Snapshot: House of Hops

In Taman Megah, one unassuming bar has mastered the art of keeping things simple: good beer, good food, and good company. With eight craft brews on tap and some of PJ’s best pizzas, House of Hops proves that casual doesn’t mean ordinary.

Tucked along an otherwise unremarkable stretch of shoplots in Taman Megah, House of Hops arrived on the scene in the post-pandemic haze, and has quickly earned its reputation as one of Petaling Jaya’s most relaxed yet well-curated craft beer spots. It’s the kind of place that doesn’t take itself too seriously, but still gets the details right — a welcoming, easy-going bar for anyone from the mildly curious beer drinker to the full-fledged hophead. And once you see the full range of price points, you’ll understand the wide-ranging appeal for newbies and serious connoisseurs alike. When we first went, we were perusing the cooler with its hundreds of brightly coloured cans and bottles. With craft beers in Malaysia, you honestly do expect to see prices in the RM25 to RM40 range, and there are quite a few of those here. But RM80 and RM90? When we asked about it (“People pay that much for a can of beer?”), we got an answer that made absolute sense.

The cans offer plenty of fun, the staff offer plenty of knowledge and guidance

Like any specialty avocation or indulgence, there are people who take it seriously enough and whose knowledge and appreciation runs deep enough to justify those prices. Craft beer by its very nature isn’t a huge, mass-market exercise anyway, and at its uppermost echelon, it’s just a select few who are experienced enough to look at those prices and not faint on the spot. It’s much like whisky drinkers – most of them are casual drinkers, happy with the RM150-RM250 bottles, but the aficionados have no problem paying triple that, and the really serious and savvy connoisseurs will gladly open up their wallets even wider. Craft beer is no different, and House of Hops masterfully caters to them all.

One of multiple coolers: A wide range of styles, sizes, and prices

The heart of it all lies in the taps. There are eight of them here, rotating regularly to feature a mix of local and international brews, from crisp lagers and citrusy pale ales to bold stouts and rich IPAs. Prices run the gamut on these, too, which keeps things accessible. (When I visited, the happy hour draught prices ranged from RM24 to RM45, with regular prices just slightly higher.) Whether you just want to try something new without breaking the bank or you’re chasing that rare small-batch release, there’s always something on offer that fits the mood and the wallet. House of Hops also hosts events, tastings, and other gatherings, which oftentimes give patrons a chance to try flights of a particular style or nationality of craft beer. A recent event was the “Hop Odyssey: Discover American Craft Beer.” For a very affordable and reasonable price, and spread over two successive nights, enthusiasts were able to taste nine craft beers from across the U.S. ranging from a 4.0% ABV wheat beer to a 7.4% ABV hazy IPA.

Six of the eight taps at House of Hops with the day’s offerings

Whether at a curated tasting event like this one, or just dropping in on a regular evening after work, pairing all that beer goodness with something satisfying to eat isn’t an afterthought here — it’s part of the draw. House of Hops has quietly built a following for its food, and quite likely specifically for its pizzas, with thin, flavourful Neapolitan crusts and toppings that balance simplicity with a bit of flair. Think tasty beef pepperoni (RM24), smoked salmon (RM32), or a generous scattering of wild mushrooms (RM24), each perfectly matched with a glass (or two) of quality craft beer. We were blown away by the black truffle pizza (RM32), whose incredible umami aroma announces its arrival even before the pie hits your table. Blistered crust, excellent toppings, and reasonable prices. Go for the pizza, stay for the beer — that’s what we say!

Don’t miss the incredible black truffle pizza

When your table looks like this, you know you’re having a good night

There are plenty of other bar-style bites, too, from local fare like Maggi goreng (RM12) to decidedly more Western choices like cheesy meatballs (RM13), bratwurst and onions (RM13), and fried calamari (RM16). Easily among our favourites, though, was the spicy enoki mushrooms (RM11), lightly dusted with flour and flash-fried. Absolutely addictive – you may find yourself ordering a second round. We also liked the flavourful gambas al ajillo (RM37), with its plump, Spanish-style garlic prawns and warm toast to mop up the sauce.

The vibe at House of Hops definitely leans unpretentious — friendly staff, wooden tables (along with a couple of outdoor seating spots, too), a very laid-back and beer-passionate owner (ask for Mike), along with a steady hum of conversation and easygoing comfort that makes you want to linger just a bit longer. It’s nice without being flashy, and that’s exactly what makes it work. For a night out that’s equal parts discovery, comfort, and good company, House of Hops has become a local favourite that lives up to its name. We absolutely recommend putting this PJ neighbourhood spot on your list of beer bars to visit, and if you’re anything like us, it will quickly make its mark as one of your firm favourites. Just please… don’t try to order a Carlsberg here!