BISO Cocktail Bar

BISO means 'flavour' in Penang Hokkien, and this unsigned bar on Jalan Magazine, opposite First Avenue Mall, is all about drawing it out of local ingredients. Behind a glass facade is a sleek grey room where a rotary evaporator sits on the bar counter, and the menu comes as a table calendar.

Co-founder and head bartender Quay Kar Ve leads a contemporary, experimental programme that puts innovation ahead of tradition. Drinks are grouped from light highballs through sours to spirit-forward serves, all built around local produce such as turmeric, Bentong ginger, beetroot, kiwi and coriander. Signatures include N.E.O.H (gin, melon liqueur, coriander), No.1 (lacto-fermented tomato, white balsamic and black pepper) and the Double Espresso, a modern espresso martini made with Geisha coffee. The team will still mix a negroni or martini on request.

BISO is in Tatler's Best 20 Bars Malaysia 2026. Good for curious drinkers.