Back in the 1970’s-80’s, the term “SPG” was quite widely used. “Sarong Party Girl” as what the abbreviation stands for, refers to an Asian girl who loves to party with white guys. I believe this was coined in the 1940’s when the British ruled over Singapore and this character has even been popularized in books. This acronym is cheekily used by the folks at Bijan to name their sister outlet – SPG by Bijan.
Main Entrance
Located right next to Bijan itself, SPG is a Malay tapas and bar housed in a premise that’s alive with vibrant colours throughout its deco. From the entrance, we stepp into a fairyland of vibrant fauna and flora depicted on the walls while the floor is decked out in retro tiles of happy contrasting colours. The retro theme is echoed in the bar counter accentuated with pretty Nyonya-style tiles setting the mood for a light-hearted time in SPG.
It’s impossible not to love the beautifully-drawn murals on the walls, each one carefully curated by a local artist. Whether for a sit-down meal or just to chill-out at the bar, SPG offers a good variety of cocktails, mocktails, tapas-like starters, mains and desserts.
Cocktails are all priced at RM35 and we like the creative concoctions on the menu. The Stinkini is a must-try as we believe this is the first time ever that petai (stink beans) are used in a cocktail. Drink this with a dash of bravery… the base of gin and vermouth makes it quite fun!
We like the Rose Chan too – it’s so easy to drink this delightful cocktail of tequila, pink guava, honey, lime juice and Sprite. Pretty In Pink is another creative mix of vodka, torch ginger, passionfruit, egg white and grenadine. We love how local fragrant herbs are used in SPG’s cocktails for that extra kick. We’ve always liked mojitos and SPG’s version called Cocohito hit the right notes with white rum, lime, coconut water and mint.
Stinkini
Rose Chan
Pretty in Pink
Cocojito
Keropok-Kerepek (RM19) – Assortment of crispy homemade crackers served with sambal dips – perfect with those cocktails!
We like this playful take on the Italian arancini – SPG’s version are deep-fried rice balls with our iconic nasi lemak flavours.
Ah Ran Sini (RM25)
Pais Barramundi turns out to be delightful parcels of grilled barramundi infused with turmeric, coconut and Malaysian spices wrapped in thin banana ‘leather’
Pais Barramundi (RM32)
Tender pulled beef cooked in Malay rendang-style sandwiched between soft fluffy bao is another fusionistic dish.
Rendang Bao (RM26)
Roti Jala Tiffin (RM22) – a triple tier tiffin of lacy pancakes with kaffir lime chicken curry, fish floss and anchovy sambal
We love the perfectly grilled Angus Oyster Blade and Lamb Shoulder, so flavoursome when eaten with the accompanying sambals (hitam, hijau and merah)
Grilled Angus Oyster Blade (RM68)
Grilled Lamb Shoulder (RM39)
We couldn’t resist trying the Duck Skewers, satay of a different kind. The meat texture is a bit chewy and slightly gamey, as what duck meat should be and the coconut floss and sambal hijau balance this out nicely.
Duck Skewers (RM28)
Lidah or ox tongue is another interesting dish. Braised with some spices and then seared, the pieces of tongue are succulent and tasty, especially when eaten with SPG’s sambal hitam.
Lidah & Sambal (RM28)
The seafood items are marinated with chilli and ginger sambal before being grilled. Served with sambal belacan and tamarind coriander sauce, the spicy smokey flavours are insanely addictive.
Grilled Stingray (RM38)
Grilled Calamari with Sambal Belacan (RM29)
If you need some carbs, try the Sekinchan – a lovely combo of tri-colour rice and quinoa with pulled chicken, Asian pesto, rice crackers and crispy chicken skin.
Sekinchan (RM26)
Fancy a true banana bonanza? Then check out the “Bananas Over Bananas” it’s all about house-made banana ice cream with smoky caramelised bananas in a dehydrated banana cone!
Bananas Over Bananas (RM18)
Want something light and refreshing? We love this creative concoction called Rojak Bush SPG which is an amalgamation of fresh guava mousse on a sponge biscuit base with diced water apple, pineapple, fig and petis sauce!
Rojak Buah SPG (RM16)
Our favourite is the beautifully presented Chen Doll – homemade pandan chendol with coconut water granita, red bean caviar and gula melaka syrup.
Chen Doll (RM16)
SPG by Bijan is a great place to bring visitors to experience some really cool modern Malay cuisine in a lovely space. Creative unique cocktails and friendly service add on the brownie points for SPG by Bijan.
SPG by Bijan
No.3A Jalan Ceylon
Kuala Lumpur
Tel: +603-2022-3575
Open daily from 12 noon till 12 midnight