KUALA LUMPUR (April 11): Japanese spirits are gaining appreciation in the Klang Valley, with more bars dedicating shelf space and menu pages to these imports. Inextricably linked to the Land of the Rising Sun, sake is a much-loved national drink and an important cultural artefact, particularly with its role in Shinto traditions and customs.

In Options’ cover story this week, the processes and prestige of rice wines are explored via three specialty bars around the Klang Valley which devote themselves to distinct expressions of sake enjoyment.

The laidback Collins Sake & Wine Bar serves two signature cocktails with sake at the heart, in addition to a range of Japanese rice wines and whiskies sold by the bottle.

Tobu Sake Bar introduces torii gates and cherry blossoms to the izakaya, pairing yakitori with a selection of sake varieties and a house pour for first-timers reluctant to commit to an entire bottle. 

Finally, Toji Sake Bar crafts an almost mystical experience for connoisseurs. It dispenses with a drinks menu entirely and features a wide range of premium sakes served in engraved Royal Selangor pewter cups, alongside refined Japanese fusion dishes.

Also in The Edge Malaysia weekly Options’ April 12 edition are stories that celebrate World Book Day on April 23, including a profile on esteemed Malaysian writer Uthaya Sankar, a look at the growing demand for local anthologies, and an interview with Bookurve founder Teoh Lian Shan on creating an online marketplace to buy, sell and trade books.

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