Reka:Bar

Concealed above the streets of Bukit Damansara lies Reka:Bar—a “postmodern flavour lab” and one of Kuala Lumpur’s most boundary-pushing cocktail experiences. Since opening in November 2021, Reka has quickly climbed to prominence, earning a spot among Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2024. The bar is designed like a futuristic spaceship workshop: glowing neon strips, low ceilings, sleek grey marble bar counters, and sophisticated mixology equipment like rotary evaporators, centrifuges, and fermentation vessels line the ‘Flavour Lab.’. The name “Reka”, meaning “creation,” reflects the bar’s ethos—crafting novel sensory experiences through innovative techniques. Cocktail offerings revolve around creative menus like "The Domino Effect," where each drink shares a key ingredient with the next—creating a playful chain reaction of flavor. There’s also the Spotlight Menu, which explores themes in depth. Ingredients are maximized—banana peels, jackfruit seeds, and other underused components are repurposed, reflecting the team’s sustainability commitment. Cofounder Nick Choo describes Reka as a journey of the senses inspired by “a place where we could take guests on an adventure,” capturing both the lab-like aesthetic and experiential aim. Behind the bar, head bartenders Joel Poon and team deliver molecular-level craftsmanship, often inviting guests into the “playground” to witness the extraction and flavor-development process up close. Complementing the cocktails is an elevated bar-bite menu—think popcorn chicken wings, creative fusion snacks like jackfruit seed pakoras, and visually striking desserts—all designed to match the scientific artistry of the drinks. Operationally, Reka:Bar is smart casual but cheekily notes that even a “great Burning Man costume” is welcome. Reservations are highly recommended—and nearly essential—to secure one of the coveted 20 bar-counter or table seats in this intimate space.