Barra: a taste of Barcelona in the heart of Petaling Street

Barra: a taste of Barcelona in the heart of Petaling Street

Samadhi Retreats' latest venture brings authentic Spanish cuisine and casual sophistication to KL’s Chinatown.

The offerings at Barra pay tribute to authentic Spanish cuisines. (Muhaimin Marwan @ FMT Lifestyle)
KUALA LUMPUR:
When was the last time you were treated to modern Spanish cuisine in the heart of Chinatown?

Step into Barra Restaurant, the new kid on the block that brings the warmth and flavours of Barcelona straight into the heart of Petaling Street.

Opened two months ago, this exciting new addition along the vibrant street is brought to you by the renowned Samadhi Retreats group behind Tamarind Springs.

 

Leave the busy streets of Chinatown behind as you walk through Barra’s wooden door. The air thrums with an infectious energy, a gentle hum of conversation punctuated by the rhythmic clatter of pans from the open kitchen.

This open kitchen is the heart of the restaurant, a transparent stage where Barcelona-born chef Ignasi Prats and his team orchestrate their culinary magic.

The restaurant has a warm ambiance with its woody exterior and open kitchen. (Muhaimin Marwan @ FMT Lifestyle)

The snaking wooden counter facing the kitchen is reminiscent of Barcelona’s dining culture. High chairs line the counter, offering a front-row seat to the culinary spectacle of Prats and his team.

Whether you snag a coveted counter seat or opt for a more relaxed table setting, Barra’s ambience is one of casual sophistication.

It’s a place where you can linger for hours, savouring the taste of Spain in every bite, all while basking in the warm hospitality that defines this exciting new Kuala Lumpur destination.

Authenticity is key at Barra, with most ingredients flown in direct from Spain, allowing Prats to craft a mouth-watering menu for you.

Arros Negro Con Pulpo is rich with an intense seafood flavour. (Muhaimin Marwan @ FMT Lifestyle)

From creamy Spanish rice paella to humble codfish pan-seared to crispy perfection, Barra’s offerings transport you straight to Barcelona.

Kick off your Spanish adventure with a glass of Barra’s refreshing sangria. Zesty and fresh, this quintessential wine punch evokes the essence of summer, setting the perfect tone for your meal.

For an elevated appetiser, the black truffle and mushroom croquetas are a must-try. Presented on a slab of black stone, the croquettes are deep-fried to perfection, their crunchy exterior giving way to rich flavours of black truffle and aged cheese inside. The earthy tones of truffle can be intense, but for aficionados, they are a delight.

The escalivada with manchego cheese is inspired by the chef’s Catalan roots. This simple Catalan dish of grilled roasted bell peppers and onions is elevated with generous slices of manchego cheese and olives. The buttery texture and intense taste of the sheep cheese add a sharp, salty finish to the dish.

The Hotate Vieras is an elevated dish with the sweet and briny taste of the scallops. (Muhaimin Marwan @ FMT Lifestyle)

For a premium experience, the Hotate Vieras is a gastronomic triumph. The sweet, briny scallops and their buttery smoothness blend seamlessly with rich braised oxtail. Each bite is an explosion of flavours, a dish to be savoured.

Prats’s favourite is the Pincho De Beef Tartare. Served atop mini brioche buns, the black angus tenderloin tartare with cured quail yolk and piparra peppers is a rich, velvety delight.

This bite-sized dish is perfect for those hesitant about beef tartare; the fresh, perfectly seasoned meat tastes almost like it’s cooked.

Among the mains, the Arros Negro Con Pulpo stands out. Generously plated, this Spanish rice cooked in lobster broth and black ink, accompanied by grilled squid and Atlantic octopus, is a true delight. The lobster broth enriches the rice, and the perfectly grilled octopus is tender, not rubbery.

All in all, Barra Restaurant, with its authentic taste and sophisticated ambiance, brings a slice of Barcelona to Kuala Lumpur, promising a dining experience that lingers long after the last bite.

Barra Restaurant
158, Jalan Petaling
50000 Kuala Lumpur

Business hours:
12pm-10.30pm (Closed on Monday)

Contact: 016-588 3966

For location, click here.

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