Private Room TTDI KL: The Yellow Door to Malaysia First Speakeasy Wine Bar

Pass through the bold yellow colour door next to Bowery Petit TTDI and reach the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. LOL. Just kidding. PS: Not too bad though if this happened. #findtheyellowdoor

“Hidden” behind the yellow door, is the first speakeasy wine bar in Malaysia, named Private Room. A space that lives up to its name – Private. No signboard, no direction, with password required to enter. Walk-in is welcomed but earlier reservation is highly recommended, not because of full house that may need you to leave with disappointment, but the privilege to enter-like-a-boss without needing to ring the doorbell. For each confirmed booking, guests will be given a passcode, which you will need to input upon arriving at the front door of Private Room.

Private Room TTDI is run by a team of entrepreneurs and sommeliers who have deep passion in wine. They are always in search for wine bars that well-fit their name but sadly, not up to expectation yet. Many restaurants serve wine, but not as their main focus, mostly to meet customers’ need.

Wine drinking culture in Malaysia is not as mature as in many other countries, and clearly, we still have a long way to go. Still lag behind comparing to the third-wave coffee scene which has swiped across the town in recent years, And that’s why Private Room is here for, providing a place where wine lovers can relax, share their thoughts with the knowledgeable sommeliers, while sipping on lovely wine, and wine-base cocktail specially concocted by Private Room.

Shelves in Private Room are brimming with over 200 labels of wine, as well as whisky, brandy, spirits and so forth. The most expensive wine may not be the one that suite you most. Hence it is always good to seek for recommendation from the expert in Private Room. They are more than happy to recommend a bottle or two according to your preference and price range.

Retemed Demeter RM45

Apart from wine, what makes Private Room TTDI worthwhile is their wine-based cocktail crowned with charming title –  Little Bubble RM65 (Cava, X-Rated, Apricot Brandy, Passion Fruit, Mint, Lime, Orange Juice) to Fincheetini RM44 (Vodka, Fina Sherry, Lychee, Olive), Owari no Seka RM47 (Alsatian Gewurtraminer, Ginger, Yuzu, Pink Grapefruit, Lemon, Sencha), Purple Venus RM42 (Lemongrass, Blue Gin, Parfait Amour, Sherry Nectar, Lemon, Ginger Ade), New Fashioned RM45 (Tawny Port, Bourbon, Lemon, Bitters), Mocking Mistress and Retemed Demeter.

Our evening started with Retemed Demeter. One of the highly recommended cocktails in Private Room. Sicilian Blood Orange, Pink Grapefruit, NZ Sauvignon Blanc filling up the wine glass, with a clever twist of Sencha.

Mocking Mistress RM43

 While Summerkid prefer the former, Summergirl loves the later, Mocking Mistress. A refreshing, crisp concoction of New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc, London Gin, Cucumber Syrup, Mint, Lime with smooth, sweet taste of coconut from Malibu rum blending in.

Cod fish & Calamari rings and Chicken Karaage

We were served with Cod fish & Calamari rings and Chicken Karaage while enjoying Retemed Demeter. More towards deep-fried to golden brown the-white-items, pairs really well with our drink. A great cocktail in hand plus the right food, you know you are having a perfect evening. Cheers.

Pork Skewer

Private Room TTDI menu covers also bar snack price within RM35, and savoury main dishes like oxtail stew, chicken pot pie, rosemary lamb rack.

Iberico Collar

Never expect the Iberico Collar Salad to be so delicious. A bed of refreshing green, laid with flavourful, succulent Iberico Pork Collar, olive oil and balsamic dressing. So delicious that it almost divert our attention from their cocktail as we keep tucking into the salad. Food here deserves a notice too!

Cheese Platter with a glass of Mud House Claim 431 Pinot Noir 2014 (Central Otago, New Zeland). Affordable bottle, easy to drink, smooth along the palate with lovely dark cherry notes, mild sweet finish.

Many thanks to Keith for the invitation, and Danny Tai, the second runner of Malaysia Best Sommelier Competition 2014 for accompanying us throughout the review. Hope to meet Justin in our future visit. LOL. We definitely have a lot to learn from the knowledgeable team of Private Room TTDI.