Founded by Ben Nair and his business partner, this speakeasy has swiftly become a cornerstone of KL’s nightlife, offering patrons an unforgettable blend of innovative cocktails in a charming, nostalgic atmosphere.
Nair’s passion for cocktails and speakeasies is palpable. “We like to party and wanted a place where we could actually go out and have a good time,” he said.
This vision led to the creation of The First Chapter in Taman Tun Dr Ismail (TTDI) post-pandemic, a time when people were eager to socialise again.
The initial success and the warm reception from the community encouraged the duo to bring their concept to Damansara Heights, close to their second outfit called Benang: The Second Chapter, making operations smoother and allowing them to standardise their service.
The speakeasy’s theme revolves around hobbies. Initially, the TTDI location was adorned with books, but the Damansara Heights location features vintage typewriters, an homage to old-school writing and a nod to a bygone era.
“Typewriting is a bit more ‘old school’,” Nair, 28, explained, emphasising the continuity of their literary theme while adding a unique twist.
With a casual setting near the bar counter and a more sophisticated area with studded couches and a DJ booth on the other side, The First Chapter caters to partygoers and big get-togethers.
The highlight of the speakeasy is, of course, its drink menu, a testament to Nair’s dedication to creating flavours that resonate with the local palate.
“Malaysians prefer strong and bold flavours,” he noted, and his cocktails reflect this preference with robust, flavourful concoctions.
One standout creation is the Rhum Brûlée, a captivating take on the classic Rum Sour. Nair infuses this cocktail with a rich, nutty essence by incorporating in-house pistachio syrup. The meticulous process of making the syrup in-house ensures a unique depth of flavour.
To cater to all patrons, including vegans, the cocktail uses aquafaba, also known as chickpea water, instead of egg white. This twist not only makes it inclusive but also adds a creamy texture that enhances the drink’s allure.
“It really captures that essence of pistachio,” he explained.
Another highlight is the bold and invigorating Kopi O’ Mexicana. This drink features Mr Black, a less sweet coffee liqueur from Australia, which perfectly balances the richness of coffee without being too sweet.
The use of mezcal instead of traditional tequila introduces a smoky twist.
For those who adore matcha, the Matcha You Can’t Bring Home is a must-try. Inspired by Nair’s love for matcha lattes, this cocktail takes the beloved flavours of matcha and elevates them with a luxurious twist.
The drink combines high-quality matcha, oat milk, Frangelico (a hazelnut liqueur), and caramel, creating a harmonious blend of earthy, creamy, and sweet notes.
“We take it up a notch,” Nair enthused, describing how the combination of matcha and hazelnut results in a drink that is comforting yet indulgent.
The cheeky name reflects its delightful potency, as it’s a matcha latte you truly can’t take home after a few rounds.
For those looking to perfect their cocktail-making skills at home, he offers a simple yet powerful tip: “Use salt. It brings out the flavours of most cocktails, especially those with citrus.”
Whether you’re a cocktail connoisseur or just someone looking for a great night out, The First Chapter promises an evening of exceptional drinks, warm ambiance, and a peek into the rich world of mixology.
As Nair aptly put it: “You can take a single shot of rum, mix a bit of lime, a bit of sugar, and it becomes something you just want to drink all day. That’s the magic of cocktails.”
The First Chapter
Jalan Medan Setia 2,
Bukit Damansara,
50490 Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: 6pm-3am (closed on Mondays)
Contact: 012-239 1738
For location, click here.
Follow The First Chapter on Instagram.