Mix It Up: Where to Go for a Taste of Kuala Lumpur’s Rich Culture

For seven consecutive years, the Art Deco–style Bar Trigona at Four Seasons Hotel Kuala Lumpur has earned recognition as one of Asia’s 50 Best Bars. Under the creative direction of head bartender Rohan Matmary, who also serves as the hotel’s beverage manager, the bar distinguishes itself not only for its unforgettable cocktails, but also for a deep commitment to local ingredients and sustainability. Through its Tree-Volution initiative, the property supports tree planting in Malaysia, including at Trigona Farm, which grows produce exclusively for Bar Trigona. 

Originally from Mumbai, India, Matmary brings both innovation and heart to his work, along with a love of Malaysia’s capital city. “Kuala Lumpur has a sense of community,” he says. “There is a unique joy and unity in the way people of different origins come together to celebrate the country’s rich heritage.” 

Below, he shares his favourite go-to spots in Kuala Lumpur.

Neighbour Club by JWC: “This is one of my favourite coffee spots. What sets them apart is the way they approach coffee with the kind of precision you would expect in a cocktail bar, yet they make it accessible to everyone. I also admire that they highlight locally sourced Malaysian coffee, which is still relatively rare to find in cafés across the city.” 

Bar Trigona: “One of the initiatives I am most proud of is Bar Trigona’s Single Origin section on the cocktail menu. Each drink in this series celebrates a single ingredient harvested at Trigona Farm, using every part of the plant. A recent standout is Banana, built entirely around the Pisang Mas tree. We vacuum cook the fruit with Tuak, a traditional Malaysian rice wine, to create a light yet complex serve that has quickly become a symbol of Bar Trigona’s new identity: cocktails that are conscious, creative, and deeply connected.” 

Penrose: “Among my favourite [bars] is Penrose, where the hospitality is consistently warm and the cocktails are crafted to an international standard.” (Matmary notes that he also enjoys Three x Co and Cabinet 8, “both of which bring a refined touch to mixology,” and “for a distinctly Malaysian perspective,” he says, “I often turn to Coley and Reka.”) 

Ruma: “I find inspiration in Ruma, a Malaysian brand that draws on Scandinavian minimalism. Their designs are simple yet sophisticated.” 

Batu Caves: “I enjoy starting my mornings here. Arriving early, when the air is cool and filled with the aroma of morning dew and temple rituals, creates a serene atmosphere. The 272-step climb feels both invigorating and rewarding, offering a perspective of the city that is hard to match.” 

Chinatown: “One of my favourite experiences [offered by Four Seasons Hotel Kuala Lumpur] is Evenings in Chinatown, which brings together the energy of a hip neighbourhood with the rich food-and-beverage culture that makes Kuala Lumpur so unique.” 

Dewakan: “This is [among] my most recommended dining experiences in Kuala Lumpur. The tasting menus celebrate local harvests with creativity and finesse, using indigenous ingredients in thoughtful, seasonal expressions. The setting on the 48th floor, with sweeping city views, makes it an experience that feels both rooted in Malaysia and elevated to a global stage.” 

Nadodi: “The restaurant resonates with me on a cultural level, as it reimagines the flavours of South India in an avant-garde style. It delivers refined, region-inspired curations that feel both personal and innovative. Overlooking the [Petronas] Twin Towers, it creates an intimate setting that beautifully balances heritage with modernity.”  

Four Seasons Hotel Kuala Lumpur

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