October 20, 2025

Penang's Backdoor Bodega Joins Asia’s Finest at The Standard BKK Bar Crawl

by: The Beat Asia

Photo by Website/ Backdoor Bodega

October 20, 2025

by: The Beat Asia

Great news for bar hoppers! Now, you’ll get the chance to sip cocktails from four of Asia’s top bars — all in one night, all under one roof.

On October 29, Bangkok will be home to a high-proof pilgrimage: The Best of the Best Bar Crawl, hosted by The Standard, Bangkok Mahanakhon.

More than an average bar hop, it’s a curated collision of mixology, culture, and regional flair, featuring four award-winning bars from Asia’s 50 Best list.

Malaysian cocktail lovers shouldn’t be a stranger to Penang’s own Backdoor Bodega. Known for its irreverent “gift shop” branding and unapologetically local flavor profiles, the bar has earned cult status across Southeast Asia, as well as The Best Cocktail Menu in the World title at The World's 50 Best Bars 2025 award ceremony.

Founders Yung Shen Koh and Chia Wen Lok have built a reputation for turning Malaysian ingredients into bold, expressive drinks that speak to street culture and regional pride. At the crawl, Backdoor Bodega will take over Ojo, The Standard’s sky-high Mexican restaurant, serving up a menu that promises torch ginger, pandan, and tropical spice in every sip.

Joining them are three equally formidable names. Vender Bar (No. 74 Bar in the World 2025) from Taichung at Mott 32 Bangkok will bring Taiwanese flair and modern luxury to the table, while Stir Bar (No. 61 Bar in Asia 2025) from Ho Chi Minh will offer minimalist, clean cocktails that lean into quiet sophistication at Double Standard. Maltail Bar (No. 75 Bar in Asia 2025) from Kaohsiung rounds out the lineup with island-inspired pours and laid-back charm at Mott 32.

Ojo interior — Ojo | Website/ The Standard, Bangkok Mahanakhon

Double Standard interior — Double Standard | Website/ The Standard, Bangkok Mahanakhon

What makes this bar crawl even more impressive is that all stops are a rare feat for any hotel. Each venue channels a distinct elemental theme: earthy pours at Mott 32, fire-infused boldness at Double Standard, and airy, floral sips at Ojo Terrace, the highest rooftop bar in Bangkok.

Guests will receive a “passport” to navigate the crawl, starting at Double Standard. The ticket, priced at THB1,980 per person, includes four signature cocktails, bar bites at each venue, and two bonus drinks. The event will run from 7PM to 11PM on Wednesday, October 29, 2025.

For KL’s cocktail connoisseurs, it’s a rare chance to see Penang’s finest mix with Asia’s elite, all in one night, all in one city. Secure your seat now via Megatix.

Follow Backdoor Bodega on Facebook and Instagram, and The Standard, Bangkok Manhanakhon on Facebook and Instagram for cocktail previews and updates.

Location: The Standard, Bangkok Mahanakhon, 114 Naradhiwas Rajanagarindra Rd, Silom, Bangkok

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Kuala Lumpur/ Delish/ Happenings

October 01, 2025

The 4th Michelin Guide Kuala Lumpur & Penang to be Revealed Soon

by: The Beat Asia

Photo by MICHELIN Guide/Facebook

October 01, 2025

by: The Beat Asia

Calling all Malaysian gourmands and culinary enthusiasts!

The 4th edition of the MICHELIN Guide Kuala Lumpur & Penang is set to happen on Nov. 11, 2025, at the Four Seasons Hotel, Kuala Lumpur.

For the fourth year running, the ceremony will spotlight Malaysia’s vibrant food scene, honoring the chefs and restaurants that continue to push boundaries in Kuala Lumpur and Penang. From hawker stalls to fine dining establishments, the MICHELIN Guide ceremony will be highlighting Malaysia’s rich heritage, flavor, and culinary heart on the center stage.

The evening will see the reveal of the new MICHELIN stars, Bib Gourmand, and MICHELIN Selected restaurants, alongside the highly anticipated Special Awards.

More than just an unveiling, this prestigious and exclusive one-night event celebrates the region’s culinary community — a night of recognition, connection, and inspiration for chefs, restaurateurs, and food lovers alike.

Guest Chefs set to make their appearance at the Ceremony are Chef Alain Huang from Restaurant A, Chef Guillaume Depoortere from Molina, and MICHELIN Selected Chef Waymann Cheong from Lucky Hole.

Last year’s MICHELIN Guide Kuala Lumpur & Penang featured 143 establishments, including 56 Bib Gourmand and 80 MICHELIN Selected venues. Malaysia’s first-ever MICHELIN Green Star was also awarded to Dewakan, a two MICHELIN-Starred restaurant.

For more information, guides, and others, visit the MICHELIN Guide website, as well as their Facebook and Instagram pages. Download the MICHELIN Guide free app for iOS and Android.

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Kuala Lumpur/ The List/ What's On

September 25, 2025

Anime Fans! A Limited Time Only Haikyuu!! Café Has Opened at Doko Koko!

by: The Beat Asia

Photo by Doko Koko/Instagram

September 25, 2025

by: The Beat Asia

Calling all “Haikyuu!!” fans in Kuala Lumpur!

Doko Koko is hosting a collaboration café with “Haikyuu!!” at the Lalaport Bukit Bintang City Centre (BBCC)! From Sept. 19, 2025 onwards, fans can enjoy a space inspired by scenes from the Japanese shōnen anime, as well as menu items that were based on some of the iconic duos from the series.

The interior of Doko Koko Cafe — Photo from Instagram/Doko Koko

Previously, Doko Koko had collaborated with other popular anime and games such as “My Hero Academia,” “Love and Deepspace,” Chinese donghua “Heaven’s Official Blessing,” and Virtual Youtuber Project “NIJISANJI EN.”

Fans can enjoy the “Hinata + Kageyama Chicken Curry Rice,” “Tsukishima + Yamaguchi Cheese Dome,” “Kuroo + Kenma Unagi Don,” “Oikawa + Iwaizumi Margherita,” “Bokuto + Akaashi Roasted Chicken,” “Ushijima + Tendo Farfalle,” “Miya Brothers Onigiri,” and more!

Food items from the Haikyuu!! collab cafe — Photo from Instagram/Doko Koko

All items will come with chibi versions of the duo and a free coaster to complement the meal and to make it even more enjoyable and IG-worthy! The food and beverages range from RM16 to RM38.

A “Haikyuu!!” shop will also be at the café, selling all kinds of exclusive merch and products. From notepads, badges, and keychains to apparel, water bottles, and stylish bags, fans can get these items from RM15 to RM189 and complete their merch collections!

Currently, the first batch of “Haikyuu!!” merch will be available from September to October 2025, with the second batch to be announced.

Don’t miss out and fly high with your fellow anime fans at Doko Koko Café!

Follow Doko Koko Café on Instagram for more information and updates!

Location: Doko Koko Café, Lalaport Bukit Bintang City Centre (BBCC), 2 Jalan Hang Tuah 55200 Kuala Lumpur

Opening Hours: Daily, from 10 AM to 10 PM

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Kuala Lumpur/ Delish/ Happenings

September 16, 2025

Luckin Coffee x FIZIWOO Celebrates Malaysia through Batik-Inspired Store

by: The Beat Asia

Photo by Luckin Coffee Malaysia/Instagram

September 16, 2025

by: The Beat Asia

Coffee, culture, and haute couture come together as one in this specific Luckin Coffee branch.

Lifestyle coffeehouse chain Luckin Coffee has unveiled its collaboration with luxury Malaysian fashion brand FIZIWOO for a Batik-inspired concept store at Pavilion Damansara Heights, Kuala Lumpur.

The Luckin Coffee branch in collab with FIZIWOO — Photo from Instagram/Luckin Coffee Malaysia

Carrying the theme, “Rasa Merdeka, Gaya Malaysia (A sense of independence, Malaysian style)," the space celebrates Malaysia’s rich cultural identity by weaving traditional Batik elements into a modern café setting. From interiors and counters to custom-designed coffee cups, every detail in the store reflects a distinctly Malaysian touch.

FIZIWOO, known for its contemporary takes on traditional wear, also created a bespoke Batik-inspired fashion collection for the collaboration. Inspired by Luckin Coffee’s iconic deer logo and coffee bean motifs, the collection takes the Baju Kebaya, Saree, and Qi Pao and reinterprets them with sophisticated and handcrafted tambour beadwork technique, ultimately merging artisanal craftsmanship with a modern taste.

The collection takes the Baju Kebaya, Saree, and Qi Pao and reinterprets them with sophisticated and handcrafted tambour beadwork technique. — The Luckin Coffee x FIZIWOO Collaboration | Photo from Instagram/FIZIWOO

To round up the experience, Luckin Coffee has introduced four limited-edition drinks that perfectly capture Malaysian flavors: the Iced Minty Coconut Latte, Iced Minty Chocolate Frappe, Pandan Coconut Latte, and Mango Jasmine Frappe (launching on Sept. 19, 2025).

Luckin Coffee's four limited-edition drinks — Photo from Instagram/Luckin Coffee Malaysia

This partnership spotlights how coffee, culture, and fashion can come together — offering not only an iconic café experience, but a celebration of Malaysian culture and artistry.

Follow Luckin Coffee on Facebook and Instagram for more updates.

Location: Lot E2.33, Level 2, Pavilion Damansara Heights, Jalan Damanlela, Damansara Town Centre, 50490 Kuala Lumpur

Opening Hours: 7:30 AM to 10 PM (Weekdays), 10 AM to 10 PM (Weekends)

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Kuala Lumpur/ Delish/ Happenings

August 13, 2025

Leading Hong Kong Restaurant Group Tam Jai International Debuts in Malaysia

by: The Beat Asia

Photo by TamJai Mixian Malaysia/Facebook

August 13, 2025

by: The Beat Asia

Tam Jai International Co. Limited, one of Hong Kong’s iconic restaurant groups, has made their debut in Malaysia with the opening of their first TamJai Mixian outlet at Sunway Pyramid on July 29, 2025. This launch, made through a partnership with Hextar Retail Berhad, marks a major milestone in the restaurant group’s Southeast Asia expansion.

The grand opening ceremony was graced by numerous personalities, with Hong Kong celebrities Grace Chan and Kevin Cheng joining Tam Jai International Co. Executive Director and CEO Daren Lau, and Hextar Group CEO Dato’ Eddie Ong to cut the ribbon.

People in front of a store opening with lucky lions on both sides — Notable personalities and representatives from Tam Jai International Co. Limited | Courtesy of Tam Jai International Co. Limited

Situated at Sunway Pyramid, one of the area’s most iconic lifestyle destinations, the new TamJai Mixian store occupies approximately 136 square meters and can accommodate up to 57 patrons. The store is also located close to key attractions, with the mall welcoming over three million visitors monthly.

The TamJai Mixian store at Sunway Pyramid sports a bold red and green color palette, accented with “spicy clouds” neon lights, an open kitchen that allows diners a little glimpse into the artistry behind each bowl, and the debut of the brand new “TamJai Mixian” identity, merging the TamJai Yunnan Mixian and TamJai SamGor Mixian brands into a fresh, contemporary take on Hong Kong’s iconic noodle culture.

A storefront with a red and green color scheme with neon lights — The storefront of TamJai Mixian at Sunway Pyramid | Courtesy of Tam Jai International Co. Limited

“This partnership with TJI combines their renowned culinary expertise with our local market knowledge and operational excellence, delivering an exciting and innovative dining concept in the country,” said Dato’ Eddie Ong, CEO of Hextar Group. “Together, we are poised to reshape Malaysia’s F&B landscape through our upcoming expansion across the country.”

For TJI, Malaysia is a significant step forward in their expansion across Southeast Asia. “With the support of local partnerships, we look forward to further advancing our mission of ‘Bringing Tam Jai Taste to the World,” said Daren Lau, Executive Director and CEO of TJI.

For more information and updates, visit the TamJai Mixian Malaysia website here and follow their Facebook and Instagram pages.

Location: TamJai Mixian, LG2. 137B Sunway Pyramid, Jalan PJS 11/15, Bandar Sunway, 47500 Subang Jaya, Selangor

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Kuala Lumpur/ Delish/ Happenings

August 07, 2025

Hilton Malaysia Illuminates with “Lunar Radiance” Mooncake Collection

by: The Beat Asia

Photo by Hilton Hotels (Malaysia)

August 07, 2025

by: The Beat Asia

How are you celebrating Mid-Autumn Festival this year?

Hilton Hotels across Malaysia are ringing in the Mid-Autumn festive season with the launch of “Lunar Radiance,” a series of elegantly handcrafted mooncakes and housed in a collectible gift box available from August 1 to October 6, 2025.

Inspired by the festival’s themes of harmony and reunion, the “Lunar Radiance” collection features four mooncake flavors—Baked White Lotus Paste, Baked Lotus Paste with Single Yolk, Baked Pandan Paste with Single Yolk, and Baked Red Bean Paste with Almond Flakes—presented in an elegantly designed box that blends artistry with thoughtful giving.

Four mooncakes lined up — Courtesy of Hilton Kuala Lumpur

A picture of a rabbit with a moon at the background — Courtesy of Hilton Kuala Lumpur

This year’s limited-edition packaging unfolds like a celestial journey, with each box revealing celestial illustrations in vivid royal blues and fuchsia, accented with intricate floral motifs.

Priced at RM168 nett for a box of four (4) traditionally baked mooncakes, the set is perfect for gifting, sharing, or indulging as a festive treat.

Exclusive early bird offers are available: 15% off per box from August 1 to 31, 2025, and 10% off per box from September 1 to October 6, 2025.

The “Lunar Radiance” mooncake collection is available at nine Hilton properties across Malaysia:

Hilton Kuala Lumpur
Hilton Petaling Jaya
DoubleTree by Hilton Kuala Lumpur
DoubleTree by Hilton Shah Alam i-City
Hilton Kuching
Hilton Kota Kinabalu
DoubleTree by Hilton Melaka
DoubleTree by Hilton Johor Bahru
DoubleTree Resort by Hilton Penang

Honor tradition and togetherness this Mid-Autumn Festival with the “Lunar Radiance” mooncake collection. Pre-orders are now available via EatDrinkHilton.com.

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Kuala Lumpur/ Delish/ People

June 17, 2025

The Anchor Pastry Challenge 2025 Crowns Malaysia’s Promising Pastry Talent

by: The Beat Asia

Photo by Anchor Food Professionals Malaysia & Brunei

June 17, 2025

by: The Beat Asia

The future looks bright for Malaysia’s pastry talent!

The Anchor Pastry Challenge 2025 whipped up some excitement as Malaysia’s most promising young pastry chefs showcased their creativity, technical flair, and the performance of Anchor’s professional-grade ingredients in live kitchen face-offs.

Organized by Anchor Food Professionals Malaysia & Brunei, the competition featured 10 finalists — five in Bread & Viennoiserie and five in Cake — who were all selected after rigorous assessments at UOW Malaysia Shah Alam. The expert judging panel included Meilleur Ouvrier de France Chef Jean-François Arnaud and Chef Judy Koh, Founder and Principal of Creative Culinaire The School, along with media editors and food reviewers.

The Top 6 winners earned awards, trophies, certificates, and cash prizes:

Gold: RM2,500 and a solo demo opportunity as the official Anchor ambassador
Silver: RM1,500
Bronze: RM1,000

In the Bread & Viennoiserie category, the Gold award went to Ooi Kin Weng from the Academy of Pastry & Culinary Arts Malaysia, who considered this a pivotal moment in his career switch from IT.

“Winning this category means a lot to me, especially after making the switch from a career in IT to pastry. It’s still the beginning of my journey, and I’m excited to keep learning and growing. One day, I hope to open my own place.”

In the Cake division, Gold winner Tan Jia Le gave credit to Anchor’s dairy products as a key factor in her success. “Their creamy texture and consistency helped me achieve a smooth finish and clean flavor that truly brought out the best in my cake. As a Gold winner, I hope to inspire the next generation to choose quality ingredients and to never stop learning.”

About the competition, Peter Quah, Food Service Director of Anchor Food Professionals Malaysia, said, “Our aim is to nurture future pastry talents while demonstrating the versatility and reliability of Anchor’s premium dairy products from New Zealand, one of the best places to produce dairy in the world. We’re proud to see such exceptional skill and passion on display.”

Follow Anchor Food Professionals Malaysia & Brunei on Facebook and Instagram.

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Kuala Lumpur/ Delish/ Happenings

May 20, 2025

Beloved Dutch Rabbit Miffy Hops on a Collaboration with Starbucks Malaysia

by: The Beat Asia

Photo by Starbucks Hong Kong/Instagram

May 20, 2025

by: The Beat Asia

Malaysian Miffy fans, here’s one collection you shouldn’t miss!

Starbucks Malaysia has finally introduced their newest and special collaboration with Miffy – the beloved Dutch bunny that has caught the hearts of many around the world.

Since its release in Singapore and Hong Kong last year, everyone has been wishing for their local Starbucks to finally have it in-store. Now, Malaysian fans can sit back, enjoy a cup of coffee, and fangirl over their newly copped Miffy merch!

The Miffy collection dropped in Starbucks Malaysia on May 14, 2025. And if you haven’t seen them yet, here’s what you can look forward to!

The entire collection features eight lifestyle items adorned with the iconic white rabbit, ranging from drinkware and bags to even a small pouch you can use!

The puffer tote bag (RM159) comes in three cute colors – charcoal, sage, and oat – and even has a Miffy and Starbucks bag charm. If you’re looking for something small to put in your bag, the puffy pouch (RM69) is large enough to store everything you need, and is filled with Miffy’s face everywhere.

Of course, there’s the drinkware: you can choose between the Yellow Cold Cup (RM118) and the Stainless Steel Tumbler (RM168).

If you’re on the lookout for the Miffy plush toy, Starbucks has one dressed in the signature Starbucks apron for RM229.

Here’s something you’d also want to take up: purchase any of the Starbucks x Miffy collection, and you’ll get a complimentary Grande-sized promo drink! With a minimum spend of RM120 in-store, you can even get a free Miffy straw set to round up your Starbucks x Miffy collection haul!

Hurry, run to your nearest Starbucks store to cop all the Miffy merch you want! Find the nearest Starbucks branch here.

Follow Starbucks Malaysia on Facebook and Instagram for more information and updates!

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Kuala Lumpur/ The List/ What's On

May 08, 2025

A Limited Time Only 'My Hero Academia'-Themed Café is Opening Soon

by: The Beat Asia

Photo by Doko Koko/Instagram

May 08, 2025

by: The Beat Asia

Plus Ultra!

Anime fans in Malaysia would be delighted to know that a “My Hero Academia” collaboration café is opening at the LaLaport Bukit Bintang City Centre (BBCC) this May 10, 2025!

Running from May 10 to July 6, 2025, the Japaneseshōnen anime is collaborating with anime-themed café Doko Koko at Lalaport BBCC. Known for their past collaborations with Chinese otome game “Love and Deepspace,” Chinese donghua “Heaven’s Official Blessing,” and Virtual Youtuber Project “NIJISANJI EN,” the experience will surely be a blast for local anime fans!

Doko Koko will be transformed into a space reminiscent of U.A. High School, with a themed menu to boot! Fans can get a taste of mains like “Deku’s One For All Pasta,” “Explosion Potato Cheese Ball,” “Half-Cold Half-Hot Udon,” “Hardening Fried Chicken Burger,” desserts like “Earphone Jack Bingsu,” “Zero Gravity Strawberry Parfait,” and refreshing drinks such as “Smash Green Latte,” “Booom Tea Blaze,” “Whooosh Sparkler,” and “Swip Matcha.”

Every order of a drink will come with a free character-themed coaster that fans can bring home!

Plus, a “My Hero Academia” shop will be right beside the café, selling all kinds of merch and products! Acrylic stands, plush badges, keychains, character cups, towels, stickers, and so much more will be available at the store! Priced from RM10 to RM79, so it’s definitely budget-friendly!

And if you’re a “My Hero Academia” fan, then all of these should be on your must-collect list.

Don’t miss out on this special collab event! Head on over to Doko Koko Café from May 10 to July 6 to try out the special menu and get new merch for your collection!

Follow Doko Koko Café on Instagram for more information and updates!

Location: Doko Koko Café, Lalaport Bukit Bintang City Centre (BBCC), 2 Jalan Hang Tuah 55200 Kuala Lumpur

Dates: May 10 to July 6, 2025

Opening Hours: 10 AM to 10 PM, Daily

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Kuala Lumpur/ Delish/ Happenings

May 01, 2025

Popular Thai Beef Noodle Joint Mama Lek Finally Reopens in Kuala Lumpur

by: The Beat Asia

Photo by Mama Lek/Facebook

May 01, 2025

by: The Beat Asia

Mama Lek, everyone’s favorite family-run Thai beef noodle stall in Setapak, has finally reopened as a full restaurant in Wisma Cosway, Kuala Lumpur!

This followed a six-month hiatus starting October 2024, when the business first announced their temporary closure and relocation.

Helmed by a Thai-Malaysian woman from Isaan and her family, Mama Lek is renowned for their excellent and “soul-soothing” Thai beef noodles. The Thai beef noodle bowl is a storied product of the owner’s grit, resilience, love, and the flavors of home, first beginning as a hawker stall in Kelantan, before moving to Setapak.

Made with a slow-brewed broth and packed with tender beef and bold flavors, the Thai beef noodle bowl became widely popular among customers and visitors, leading the hawker stall to be recognized with a Thai SELECT Award by the Malaysian Office of Thailand’s Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP) in 2024.

Mama Lek has fully reopened as a restaurant located in Wisma Cosway, Kuala Lumpur, where they still continue to serve their popular Thai beef noodles along with more options: Beef Ball Noodles (RM16.90), Braised Beef and Balls (RM23.90), Fresh Beef and Balls (RM21.50), Beef Tripe and Tendon (RM25.80), and their Signature Beef Mix (RM33.50). Tom Yum Noodle Bowls and Chicken Noodle Soup are also available.

If you’re looking for a beef noodle place with authentic Thai tastes, then Mama Lek is the place to be!

Follow Mama Lek on their Facebook and Instagram pages for more updates!

Location: Mama Lek, G-37, Wisma Cosway, Jalan Raja Chulan, Kuala Lumpur

Opening Hours: 11 AM to 6 PM, Monday to Saturday

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