Pisco Bar @ Mesui

Pisco Bar, a South American restaurant launched this month within walking distance of Changkat Bukit Bintang, could do for ceviche & chicharrones what Pinchos Tapas Bar has done for Spanish croquetas & calamares in this neighborhood.

Pisco Bar boasts a friendly service team, sleaze-free setting, relaxed vibe & well-priced menu by Peruvian chef Miguel Hokama (a familiar face from Mont Kiara's now-closed Ristretto); wouldn't hesitate recommending this for an after-work hangout in the city.

Start with snapper ceviche (RM18+), raw fish marinated in "leche de tigre," or tiger's milk, a tangy-spicy formula of lime juice, onions & chili peppers that's considered both a hangover cure & an aphrodisiac.

Mussel & tuna ceviches are also available, each tinged with different types of South American chili peppers: amarillo (yellow), rocoto (red) & mochero (small yellow).

Plantain chips come complimentary with the ceviche; customers might also want to check out the tiradito (not pictured here), a Japanese-influenced carpaccio-like concoction of thinly sliced tuna topped with tiger's milk & soy sauce.

Causitas (RM18+), reminiscent of maki rolls, except with mashed potatoes instead of rice. Creamy carbs stuffed with avocado, soft-shell crab, prawns & prawn roe.

Pisco Bar's empanadas (RM16+) are addictive, some bursting with beef, others with pork.

Other worthwhile options: Street food of beef heart skewers with sweet potatoes ...

 ... more mashed potatoes, with tuna, olives & quail eggs this time ...

... & succulent stewed lamb with chickpea "tacu-tacu."

Naturally, Peru's Pisco Sour cocktail is a highlight here, delightfully delicious. But we also like the Peanut Butter & Jelly shooter, comprising frangelico & cranberry.

Chilcano De Pisco (pisco, ginger ale, lime juice, angostura bitters) & Elderflower Martini (vodka, elderflower syrup, sweet & sour mix).

Pisco Bar,

29, Jalan Mesui, Off Jalan Nagasari, Kuala Lumpur.

Tel: 03-2142-2900

Open nightly, except Mondays.