At the heart of Kuala Lumpur lies Asador V, a dry-aged steakhouse that promises not only a culinary journey but an immersive experience that evokes nostalgia and timelessness. The mastermind behind this exquisite establishment is the founder, a passionate food lover with a rich background in mechanical engineering and a flair for design. With a vision to create a space that blends luxury, vintage elements, and a touch of steampunk, the founder has crafted an environment that is as memorable as the flavours served on the plates.
A Journey Begins: The Dry Aged Room
As you step into Asador V, the first thing that captures your attention is the meticulously designed dry-aged room. This space, a testament to the founder’s expertise in both engineering and culinary arts, is where the magic of dry-aging happens. Having honed his skills in dry-aging since 2017, the founder’s knowledge and passion are evident in every detail of this room. The dry-aged room stands as a transparent testament to the process that imparts the unique, intense flavours to the steaks, offering patrons a glimpse into the meticulous care that goes into every cut of meat.
The Main Dining Hall: A Grand Reveal
Moving past the dry-aged room, patrons are greeted with an astonishing sight—the main dining hall. This space, with its high ceilings and expansive layout, exudes an air of grandeur. Dominating the hall are three large crystal chandeliers, each one a masterpiece in its own right. These chandeliers, crafted from Egyptian crystal and inspired by ancient European design, cast a warm, luxurious glow over the room. Their intricate details and shimmering presence set the tone for a dining experience that is both elegant and timeless.
The Asado Fire Grill: A Culinary Performance
At the heart of the main dining area lies the asado fire grill, a focal point that draws the eyes and captivates the senses. This open fire grill serves as a performance stage, where chefs work in harmony like an orchestra, creating a visual and culinary spectacle. The sight of flames and the sounds of sizzling meat provide an entertaining and dynamic backdrop, enhancing the dining experience with a touch of theatrical flair.
The Bar: A Towering Display of Luxury
On the opposite side of the asado fire grill, the bar stands tall, an impressive 20 feet high. The clever use of whiskey bottles on the rack creates a magical display as they reflect warm light, adding to the luxurious ambiance. This brilliant lighting design complements the grandeur of the chandeliers, ensuring that the bar area is equally captivating and inviting.
A Feast for the Eyes
Asador V’s main dining hall is a visual feast, with numerous elements that keep patrons’ eyes busy while seamlessly blending together to create an intriguing experience. In the right corner of the hall, a standalone dining room with a private mezzanine floor catches the eye. Supported by Roman columns at each corner, this elevated room offers the illusion of dining amidst Roman architecture, despite being indoors. The columns add a majestic touch, making this space a standout feature.
The Mezzanine Experience
To the far left corner of the dining hall, a staircase leads up to the mezzanine floor, providing a unique vantage point at eye level with the chandeliers. This staircase, designed with varying levels and acting like a spiral staircase with different landings, first leads to the private room adorned with Roman columns. Continuing upward, it lands on a slightly higher mezzanine floor on the opposite side. Before reaching the final landing, a platform bridge offers the best photo-taking spot, with the three chandeliers providing a stunning backdrop. This elevated view also provides a bird's-eye perspective of the entire restaurant.
Antique Collections and Artistic Wonders
The mezzanine floor is a treasure trove of the owner’s antique collections. Guests can admire an antique phonograph, typewriter, calculator, and tables with legs made from antique sewing machines. Different antique lights are used throughout the restaurant, adding to the vintage charm. One of the most interesting art pieces on this floor is a metal figure of a whale, crafted from various scrap materials such as old doorknobs, metal cables, bicycle dynamos, and spatulas, offering patrons a delightful exploration of creativity.
The Private Rooms: Vintage Elegance
There are four private rooms, each designed to provide an intimate and exclusive dining experience. Each room is decorated with vintage industrial lighting and features a vintage HIFI Stereo Audiola system from the 70s-80s. These elements add a touch of historical charm, connecting patrons to a bygone era of elegance and sophistication.
The Custom Chandeliers
Another highlight is the custom-made chandeliers in the central space of the spiral stairs. Co-designed by the founder and his wife, both with mechanical engineering backgrounds, these chandeliers are a true embodiment of steampunk aesthetics. Combining antique lights into a gigantic, long cylinder shape, the rustic design fully captures the essence of steampunk, adding a unique and personal touch to the décor.
The Outdoor Lounge: A Different Space Continuing the Interior’s Elegance
Beyond the opulent interiors of Asador V lies our outdoor lounge, a meticulously designed space that serves as a cigar lounge, providing the perfect environment to unwind with a fine cigar, adding an extra layer of luxury to guests' dining experience. The owner’s vision for this space was to create a serene oasis of comfort and style, surrounded by lush greenery and ambient lighting that establish a tranquil retreat in the heart of Kuala Lumpur. The lounge features table tops wrapped in aluminium sheets and edged with leather, complemented by sofas upholstered in seasoned leather, continuing the steampunk and muscular aesthetic found throughout Asador V. These plush seating arrangements, thoughtfully chosen to enhance relaxation and sophistication, invite you to savour the moment. The outdoor cigar lounge at Asador V is not just a place to enjoy fine cigars; it's a social haven where the owner's design concept fosters connection and camaraderie. It is ideal for connecting with friends, engaging in lively conversations, or simply enjoying a moment of solitude. The relaxed yet refined atmosphere, a true testament to the owner's design philosophy, encourages camaraderie and creates lasting memories.
The founder’s vision for Asador V is realized in every corner of this extraordinary steakhouse. From the moment you enter and witness the dry-aged room, to the grand reveal of the main dining hall with its dazzling chandeliers, and the dynamic asado fire grill, every element is designed to create a sense of nostalgia and timelessness. The blend of luxury, vintage, and steampunk décor ensures that Asador V is not just a place to dine but a place to experience. It’s a testament to the founder’s passion and dedication, offering patrons an unforgettable journey of taste and aesthetics.
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