Concubine KL: Restaurant & Bar in Chinatown

Kuala Lumpur's Chinatown has recently undergone a revival, much to the delight of KL-ites. The rebirth of Kwai Chai Hong in the heart of Chinatown brings new restaurants, bars and cafes as well as interactive murals for us to explore in the area.

Flirtatious and funky while keeping up with Chinatown’s heritage, Concubine KL is a new restaurant and bar inspired by the events that took place within its walls. The tasteful interior, red lanterns and striking murals on the walls set the right mood for this restaurant and bar that wishes to portray its namesake as the independent woman that she is.

The kitchen here at Concubine KL is helmed by mixologist-turned-chef, Danny Winter who introduces an Asian slant into Western favourites and vice versa. Creative cocktails showcasing local ingredients such as chrysanthemum, hibiscus, asam keping, bunga kantan , duku langsat, nutmeg and jackfruit also takes the spotlight here.

On the food menu, you will find light bites such as tostada, dumplings, skewers as well as grilled mains and salads. Start with the Keropok nachos (RM15) - instead of tortilla chips, crispy fish crackers (aka keropok) is topped with sambal balado and sambal hijau, pink pickled onion, jalapeno, tempeh, coriander and ikan bilis. Crunchy, slightly spicy, definitely addictive.

The Tuna tostada (RM22) was my personal favourite. A burst of wonderful, fresh flavours - chopped raw tuna dressed with yuzu and ponzu, and tossed with shiso, avocado, sesame, cucumber and crispy garlic are topped on a crisp deep fried mini tortilla.

So you think you're having gyozas, but when you pop one into your mouth, it's cheese burger you taste! That's exactly how we felt when we had the dbl cheese burger gyoza (RM18) at Concubine KL. The gyoza dumplings are filled with beef, and then topped with sharp cheddar, cheese sauce, onion and mustard, with pickles on the side - for that unmistakable cheese burger flavour.

Charred lettuce (RM22) -gem lettuce are charred over the grill and topped with bonito flakes and tobiko sauce for that umami kick.

The Green tea smoked lamb rack (RM38) was another winner - smoked with green tea, the tender meat, sprinkled with ras el hanout, a Morrocan mix spice blend, was flavourful and juicy and paired beautifully with the miso aubergine.

Cocktails - Yuzu Spritz, a refreshing creation using gin, yuzu, fresh lemon juice and finished with a fresh kaffir lime leaf. The Hibiscus, an elegant drink using hibiscus infused tequila, lime juice, agave syrup, aperol and egg white.

Concubine KL - upper level bar 

Lady with the butterfly tattoo

Concubine KL - Ground floor bar and dining area

Concubine KL - Ground floor bar and dining area

Kwai Chai Hong, Chinatown KL

Reservations recommended. Book your table online here:

Pork-free.

Opening hours: Sun - Thur 5pm - 1am. Fri & Sat 5pm - 2am. Closed on Mondays.

Location: Concubine KL, Lot 2, Lorong Panggung, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (Kwai Chai Hong, Chinatown).

Tel: 014-711 2185

Nearest MRT: Pasar Seni (200m).


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