Nestled in the vibrant heart of Kuala Lumpur, within the plush confines of the The Exchange TRX, the newly opened Amazonas KL emerges as a beacon of South American cuisine. This locale enriches KL’s diverse restaurant scene where South American options are still few and far between. I had heard rumours of great cocktails, so together with my girlfriends, we decided to give it a try!
From the moment you step into Amazonas KL, you can feel the pulse of South America. The decor is warm with a lovely mix of typical South American artefacts. Spread over two levels, the restaurant offers an experience that caters to varied preferences; whether you’re looking for a cosy dinner spot or a lively bar to socialise.
Latin America spirits at Amazonas KL
The upstairs bar at Amazonas KL has been designed to create a festive ambiance that encourages guests to dance, have fun, or simply enjoy a quick drink at any time of the day. Featuring a DJ booth, bar seats, plush lounge seats, and two adjoining VIP rooms for private dining, the space is versatile and inviting and great for private parties.
What truly sets Amazonas KL’s bar apart however are its star cocktails, which celebrate the most popular spirits of Latin America – Pisco, Mezcal, Rum, and Tequila. Each cocktail is an ode to the diverse beverage traditions of the region, served in truly unique ceramic mugs and we just had to try them.
With names like El Dia de los Muertos, The Devil in Me, and Conquistador the choice was a major dilemma. Ultimately I chose the Maneater, a tantalising concoction of apricot, orange, mango, lime, pineapple, orgeat, angostura bitters, and gin. The blend of flavors was both refreshing and complex. One of my friends opted for the Amazonas Dark and Stormy, a robust mix of calamansi, gula Melaka, ginger beer, and rum, and another had a classic Margarita. All drinks were delicious but felt small. Next time we will ask for less ice.
Food to go along
The menu’s variety is interesting, featuring sections like a raw bar that pays homage to South America’s coastline, a taqueria offering a taste of Mexican cuisine with tacos and tostadas served on a wooden block, and an open-concept parrilla grill where steaks and seafood are cooked over charcoal. Additionally, the menu includes salads, sides, and deserts, with dishes available in both small plates and sharing portions.
One of the undeniable highlights of the meal was the guacamole, freshly prepared at the table, an engaging and delicious experience.
My choice of Tropical Fruit Salpicón, however, whilst attempting to capture the vibrancy of Latin American fruit salads, was overly sour. However, the Langostino Habanero, grilled over charcoal and served with chili, garlic butter, pineapple salsa, and lime was good. My friends who opted for the set lunch (RM180++ for 2) enjoyed their Guajillo Roast Chicken.
Unfortunately the Beef Barbacoa Tacos were a source of frustration since they were served long after the rest of the table had finished their meals. The explanation offered was that the tacos were breaking. However, the restaurant’s gesture of offering a Cinnamon Tres Leches Cake as an apology was appreciated.
Overall, Amazonas KL emerges as a promising new addition to Kuala Lumpur’s dining scene, offering a refreshing array of tastes and culinary experiences. While the chef may need to perfect the tacos, the overall quality of the food, the cocktails, the engaging preparation of dishes like the guacamole, the overall ambiance hints at a promising future for this establishment.
