Monster And Beer: We Take a Look at Taman Paramount’s Most Beloved Craft Beer Spot

By JUICE Malaysia  •  06 May 2024 in Features

Thirsty for JUICE content? Quench your cravings on our Instagram, TikTok and WhatsApp

When someone brings up craft beer, there are quite a few places that come to mind when talking about Klang Valley watering holes. While you’re spoiled for choice, there’s one that we think stands out among the rest for its quirky artwork, friendly and knowledgeable staff, and an owner who lives and breathes craft beer — and isn’t shy about it.

We paid a visit to Monster And Beer in Taman Paramount, Petaling Jaya to have a chat and some brewskis with the owner, ‘KS’.

Humble beginnings and pandemic resilience

On the outside, Monster And Beer has a very cosy and laidback aesthetic with its kopitiam-style facade. It’s warm, inviting, and just makes you want to crack open a cold one with your besties after a night out. Or, if you’re like this Writer, you’d rather make your visit to Monster And Beer the main event.

Much like its humble facade, Monster And Beer started off pretty small as a stall operating in Sunway Velocity Mall. But even then, it didn’t struggle to attract craft beer lovers, new and old. Despite the success that his business was enjoying, KS (an illustrator by trade) decided to expand. That’s when Taman Paramount became Monster And Beer’s new home. But like any new business venture, there can be ups and downs.

The new Taman Paramount location had opened less than a year prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. If you can remember the struggle of keeping indoors during MCO, you can probably guess how it affected business for KS. But Monster And Beer stayed resilient throughout the pandemic, offering pickup and delivery services, because who doesn’t want to enjoy a nice craft beer in the comfort of their own home, right?

KS did note that storing beer during COVID-19’s minimised operation hours did pose a slight problem. Some natural ingredients in craft beer, like live yeast, don’t gel well with heat. This meant that they had to get rid of spoiled beer at the time. 🙁

“We did do deliveries during the pandemic. We also had a lot of customers coming back to us, asking if they could tapau this and that,” KS says. “Luckily, we managed to survive during the pandemic.”

A place to let out your inner monster

According to KS, the general concept for Monster And Beer is to have a place where you can let out your inner monster — a place to let loose, so to speak. It’s not meant to be an upscale bar where you’re expected to speak or dress a certain way. It’s meant to be fun, casual, and young (even if you’re close to 31 like this Writer).

“My business partners, they started out in the wine business. They got really good at it and wanted to branch out to beer. So that’s when we met and I got involved,” KS shares. “They really appreciated my concept for Monster And Beer; how it’s tailored to younger people. My partners themselves are also young!”

The goal is to keep things simple, but “not cincai, lah”. KS then built onto that simplicity by adding cosy decor and quirky artwork — the latter of which he illustrates himself, by the way!

It seems the concept has worked out pretty well for KS, who says that he has garnered a loyal (and growing) group of regulars who keep coming back for more craft beer.

“Right now, we have a lot of regulars. Even when they go overseas, they still come back to Taman Paramount and pay us a visit,” KS says.

Not just craft beer

While Monster And Beer may be known for its international curation of craft beer, it’s also a place to grab a delicious (and sometimes unique) bite.

We’d say the food there pairs perfectly with whatever craft beer you decide to drink. This Writer’s personal favourite is the beef tataki (availability may not be accurate at the time of writing). But if you’re up for something a little more unique, Monster And Beer also offers a unique curation of canned foods imported from Japan. They follow the same principle — simplicity. Just pick your canned food item and they’ll heat it up!

Some of the choices are exotic, some a little closer to home. But we can guarantee you won’t be disappointed.

Come for the craft beer, stay for the friendly vibes

It’s no secret that craft beer places are sprouting up like mushrooms, but Monster And Beer has managed to stay true to itself throughout the years.

It’s unapologetically simple, and perhaps that’s its greatest charm. Backed by a super attentive and knowledgable staff, as well as a passionate owner in KS, we don’t think a visit to Monster And Beer will leave any bitter taste in your mouth, unless it’s from a beer. 😉

Monster And Beer is located at the following address:

11, Jalan 20/13,

Taman Paramount,

46300

Petaling Jaya, Selangor

Operating Hours:

Monday: Closed.

Tuesday to Sunday: 11.30 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Keep up with new craft beers and menu items by following Monster And Beer on Instagram.