Shuang Xi 雙囍 — Restaurant in Kuala Lumpur

STAFF IS OBNOXIOUSLY RUDE AND HOSTILE WITH A SIDE OF DISDAIN FOR CUSTOMERS

We wanted to get a bottle of wine to share amongst a group of 4 as they had a one drink per person policy. Fair enough. Due to time constraints of HALF HOUR till closing we thought an entire bottle is reasonable instead of a cocktail each as it would be too rushed. We were swiftly told a bottle can only be shared between 2. We politely kept quiet and discussed amongst ourselves if we wanted to allow ourselves to engage in this unpleasant experience but bear in mind we did not make a fuss at all. Maybe we could come back there’s always a next time. But come on. A bottle of wine has about 8 standard drinks and gives you 5 DRINK PORTIONS. Isn’t that more than 1 drink per person?! Double standards much! If you have a minimum spend per person just say so LOL. Did they expect us to down two entire bottles in half an hour? We weren’t the ones making a drink order difficult. We refused to succumb to their unreasonable demands and had a quick look around as we prepared to leave. To our dismay we were stared at by the bar staff and a person with creepy goth makeup came from the bar, stood really close to us near the exit as if to intimidate us and kick us out. That just completely eradicated any future plans of ever coming back to allocate and spend longer time here. Never felt so unwelcome at any establishment. Should perhaps learn from award-winning bars that have impeccable customer service. Not to mention seating is horrendous! They put you on the floor so be prepared for numb legs and back pain! Can’t comprehend why some people open a bar or hire staff that spread negativity LOL! They want your money but don’t really want to put in effort to earn it. GET A GRIP. Vibe check FAILED. NEVER AGAIN!

P.S.: We barhopped to another place with longer opening hours and were attended to by super accommodating staff. That’s how it should be done. Shuangxi you have so much competition in Chinatown I don’t see you surviving much longer with that condescending...

With Shuang Xi, quirky is an understatement. Recommended by a friend on social media, I decided to give this place a try. Nestled amidst old shop lots on Jalan Tun HS Lee (one too many? I think not!), Shuang Xi hits all the right spots with its delicate balancing act between nostalgia and surrealism. Posters of old Chinese movies deck the walls, and the loft is dotted with bits and pieces of nostalgic items, such as a vintage loveseat, vintage cash register, old-school toys and dolls, and a classic gramophone.‘Shuang Xi’ means Double Happiness. Maybe that’s why there’s a tattoo parlor upfront and a bar in the back. Did I mention that Shuang Xi also intends to create a Hari-Raya-house-party feel to the place? Yep, patrons are encouraged to find a space on the floor to lounge on – sort of like a visiting house cat (by the way, the bar DOES have a few actual cats) – with many comfortable cushions and carpets to keep things extra cozy. If a trip to Shuang Xi sounds like your kind of nightlife, do make a reservation beforehand as they cater to a limited number of...

When I entered the place I thought it looked really cool. Like hanging out inside a really cool person's living room. And I spent more time inside, and I realized that it's not a good thing for a bar.

First of all, there's no bar seating. Everyone's seated at an awkward table set up, in groups that you came with (and you often need a reservation, or you can't come in). So it's the typical KL thing where you only interact with the people you showed up with, and you leave after having interacted with the people you showed up with. The set up is not conducive for mingling.

Second of all, the drinks are too sweet. I ordered a few things from the menu, and each one tasted like it was made by a college kid who had just discovered alcohol: 1 part gin, 20,000 parts simple syrup. You're doing it wrong! Disgusting.

Third of all, a cocktail bar in Kuala Lumpur that only accepts cash? Get...