The bar area of Ninetales.
JAPANESE legend has it that the nine-tailed fox spirit or Kitsune is portrayed as a faithful guardian or a god.
It possesses magical power to shapeshift into human forms while some stories claim that the mischievous spirit likes to trick people.
The nine-tailed fox spirit is also portrayed similarly in Chinese folklore where it can either be a benevolent or malevolent spirit.
Whatever it is, the Ninetales Malaysia bar in Taman Sea in Petaling Jaya, although bearing a name similar to that of the legendary character, took a fairly different form when it opened to the public.
Co-founder Jane Lau said,“People might think that the name was inspired by folklore but it is nothing like that. We took some ideas from the name.
“However, we played around with the spelling because we wanted people to know the nine stories that we tell through our nine signature cocktails.”
Despite not being associated with the mythical spirit, the bar is not short of magic as can be seen from the nine signature cocktails in the menu, named after fairytale characters.
Be it the Arabian Prince Aladdin or the miniature fairy Tinkerbell, the cocktails depict the character’s origins via their presentation.
The Tinkerbell cocktail is made with Beefeater gin with lychee, lemon grass and Blue Curacao, presented with a tiny fairy perched on the glass rim.
As for taste, it exudes a tropical and fruity sweetness with creaminess from egg yolk foaming to the surface.
The Aladdin cocktail, on the other hand, is made with Smirnoff Vodka with chilli padi, tropical fruits and curry leaves for a hint of spice.
“The spicy taste is a nod to the Aladdin character,” said Ninetales bartender Mike Fan.
Sweet with a nice aromatic fragrance, the drink goes down easy with a lingering aftertaste that becomes more apparent as time goes by.
A pool table and an Instagrammable wall for visitors to take photos. – Photos: JAROD LIM/THE Star
Ninetales launched about three months ago as a neighbourhood speakeasy.
A majestic drawing of a fox adorns the wall of the main seating area overlooking the stage where live bands perform on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays.
It is a chill bar for patrons who want a fun and intimate night out.
A pool table is also available for guests next to the bar and those who want to “check in” can strike a pose at their Instagrammable wall adorned with neon lights shaped into wings.
Fan, the mastermind behind the cocktail menu, said visitors can expect a twist from the mala-infused liquor or the use of spices in their cocktails.
Off-menu cocktail Immortal Dragon which is made with ma jiao and hua jiao (Szechuan peppercorns)- infused Hennesy VSOP, Cointreau, Disaronno, and X-Rated Liqueur with droplets of hibiscus syrup, shows off Fan’s inspiration.
The spirit-forward drink is smoked with lavender leaves to give a hint of floral fragrance.
Despite the use of multiple liquors, it is balanced in taste and the peppercorns are not too overwhelming.
It does give a numbing sensation after a few sips and is by far my favourite drink there.
The Ninetales shots platter has an assortment of liquor, beer and absinthe.
Meanwhile, Fan shared that Poison Ivy, a gin-based cocktail, is his favourite.
It is served in three different glasses, separating the ingredients of Beefeater Gin or Gordon’s London dry gin, watermelon and lychee liqueur as well as passionfruit before mixing it together.
Sweet and sour in taste, the light cocktail is perfect for beginners.
There is plenty of food at the bar that go well with the drinks.
The deep-fried breaded chicken wing is a crowd favourite as its batter was seasoned with garlic, salt and pepper, and paired well with a chilled glass of beer.
The Panipuri Papad minced pork dish should also not be missed.
The crusty surface is filled with savoury mala minced pork that is appetising and addictive.
Visitors can also try the main courses such as the Signature Ninetales Chicken Chop, Ninetales Ban Fan (rice with nine condiments, seared salmon with cream or the Mala Minced Pork Spaghetti.
A variety of wines and shots are also available at the bar.
NINETALES MALAYSIA, 21-L1, Jalan SS 23/15, Taman Sea, Petaling Jaya, Selangor. (Tel: 012 677 0101). Business hours: 4pm to 1am, daily except Sunday.
This is the writer’s personal observation and is not an endorsement by StarMetro.
