TAPAS BAR AND GRILL @ SPG BY BIJAN, BUKIT CEYLON

Fries Celup with Anchovy Mayo & Salted Egg Yolk Sauce

Long hailed as the pioneer of refined Malay dining, Bijan is now ready and excited to get Kuala Lumpur folks aboard on an indigenous venture of gourmet over here at SPG by Bijan.

SPG by Bijan, is the latest revolutionary culinary experience presented exclusively to you by the award-winning Malay restaurant, Bijan. Typifies as Sarong Party Grill, SPG is a playful interpretation of the colloquial term: “Sarong Party Girl”.

Oohaa Tuak- Local Rice Wine

The aforementioned steno refers to Asian women who engaged with British colonizers who arrived in Malaysia and Singapore, back in the early to mid 20^th century. Since then, a series of humorous books and films have hit the entertainment market, creating a vivacious narrative for so called “SPG’s”. Thus, SPG by Bijan aims to be the literal emblem of Modern Malaysia by being both tapas bar and grill, serving only exceptional food and exotic cocktails.

Familiar among the regulars, SPG is located in the attached bungalow next to Bijan, with an adjoining doorway, connecting the 2 restaurants for a seamless night out in town.

With swift transitions of atmosphere depending on what one feels like, it’s hard not to have fun. 

Keropok-Kerepek

The interior is designed with elegant, chic and alluring shades of blue, fuchsia and green; paying homage to the flirty yesteryears. Vent blocks, hand printed tiles and floral batik motifs adorn the interiors lending a nostalgic approach that is elevated with modern and eccentric pieces of furniture in lush jewel tones.

The space has a colourful terrace lounge with an eclectic mix of rattan, retro furniture and a beautifully hand printed tiled bar for drinkers.

While the inside area has a sophisticated table seating arrangement (which I really adore) for more exclusive dining and includes an articulately decorated private room with a floral, mural wall that seats 10- suggests an ideal space for convivial celebrations.

Besides centrically poised as an exciting space that bursts with energy, SPG is the hotspot for pre-dinner and after dinner drinks, which features a plethora of Asian-Inspired signature cocktails, as well as the classics we have surely all come to love.

For instance: The Stinkini (martini, dry vermouth and pickled petai) is a twist on the original Gibson for those brave enough to endure the savoury notes of our beloved, national treasure- petai.

Those who enjoy cheeky word play, and even better drinks, try the Yellow Fever, infused with gin, turmeric, honey and tonic water.

However, if frozen cocktails are your poison of choice, our Asam Pedas cocktail (tequila, triple sec and tamarind juice) serves to be refreshing and tangy; common traits of Malaysian cuisine.

Even cooling Cocojito, a refreshing glass of white rum, lime, coconut water and mint leaves.

Non-alcoholic drinkers are in mind too whereby they can also enjoy a variety of mocktails such as the Bluepea Tonic, a concoction of honey, lemon topped with blue pea syrup and Fruitea, a sweet, multi-layered drink anyone can enjoy.

The food menu is comprised of an assortment of tapas dishes that fuse traditional Malaysian flavours and Euro- centric techniques (and vice versa) that are to be shared over cocktails or wine.

The heavyweights of the menu are the items “From the Grill”, which are paired perfectly with any of the “Greens and grains”. Finish off SPG’s culinary feast with any (or all) of the Desserts- a playful take on Malaysian favourites from our childhoods.

One of the signature tapas dishes is the Ah Ran Sini, a deep fried rice ball stuffed with the flavours of the iconic Nasi Lemak (inspired by the Italian arancini).

Additionally, Pais Barramundi (I always love pais) is unlike any other Barramundi dish, with its sophisticated texture, depth of flavour and served within homemade “banana leather”.

As well as the Muhibbahger, which quite literally represents “One Malaysia” as the bao is emblematic of Chinese culture, whilst the cucumber raita sauce comes from Indian influence, and the percik chicken, hailing all the way from the straits of Malaya. Additionally, SPG also houses a picky-eater essential: the Jackfruit Rendang Bao, which has proven to be a favourite amongst vegans and meat-eaters alike.

The grilled meats and seafood plates are served with an assortment of SPG’s own home- curated sambals.

The Angus Oyster Blade, Lamb Loin, Lidah & Sambal, Nasi Sekinchan and variety of Satays are just to name a few.

Duck Skewer

Chicken Kicap Skewer 

Not to mention, the Grilled Calamari and Pomfret, which are Malaysian classics cooked in an innovative, unique manner.

Lastly, finish off your feast with our Pulut Mango Cake, served with fresh mangoes and coconut glutinous rice on a buttery biscuit base that’ll leave you leading the rest of the night on a high note.

Or try Banana over Bananas, a true banana bonanza for those craving an adventurous, fruity feel!

It really takes sheer passion to prepare this dessert as the crispy banana cone requires 3 days of special dehydration undertaken by the seasoned chef while the underlying caramelized banana slice atop by gelato, needs up to 6 hours of smoking process, phew!

Seriously, this is the ultimate bomb for all the painstaking hours that it dictates before this moreish is ready to be served.

Of course, if you can’t decide what to choose from the vast selection of treats, fret not as SPG also offers specially curated 3 three course menus comprised of house favourite pairings!

That includes a choice of Tun Teja, Cik Siti Wan Kembang, Nyonya Manis or Cik Mek Molek. Alternatively, choose to indulge in all time favourites such Laksa Nogori noodles (smoked beef noodle in coconut gravy & micro herbs) or Kari Laksa (nyonya style egg noodle seafood curry laksa with tofu)

So let’s head out soon and join SPG for a memorable night out, hidden away from the hustle and bustle of Kuala Lumpur’s city centre but with double the energy, triple the cheeky cocktails, and infinite amounts of scrumptious food, that’s for sure!

Cheers for now and follow us at Carpe Diem for more ‘food-ful’ discoveries! ❤ℒℴѵℯ❤ 

Location: SPG by Bijan, No.3A Jalan Ceylon, Kuala Lumpur 50200, Malaysia

Contact: +603- 2022 3575

Opening Hours: Mon - Sun | 12pm-12am

                               (Daily Lunch Menu 12- 4pm)

               

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