I know they say no matter how far you run you can’t run far from yourself.

With Penang being only an hour 20 minutes away by plane, I didn’t think I was running off that far let alone from myself but I certainly didn't expect to go on a holiday and drink cocktails at a bar in Penang made by a Singaporean bartender.

This write-up isn’t even supposed to be about Neon Pigeon. We will visit you guys another time but man I wish the stars were aligned that I got to try Backdoor Bodega’s own creations in my recent trip to Penang. 

Backdoor Bodega is one of Asia’s 50 best bars.

Don't be fooled by The Swagger Salon. (Image Source: Taufulou)

It is a speakeasy concept hidden behind a clothing store “The Swagger Salon”. You stand outside the shop and as a tourist you wonder – is this even right? Am I lost? The neon lights squint at you. You squint back (and down at google maps).

Determined, you march right in. “This has to be it…”

The real deal. (Image Source: The Yum List)

Someone asks how big your party is. A pause. A furrowed brow. “Let me check.”

And you wait. “I came all the way here.. Come on..”

A smile. A nod. You’re in!

Not going to lie, there’s a little delicious thrill when you enter and score a seat. It’s like being in on a little secret (even if you know deep down you’re one of many in on it).

The place is packed even on a weeknight – there are tourists like myself and locals.

My boyfriend notices the staff to patron ratio is overwhelming. “How is it that there are so many people waiting on tables?” Again this is relative to service-starved Singapore so… hold your fire. The result of this neat little observation? Impeccable service. Fast and attentive service and warmth. Warmth that I rarely experience in bars in my homeland. Typically, I get the best experience in Singapore at a bar table…and here we are not even at the bar. It’s a table (outside the toilet)! Lest I start comparing things with Singapore (like a typical Singaporean) let me stop veering off. Back to the Backdoor Bodega..

Let's get the elephant in the room out of the way, what's up with that girl standing over there.

My tummy is full of prawn noodles from Gurney Plaza (so touristy, I know, don’t school me please) so I opt for a light apple-based drink. I don’t remember the name of it except that it was crisp and light. Perfect for a blazing day spent hiking Penang hill.

The other drink was wrapped with an actual giant pandan leaf and accompanying it was a paper umbrella which my boyfriend gamely carried while drinking it. A gimmick but to a happy holidaymaker it was much appreciated fun gesture. 

I was told the mark of a good bar review is a blur photo of the drinks.

I requested for Backdoor Bodega’s actual menu but was unfortunately told that as Neon Pigeon’s Scarlet Lee was the guest bartender for International Woman’s Day, the usual menu was unavailable. It was quite disappointing but it meant another trip to Penang was in order which means the next time you read an article on it, it will (fingers crossed) be a proper review. And this time, other than amateur cocktail lover me there will be more sophisticated palates with me (the people that actually manage 88 bamboo)!

Nonetheless, we felt the vibes of Backdoor Bodega were immaculate and worthy of some special spotlight. The atmosphere was enough to draw us back for a second trip to Penang, a testament that they have got things right.

If you’re lucky and in a big group you might just get to sit in the plush forest green booths seats while bobbing your head to the cool tunes. People here are definitely here for a good time and it's a relaxing, non-pretentious vibe that we loved most. Laughter can be heard even in this cosy little gem.

Midway through nursing my apple drink I am handed a rose for International Women’s Day. What an act of hospitality that I am hardpressed to think of ever receiving in another establishment. To top it off you get a pin before you leave – “Penang’s overpriced pin shop”. A clever marketing tool and cute souvenir that I have to cherish from my brief visit.

Happy International Women's Day.

I simply have to go to Backdoor Bodega again. This time I hope I get to try their homegrown tipples and perhaps even add “pin-collector” to my list of hobbies.

@crystaltonic

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Backdoor Bodega

37, Jalan Gurdwara, 10300 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia

https://www.backdoorbodega.com/

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An overpriced pin shop.