March into The Saints Bar for good food and heavenly live music

Free Malaysia Today

22-04-2025

The Saints Bar offers a laid-back and inviting atmosphere for its guests to relax. (Moganraj Villavan @ FMT Lifestyle)
KUALA LUMPUR : Many stories of saints have taken place in Biblical lands in times long past. This one, however, began in Kuala Lumpur about six years ago.
Gana Nathan was having a drink with his friends Ainsley, Harish and Jerry, at the Backyard pub in Sri Hartamas one day. They were discussing the opening of a new place for drinks in the area, and were deciding on a suitable name.
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In a flash of divine intervention, they realised they were all from La Sallian schools, commonly named after saints. And that was how The Saints Bar here got its name.
'If you're looking for a chill place with good ambience and food at reasonable prices, The Saints is a great place. It's a wonderful place to catch up with old friends while meeting new ones,' Gana, an alumnus of St Xavier's Institution in Penang, told FMT Lifestyle.
Since its inception, The Saints has become known by many in the area as a charming watering hole, with a warm and laid-back atmosphere perfect for unwinding after a busy day.
The Saints Bar co-founder Gana Nathan hopes guests will consider this spot their cosy neighbourhood bar. (Moganraj Villavan @ FMT Lifestyle)
The Lasallian spirit looms large within the venue: framed pictures of 18 La Salle institutions, from the La Salle School in Brickfields to the Sacred Heart School in Sibu, Sarawak, hang on its walls. The bar still hosts many Lasallian events and is frequently visited by many of its alumni.
'There was a Lasallian living in the US who was back here for a holiday. He heard about us on Facebook and wanted to visit. But he arrived at his hotel late,' Gana recalled.
'He called us to try his luck, and we told him we would wait for him. We ended up having a drink at midnight! That was such a nostalgic time, when two Lasallians came together.'
The venue is also a heavenly place for live music: many popular and talented Malaysian musicians such as Gerard Singh, Arab & Badar, ICE & JC, The Jetliners, Wild Roses, Musique Sense, Eric & Rish, DJ Tipster, DJ Dr FUBU, Ziki and Leonard Tan have all graced the stage here over the years.
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'When times are right, we have customers doing karaoke too,' Gana said with a laugh.
Food highlights here include (clockwise from top) spicy onion pakoras, salt fish pickle rice, Hokkien mee, smoked duck and Margherita Supreme pizza. (Moganraj Villavan @ FMT Lifestyle)
Food-wise, there's plenty to enjoy here. The mutton fried rice is popular, while the salt fish pickle fried rice is savoury and satisfying, each mouthful bursting with layers of flavour.
A variety of pizzas are available, from Hawaiian Paradise to Mushroom Honey Truffle Delight, but FMT Lifestyle's pick is the Margherita Supreme, a mouth-watering mix of tomato and basil that proves the power of simplicity.
Start off your meal with their sliced smoked duck – its crimson tangy sauce gives it quite a kick – or the super crispy and spicy onion pakoras which are addictive.
You also can't go wrong with their delectable Hokkien mee: these thick noodles slathered in soy and oyster sauce, are definitely the best kind of comfort food.
There's also plenty here for guests eager to wet their whistle. The Saints boasts a great single malt whisky collection, and don't leave without trying their signature cocktails: these blessed beverages are all named after saints.
The divinely-inspired St Jean is a signature cocktail at The Saints Bar. (Moganraj Villavan @ FMT Lifestyle)
Exorcise your thirst away with St Jean, a refreshing medley of gin, Cointreau, fresh lime juice, mint leaf and cucumber: you'll certainly be feeling as cool as one after a sip or two of this!
Overall, you don't need to be a saint to enjoy your time here. After all, there are quite a few divine cocktails on the menu. If you're looking for a fun place to enjoy time with friends over good food and drinks, then start marching into The Saints, and be part of that number!
'I'd like to maintain The Saints as your cosy neighbourhood bar, serving what the customer enjoys. So far, I think our regulars enjoy coming here because they feel at home, and are treated well. It's a lot like 'Cheers': we all know each other here,' Gana concluded with a smile.
The Saints Bar
No 11, Jalan Sri Hartamas 7
Taman Sri Hartamas
50480 Kuala Lumpur
Business hours: 4pm-12am (closed on Sundays)
For more information, follow The Saints Bar on Instagram.