New York-based restaurant Black Tap Craft Burgers & Shakes has opened its first store in Malaysia, at Sunway City in Kuala Lumpur. 

The hip-hop and pop music of the 80s and 90s – as well as the art-covered walls – provide the urban concept restaurant with a relaxed atmosphere similar to a traditional American luncheonette with a New York flavour.

The Malaysian street artist Kenji Chai – whose works have decorated the walls of places all throughout the country, including the tallest mural in Malaysia – has created murals for the facade and interior. Kenji has previously designed monochromatic graphics for international customers like Netflix, VW, and Uniqlo.

The restaurant has 165 seats, including patio seats outside and a mezzanine level with its own dedicated bar for private groups of about 50 people.

“Malaysia was a natural next destination for us within the region and the rich food culture is inspiring,” said Chris Barish, owner of Black Tap Craft Burgers & Shakes. 

In addition to the standard menu, the brand said it provides a variety of plant-based dishes, including the Black Bean Vegan Burger, Vegan Black Bean Salad, and Vegan Black ‘N White CakeShake, to satisfy the growing vegan trend.

Husband-and-wife team Chris Barish and Julie Mulligan opened Black Tap in 2015 in New York City. Since then, it has opened locations across the US – including The Venetian Resort in Las Vegas and the Downtown Disney District at Disneyland Resort – as well as abroad in Bahrain, Singapore, Switzerland, and the UAE. 

Black Tap Craft Burgers & Beer made its Asian debut at Singapore’s Marina Bay Sands in 2018.