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If you're the type who always orders 'just one pint' but somehow ends up trying the whole menu, this one's for you
While international names still dominate the bar scene, a handful of homegrown breweries are proving that Malaysia can also produce quality, flavour-packed craft beer that stands tall on the global stage.
Here are some local labels worth knowing and trying (if you haven't already!):
1. PaperKite
Born from the spirit of resilience (and countless failed attempts at making an actual paper kite), PaperKite's story is pure Malaysian stubbornness in the best way.
People said local craft beer couldn't survive, that it was "too expensive lah" or that "all beer same one". Their cheeky reply? Go Fly Kite.
And the beers deliver. The Copper Ale carries caramel sweetness with dried fruit and roasted notes, while the Oatmeal Stout is rich with chocolate, coffee, and creamy oats.
For hopheads, the IPA bursts with citrus and herbs, finishing on a spicy note. If you prefer something easier on the palate, the Pale Ale offers a floral, lighter option that's perfect for KL weather.
Where to find
Taps Beer Bar
Pickle Park
Alcohall
Chicken & Beer
The Great Beer Bar
Tap Room KL
Pickle Park @ Flour, Fire & Stone
Bou, APW
The Lawn By Pickle Park
Drafted Penang
Sits
Farmer's Bar
Pizza Mansion in PJ and KL (opening soon)
2. Leyd Brewing
What started as a passion project between friends in Sibu has grown into Leyd Brewing Co., a proudly Sarawakian craft beer brand.
They focus on small batches, using natural ingredients, and a healthy dose of creativity to capture the spirit of Borneo in every sip.
The Juicy Pale Ale lives up to its name with peach, pineapple, and mango notes balanced by earthy hops.
The Air Hitam Stout is all about chocolate, coffee, and a touch of vanilla, while the Haka Pilsner keeps things crisp with lime zest, grapefruit, and passionfruit.
For malty comfort, Dad Is the Reason Amber Lager brings toastiness with a hint of tangerine sweetness.
And for adventurous drinkers, seasonal brews like the Bario & Sea Salt Gose give a tart, fruity kick with a subtle briny finish.
Instead of copying Western craft trends, Leyd aims to carve out a Southeast Asian beer identity rooted in culture, place, and flavour.
Where to find
Farmer's Bar
Kura's Krafts
The Great Beer Bar
Neighbour Club by JWC
And more across KL, Melaka, Johor, Miri, and Kuching.
Check out the full list of locations here.
3. 1602 Craft Beer
The name might sound random, but it's not. 1602 marks the year lager yeast was first developed in Bavaria and the same year the first map of Borneo was revealed. Coincidence? We think not.
The range is approachable but diverse. The Lager is crisp and smooth, perfect for an easy-drinking night.
Their Pale Ale carries fruity aromas with balanced bitterness, while the Extra Dark is rich with chocolate and coffee tones. And the Wheat Beer? It's lighter, a little fruity, and refreshingly suited for Malaysia's climate.
It's a straightforward, no-frills lineup that works for both newbies and seasoned drinkers.
If you're a Sarawakian looking for something to sip with local pride, 1602 has got you covered.
Where to find
Mostly around Kuching and Sarawak, including:
1602 Craft Beer Sibu
Windy Harbour Seafood Restaurant
Zheng Shan Mei Restaurant
New Chef's Delicious Restaurant
The Waterfront Kuching
Check out the full list of locations here.
4. Fat Boy
True to its name, Fat Boy has a playful energy that makes it approachable even if you're new to the craft beer scene.
You'll often spot Fat Boy at The Craft Beer Shop Malaysia, which carries both local and imported craft brews. Expect fun styles like the Galaxy Juicy IPA — tropical, aromatic, and hazy, thanks to Galaxy hops (aka passionfruit and citrus in a glass).
On the darker side, the Coconut Imperial Stout is indulgent: roasted almonds, cocoa, coffee, and a sweet creaminess that almost tastes like dessert.
And don't be surprised if you bump into Fat Boy at pasar malam stalls or pop-up markets.
Where to find
Farmer's Bar
The Craft Beer Shop Malaysia
Pasar Malam Taman Connaught
Various pop-up markets around the Klang Valley
5. Zebrew Craft Beer
With its zebra mascot and tagline — "a drink that brings people together with every sip" — Zebrew takes a playful, community-first approach to brewing.
The Zebra Lager Pilsner (4.5% ABV) is light, smooth, and malty enough to please almost anyone. The Meow Meow Craft Lager (5% ABV), inspired by Kuching (the city of cats), is simple, crisp, and easy-drinking with a nice malt-hop balance.
Where to find
Klang Valley
Nice (PJ)
Yaki Yaki (The Campus Ampang)
Cina Apek (The Campus Ampang)
Super Boring Club
Ales & Lagers
Farmer's Bar
The Great Beer Bar
Farmer's Tavern (Kampar)
Adult Food & Beverage
You can also order via Grab.
Sarawak
The Rainbow Bridge (Batu Kawa, Kuching)
South Side Bistro Cafe (Tun Jugah Mall, Kuching)
Jak Ma'An (Carpenter Street, Kuching)
Porkie's By Flavours (Jalan Song, Kuching)
ZOZO Beans & Booze (Jalan Song, Kuching)
Datong Taiwan Street Food (Emporium, Kuching)
Memory Cuisine Cafe (Jalan Wan Awi, Kuching)
Tavern Bistro (Trinity Hub, Kuching)
99 Cafe & Bistro (BDC, Kuching)
Farley Supermarket (Batu 6, Kuching)
The Gourmand (Gala City, Kuching)
Everrise (opening soon)
Expansion is coming soon to Bintulu, Miri, and Kota Kinabalu, with Everrise supermarkets rolling out Zebrew by the end of the year.
6. Modern Madness
Meet the mavericks of the scene. Modern Madness started out at The Great Beer Bar with one goal: to make craft beer feel Malaysian at its core.
Their early lineup featured four ales (4.5% ABV) and a porter (6% ABV), priced at just RM10 for a 330ml pour — a game-changer for anyone who thought craft beer was only for atas drinkers.
Over the years, they've brewed all sorts of wild experiments, from salted gula Melaka stouts to the famous Bah Kut Teh Ale (yes, it's a thing).
After a stint at Rex Theatre with 15 taps running, Modern Madness has since returned to its spiritual home at Ales & Lagers, where you'll find around five rotating beers on tap.
Where to find
Ales & Lagers at Solaria Dutamas, KL
Select craft beer events and pop-ups
