JungleBird — Restaurant in Kuala Lumpur

Ranked #35 of Asia's Top 50 bars, I was keen to try its cocktails. Quality, flavour, and creativity of the cocktails was there. I enjoyed a lot of the Malaysian twists. The rojak cocktail did really taste like a liquid rojak. We tried three unique cocktails.

However, a few instances did make an impression enough for me to mention;

1. One of the garnishes in our drink had turned (expired and was not safe to eat). When my guest pointed it out, we were told that they "don't suggest we eat the garnish". As is done in some higher-end bars, I assumed it was the small bite that's paired with the drink to enhance the flavours. Whether or not it should be eaten, an expired ingredient should not be in our drink. We let them know in case there were other items made with that ingredient.

2. We were asked for feedback so my guest, who is a trained chef, gave an opinion about the balance of flavours in one of the drinks. We were then told "we've made it this way many times and people like it." You asked for our feedback and then get defensive?

3. When we asked about a specific cocktail, our server said they didn't like it and wouldn't recommend it. I appreciate the honesty, but at this caliber, every drink should be crafted to their best. Instead of objecting, I'd expect a server to provide the drink's primary flavours and describe it to allow the customer to make a decision.

So rating drinks alone, 4.5/5. The service staff do seem nice, but the execution had surprising gaps for a bar of this reputation. They should have noted the rancid ingredient and replaced the drink immediately. Instead we were offered excuses and defensiveness. Certainly good drinks, but it pains me to say that the overall experience was not up to par for...

I have been to JungleBird several times during its 8-year history in Malaysia (as of 2025). And during each of those visits, I have continued to be amazed by this little bar nestled in the hotchpotch of shops in Plaza Damansara.

Situated amidst a throng of other bars and pubs, JungleBird distinguishes itself in 4 ways - a deep focus on rum, maintaining an authentic and cozy ambience, a creative and well executed menu of food and drink, and attentive service. No surprise when the owner told me they are routinely included in the Top 100 bars in Asia.

In my most recent visit however, I have found another reason why JungleBird is a KL treasure. In addition to giving us one of the largest collection of rums in the region, I discovered that they make a really tasty Cubano sandwich (non-halal).

Not having had a Cubano in Miami, I can't speak to its authenticity, but from what I know, the elements are there. The pork takes 5 days to make, the sauce feels right, they use good cheese, all while adding a little of their own touches to it. Overall it's an extremely tasty sandwich (8.75/10) and I will be definitely having it...

Had one of the worst experience at a cocktail bar which was recommended by my friends. When we had our drinks served one of my friends drinks came later in which the waiter accidentally took away my drink when it was 3/4 full as I assumed he was just changing the ice in it. What happened next was when I asked what happen to my drink they said it was their mistake and offered me at first a complimentary shot which they said WAS FREE and gave me back a brand new cocktail which I ordered originally. All was fine and good but when the bill came they charged me double for the drink which was taken away by mistake and the staff told me that is why they gave the FREE shot which was even finished. The audacity of the staff was he even asked in a rude way “What do I want Now” and after paying the bill came and took away that so called free shot which was so shocking! In any F&B outlet when the waiter makes a mistake I did not know that it is the customer responsibility to pay double 😂 Please...