b.a.t.s
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Going Batty for Barbeque
TEXT AND PHOTOS BY SARAH ANNE LEE AND PRISCILLA EMMANUEL
SIMPLY NAMEDB.A.T.S.,this Bar At Telawi
Street (acronym extended) is definitely a joint
to check out for some good ol’casual fun. Amid
the hectic row of Telawi bars that continuously
profess to be the best of all that’s hip and
happening, we can attest that B.A.T.S. truly
delivers in its promise to keep the easygoing,
nostalgic, and intimately friendly vibe going all
night long!
When co-owner Geoff Leembruggen
realised that many bars either specialised in
music but fell short in food quality, or had great
food but a lacklustre atmosphere, this charming
two-storey lot became his passion project to
capably deliver both.
One special occasion to visit this jovial bar is
for its Aussie BBQ night every Saturday. Perfect
for that tuck-in just before your night of revelry
in Bangsar’s Telawi district, this newly revamped
menu is bound to satisfy.
We jumped at a chance to sample their BBQ
menu one night and started off our meal with
a drink that’s not only a house pour, but also
their bestseller: a delicious French merlot that
goes with simply everything. At only RM84 a
bottle, we noticed many tables happily enjoying
the very same bottle (and not stopping at
just one)! Once we were relaxed and ready to
tuck in, we started with the first dish, a classic
pub grub offering of Bangers ’n’Mash. Grilled
sausages accompanied by sides of creamy
mashed potatoes and sweet mushy peas with a
generous dollop of gravy really hit the spot, and
provided a more modest alternative to those
who may find a whole steak a bit daunting.
On the mention of steaks, however, our
following dish of the simply titled‘Steak’was
delightful. A beautifully charred cut of striploin
cooked over a real charcoal grill was fun to
share with my companions for the night, and
the meat was juicy and tender to the knife.
I don’t eat much red meat, so to my delight,
an assortment of fruit-based salads and
other vegetables rounded out the plate and
introduced some balance to my dinner diet. The
sides also proved to be a great addition to the
juicy beef patty that comprised the simple yet
welcoming‘Hamburger’selection.
The Caribbean Chicken may have struck
some confusion upon its initial serving (a simple
fillet almost identical to the steak in charring),
but its taste made everything clear! The sweet,
sour, and slightly spicy jerk marinade, infused
with the smokiness of the grill, packed a
flavourful punch that’s sure to transport you
to the idyllic palm tree setting of a tropical
vacation. Pair it with a Piña Colada, and you
won’t even notice the bustle of Bangsar while
you eat.
Those who have developed a fondness
for local bird’s eye chillies will enjoy the Chilli
Mussels, molluscs served in potently spicy
sambal sauce. The side of sliced ciabatta bread
definitely helped us feel less shy in eatingFACT FILE :
B.A.T.S Bar
28, JalanTelawi 2, Bangsar,
59100 Kuala Lumpur
T: +6018-322 0036
W: facebook.com/batsbarbangsar
Opening Hours:
Daily 12pm – 1amspoonfuls of the sauce alone!
Another seafood dish to enjoy is the
Portuguese Baked Fish and Rice. While the
spice from the Chilli Mussels may be similar in
flavour profile, we do not doubt that the unique
aftertastes of the Atlantic-influenced fish will
shine when tasted on its own.
The Aussie BBQ special is available at B.A.T.S.
every Saturday from 5pm to 9pm. Order your
favourite from the selections on offer, pair it
with the fantastic house pouring wine, and
you’ll have a beautiful start to a night of food,
drinks, and good cheer!Find the best places to eat and drink in KL, visit eatdrink.my