Note: Biru San is now closed.
APW along Jalan Riong has become one of KL’s hippest spots with cafés like Breakfast Thieves and Pulp supplying endless Instagram opportunities. Its latest addition, Biru San provides a change of scenery to the usual spots with an almost-aloof approach to its furnishings and vibe.
Opened by the same people who run Kaiju next door, Biru San takes the Japanese-inspired decorations of its sibling restaurant to a dystopian extreme – the space is lit up with dark blue neon lights, and an industrial-looking metallic bar counter acts as the centerpiece. In contrast to the clean and minimal decor of Breakfast Thieves, Proof and Agak Agak, Biru San’s neon-infused outlet looks like a scene right out of a science fiction movie. All this of course, makes drinking there a much more interesting experience – or at the very least, supplies a different kind of Instagram post. For ’90s kids who grew up with arcade games, there are two old school arcade machines where you can play ‘Street Fighter 2’ and ‘Metal Slug’.
When it comes to drinks, beer lovers will rejoice at their menu that’s littered with various options of craft beer, most of them being from Japan. Among the labels available are Hitachino and Yoho Brewing from Japan, Siren from England and Hawkers from Australia. We recommend going for the Red Rice Hitachino beer – this craft ale is brewed with red rice and has a sweet, fruity and crisp flavour. Biru San tries to keep its menu fresh and exciting by changing the list of labels available every few months or so. If beers aren’t your thing, there are plenty of other options as well. Go for the umesho (plum wine) if you’re into something fruity but with less gas, and while there aren’t that many cocktails on the menu, they’re also worth a punt. Try the Botanic cocktail, a spin on gin and tonic but with added fresh strawberries, cucumber and ginger. If you need something to munch on while you’re having a drink, you’re allowed to order from Kaiju. Or if you’re looking for dessert, they have homemade ice cream available at the bar with flavours like Bailey Coffee, Hoegaarden, cornflakes and more.