upon entering through the door, a staircase leads to an entrance adorned with green foliage. Guests need to locate the flower door knob to gain access.
The bar’s interior features a tropical yet industrial decor, complemented by purple neon lights, creating a fun and retro atmosphere. The cool and concrete finish of the bar top harmonizes with the earthy tones throughout. The balcony is a great spot for those seeking fresh air while enjoying their meals and drinks while observing the bustling surroundings. Back inside, at one end of the bar, a mural of a woman with a finger to her lips, symbolizing silence, decorates the feature wall. David engaged a local mural artist to accomplish this unique 3D effect using hanging leaves.
The cocktail menu features 12 original and artfully crafted concoctions that utilize locally infused liquors instead of syrups. The menu also offers mocktails like the Chilli Boost. One of the highlights is the Rahsia cocktail, which combines butterfly pea-infused Roku gin, elderflower liquor, sake, orange bitters, and roselle tonic, providing a floral experience for gin lovers. For fans of dark spirit-based drinks, the Money Maker, consisting of plantation rum, Dom Benedictine, Campari, and orange bitters, is a flavor explosion with a hint of citrus.
Mocktail Chilli Boost. — Photos: IZZRAFIQ ALIAS/The StarAnother recommended cocktail is the Linghum Sweet Skip, a fruity and fun blend of Cuban rum, Campari, passionfruit, pineapple and lemon juices, and sugar syrup. The Lost in Passion cocktail combines Rahsia’s homemade asam boi-infused tequila with Chardonnay, a secret syrup, and roselle tonic, resulting in herbaceous aromatics that celebrate sweet and sour notes. In terms of food, Rahsia offers a variety of appetizers, pasta dishes, mains with various protein options, pizzas, and small bites.
Pasta aficionados can indulge in the Vongole with Mixed Shell, which stands out with its umami flavor, robust sauce, and perfectly cooked clams. Meat lovers can satisfy their hunger with the barbecue beef back ribs or the splurge-worthy 24k Golden Grill Rib Eye Steak. The Rahsia Signature Golden Creamy Truffle pizza comes highly recommended and is a must-try for pizza enthusiasts.
Location: Rahsia Speakeasy Bar, 58A, Jalan SS2/66, SS2, Petaling Jaya, Selangor. Operating hours: 5pm-1am (Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday), 5pm-2am (Friday to Sunday), closed on Tuesday.
Note: This article reflects the writer’s personal observations and does not serve as an endorsement by StarMetro.
Credit: The Star : Metro Feed
