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House of Malaka Spice launches new cocktail bar in Pune
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Wednesday, 02 September, 2026, 15 : 00 PM [IST]
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Our Bureau, Mumbai
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House of Malaka Spice has expanded into the neighbourhood bar space with the launch of The Kowloon Tiger, a new cocktail bar and conversation room in Baner, Pune. The concept brings together bold cocktails, playful flavours and an easy-going social drinking experience inspired by bar cultures across East Asia.
Conceived by second-generation restaurateur Ilvika Chandawarkar, The Kowloon Tiger marks a new direction for House of Malaka Spice, moving beyond traditional dining to create a space focused on spontaneity, shared experiences and relaxed evenings.
Inspired by the energy of Hong Kong, Taiwan and other East Asian nightlife destinations, the bar is designed as a neighbourhood watering hole where guests can drop in for drinks, share small plates and spend time in conversation. The concept moves away from occasion-led dining, instead focusing on an informal setting where an evening can naturally extend over multiple rounds and conversations.
The design mirrors this spirit, drawing inspiration from hidden alley bars, neon-lit streets and intimate late-night drinking spaces across East Asia. Architecture and spatial execution have been led by Shefali Shetty, with the design concept by Jungle Gym. The interiors feature moody lighting, raw textures and bold materials, with visual cues inspired by Asian syndicate cultures, including the Yakuza, Tongs and Triads.
An Omakase-style bar counter forms the centrepiece of the space, bringing guests closer to the cocktail-making process while creating an intimate and interactive experience.
The beverage programme, led by Prantik Haldar, takes cues from the evolving drinking cultures of cities such as Shanghai, Shenzhen, Hong Kong and Taipei, while incorporating influences from global cocktail movements. The menu combines Asian flavours, unexpected ingredients and contemporary techniques, with cocktails inspired by syndicate culture and named after distinctive characters, each representing a signature order.
The drinks are complemented by an Asian-inspired small-plates menu conceptualised by Rohan Mahabal. Designed for sharing, the food draws from bar cultures in Japan, Taiwan and China, as well as Hong Kong's cha chaan tengs and its comfort-driven street food traditions.
With its combination of experimental cocktails, shareable food and an informal neighbourhood atmosphere, The Kowloon Tiger aims to offer a relaxed take on contemporary Asian-inspired bar culture in Pune.
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