Concubine KL Is A New Bar With Old-School Murals, Heritage Vibes & Locally-Inspired Cocktails

Concubine KL, Kwai Chai Hong

Kwai Chai Hong has recently topped our list of photo-worthy spots in KL with its secret alley of murals that radiates George Town, Penang vibes. 

Now there’s a new spot to add to your list when you’re in the neighbourhood: Concubine KL is a new bar on Jalan Panggong that’s home to even more old-school murals, splashes of neon lights, Asian-inspired snacks and creative cocktails. Here’s why this new bar’s high up on our radar:

It’s a secret hideout on Jalan Panggong

The bar is tucked away in a back alley, but you’ll instantly recognise it thanks to its bright yellow facade.

Follow the yellow brick walls to get to this restaurant and bar, which takes its name after the flurry of activities that once took place here.

But not all history is lost with their occupation of this old building. Step inside and it’ll feel like you’ve travelled back in time with their throwback murals and age-worn walls that’s been kept intact and given a coat of sultry deep red. 

Murals, neon lights & an outdoor balcony

The murals were done by local artists to emulate those you’d see on the streets of Penang

You may want to take some time to explore this place a little once you’re here. Follow the neon lights up the staircase, which remains unchanged from the original structure, to the 2nd floor of Concubine KL. There’s another bar area up here that has splashes of red from traditional and modern hanging lanterns, and more old-school murals you can admire from the additional tables.

And for a change of scene and breath of fresh air, head out to their outdoor balcony that has even more cosy seating areas that look out into the back alley that’s lined with murals.

You can also score a view of the building’s surrounding murals of old-school scenes on Kwai Chai Hong – including the iconic grumpy lady from Kung Fu Hustle who’s also the face of Sugar Mummy Boba, a new bubble tea joint in KL.

Concubine KL has Asian-inspired food and cocktails

Take in the ambience of this bar with their series of alcoholic beverages that include wine that you can order by the glass (from RM30) or bottle (from RM160). A must-try are the Asian-inspired cocktails (from RM18) that infuses local ingredients such as asam keping and jackfruit.  

Roots, a refreshing and tart cocktail infused with asam keping, tumeric and carrot.
Image credit: @concubine_kl

There’s also a selection of beer (from RM18), and choices of spirits such as Nikka from the Barrel (RM48/glass) and Jack Daniel’s (RM24/glass). 

For those who prefer non-alcoholic drinks, there’s also a range of beverages from Lattes (RM12) and Black Bootch Kombucha (RM15) to Fresh Pineapple Juice (RM16). 

Keropok lekor served like a bowl of nachos

Have them over a bowl of Keropok Nachos (RM15), which is a modern take on keropok lekor with red and green chili pastes, or their Cheeseburger Gyoza (RM18) that’s filled with the flavours of the American classic.

The new Concubine KL at Kwai Chai Hong

Mural of a woman in a cheongsam made up of real fabrics with Asian-inspired motifs, which is a modern spin on the women who once frequented these streets 

With its many artsy corners and rich heritage, Kwai Chai Hong has been saving KL-ites the long journey to Penang for IG-worthy photos with street art. 

This pop-up bar has now expanded from being a back alley shop to its own establishment

And with the recent addition of Concubine KL and their murals of hardcore ladies and traces of history still present within their cosy space, you’ll have a new spot in the city to kick it back over unique offerings of food and drinks.

Address: Lot 2 Lorong Panggung, Kwai Chai Hong Chinatown, 50000 Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: Tue-Thu 5PM-1AM | Fri-Sat 5PM-3AM | Sun 5PM-1AM (Closed on Mondays)
Telephone: 014-711 2185
Website

For more cafes and restaurants to kick it back in the city, check out our other articles: 

• Cafes with old-school aesthetics in KL
• Cafes for coffee connoisseurs in KL 
• Brunch spots in Puchong
• Bites Dessert Bar – a conveyor belt buffet
• BBQ KL Kemensah – dine on lobsters in a river
• Book cafes in Klang Valley

Photography by Janet Cho.