A Fusion of Culture and Culinary Excellence in KL
Nestled in the heart of Kuala Lumpur, Joloko stands as a testament to the city's vibrant and diverse culinary scene. The owner, Rick Joore, having lived in the Caribbean, wanted to create a "forever on holiday vibe" in the historic neighbourhood of Chow Kit. He has carved a niche for the bar and restaurant by seamlessly blending Caribbean and Latin American influences, creating an unparalleled drinking and dining experience.
Joloko, housed in a charming colonial-era building, exudes an inviting atmosphere with an interior adorned with vibrant murals, eclectic decor, and lush greenery, creating a relaxed yet lively ambience. The open-air courtyard is ideal for patrons to enjoy Kuala Lumpur's pleasant evenings.
Culinary Fusion
What sets Joloko apart is its unique fusion of Caribbean, Latin American and African flavours, skillfully curated by a team of talented chefs. The menu boasts an array of dishes that reflect the diverse culinary traditions of these regions. From jerk chicken to ceviche, each item on the menu is a culinary journey that transports diners to the vibrant streets of Havana or the beaches of Jamaica.
The menu is laid out as Joore would like to eat with friends: some flatbread and dips before moving on to small plates of shareable foods such as chilaquiles with Oaxacan cheese, crispy pomfret with pineapple salsa and fresh oysters with passionfruit.
The mains include twists on classics like a bone-in rack of lamb with African Peanut Sauce or grilled king prawns with a white wine & coconut sauce. Side dishes of Jollof rice, Mofongo, grilled okra and burnt baby cabbage complete the savoury menu, with a mango and ghost pepper chilli cheesecake as the main dessert option.
Our team started with the bread and the walnut hummus with pumpkin seeds and pomegranate molasses dip before moving onto another of the small plates called "pickings" with some guava-glazed prawn tostadas.
The hummus was very different from any we have tried before; the nuttiness of the walnuts really comes through, along with the sweetness of the pomegranate and a balance of sourness from lime. It works fantastically with the flatbread to prepare the taste buds for more delicious flavours.
The sweetness of the guava glaze on the prawns perfectly melds with the red cabbage. Each flavour gets to stand out without being overly sweet or spicy to create a beautifully fresh and balanced dish.
We moved onto some grilled goat ribs in a chilli glaze that combined tender meat with some heat and smoke from the grill for a melt-in-the-mouth moment of meatiness. They tried the watercress salad next and loved how it surprised the palate with the coconut and cashew nut flavours bursting forth. It may look like a simple dish, but the flavours are complex and exciting.
The hay-smoked US hanger steak with seaweed and chilli rub was served with crispy kale and pickled onions, which paired perfectly with the meat. Our tasters also enjoyed the burnt baby cabbage for its grilled smokiness and sauce that brings the whole dish together.
The Jamaican classic, jerk chicken, didn't disappoint. It provided a hearty, juicy, flavourful meal with a fresh-tasting mango chutney and some shredded red cabbage. A side of Jollof rice helped complete the meal, bringing some African-style to the table.
Even though they were full to a bursting point, they could not resist trying some of the slightly spicy New York-style cheesecake with mango sauce and a piece of doughnut heaven, a collaboration between Halo sourdough doughnuts and Licky Chan's vanilla ice cream, which Joore also owns.
Signature Cocktails
Having sampled a large part of the food menu, our thirsty testers focused on the drinks. Joloko's commitment to excellence extends beyond its food menu to its impressive selection of signature cocktails. The bar staff, well-versed in mixology, crafts drinks that complement the bold and spicy flavours of the cuisine. Whether sipping on a classic mojito or indulging in a unique concoction like the "Rum Jungle," each sip celebrates the rich Caribbean and Latin American drinking culture.
Our tasters tried an "Early Bird" mocktail of bitter soda, fresh mint, cucumber and strawberry. They loved the slightly bitter flavours of the mojito-like drink and found it invigorating. They also sampled the coconut espresso milkshake, which was very refreshing and beautifully presented. With a wide range of cocktails and wines and a vast selection of Mescal, those wishing to indulge in an alcoholic beverage will find it challenging to choose what to drink.
Joloko Bar in Kuala Lumpur represents a harmonious fusion of Caribbean and Latin American cultures, creating a culinary haven in the heart of a city with a thriving gastronomic landscape. Whether you're a local seeking a unique dining experience or a traveller eager to explore the flavours of the Caribbean and Latin America, Joloko Bar promises an unforgettable journey through food, drinks, and cultural celebration.
Open daily (Mon-Fri, 5 pm to 1 am and Sat-Sun from 12 noon to 1 am), we recommend you book a table today and take a break from the mundane of everyday life with a food and drink vacation in Chow Kit.