November 18th, 2011
Prominently positioned on the street level corner of the up-market Bangsar Shopping Centre, WIP is an exuberant restaurant-bar, popular with both locals and visitors to KL. With an expansive indoor – outdoor space set behind a dense tropical garden that shields it from the busy outside traffic, WIP presents as an oasis separate from the surrounding urban bustle. Re-launched in early 2009 after an extensive refurbishment, the casual sophistication of WIP has attracted a strong following of discerning regular customers, and is solidly busy 7 days a week. The concept of a relaxed Mediterranean-themed lifestyle destination blends perfectly into the year-round tropical climate of Malaysia- with spacious outdoor decking areas on both sides of the corner site, and complimented by a bright, air-conditioned interior space for guests wishing to truly chill out. WIP is owned and operated by the team behind the ever-popular SOULed OUT cafe- bars ( in Sri Hartamas, and newly opened in Jalan Ampang), and the stylish 7ATENINE restaurant-supperclub in central KL.
The interior of WIP features a large free-form – “clam” shaped bar counter- cleverly designed to accommodate small clusters of drinkers around the various protrusions of the counter. Woven faux rattan seats stand around the bar, and at the high tables in the main bar floor area. Indoor dining tables are on a raised floor section adjacent to the bar. The spacious outdoor terraces are protected from the tropical sun- and rain- by full length extendable awnings. The lush tropical gardens provide the backdrop to this space, and large ponds complete with fountains and numerous well fed koi add to the serenity. Comfortable lounge settings encourage guests to relax and enjoy their drinks and snacks, and additional outdoor dining tables are available.
The house specialty drinks at WIP are their extensive ( and frequently updated) varieties of mojitos and their sangria cocktails. There is also a large selection of classic and innovative cocktails- martinis, margaritas, daiquiri, caipirinhas, etc. An extensive wine cellar, champagnes, and fresh draught and bottled beers, premium spirits, single malt whiskys and liqueurs cater to all the alcohol requirements. For non-alcoholic drinks- the selections include mocktails, detox juices, fresh juices, soft drinks, coffee and teas.
A selection of popular cocktails at WIP-
Rambutan Caipiroshka– Vodka, stuffed rambutan pineapple, lemon juice
Watermelon Mojito– Rum, watermelon nectar, watermelon, mint leaves, lime wedges
Classic Mojito– Rum, bitters, mint leaves and lime wedges
Rose Sangria– rose wine, dark rum, cinnamon powder, vanilla essence, clove, orange and green apple
The food menu concept is based around the theme of “coastal cuisines”- drawing from the best dishes of the various continents- suffused with an Asian influence.
The “Coast of the West” selections range from fish & chips; lamb ribs; crusted tenderloin; grilled cod; baked red snapper; and burgers. Espetada– Portuguese meat skewers- are a poular choice for sharing over a few drinks.
A selection of the “Coast of Asia” dishes include nasi lemak; curry laksa; cantonese seafood noodles; nasi goreng petai; and singapore fried noodles.
And from the “Coast of India”– tandoori chicken; lamb rogan josh; chicken vindaloo are amongst the choices.
Portobello Mushrooms– whole Portobello mushrooms stuffed with garlic chilli butter and baked
Tofu Puffs– Tofu stuffed with minced prawns, mushrooms and mixed vegetables, battered and deep fried
Kakiage– onions, carrot, prawns and white bait, dipped in tempura batter and deep fried
Vegetarian Pizza– feta cheese, grilled vegetables and mushrooms with mozzarella
Chicken Makanwala– boneless chicken breast cooked in butter gravy, served with chana masala, aloo methi, papadum and vegetable salad
WIP @ BSC -Restaurant-Bar
Address: G111 Ground Floor Bangsar Shopping Centre, 285 Jalan Maarof, Bukit Bandaraya, KL.
Tel: + 603.20941789
Website: http://wip.com.my/
Facebook page
Opening Hours: Daily from 12:00 noon ~ 1:00am
Previous article on WIP here
