What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you hear the words “poison apple”?
For me, it’s Snow White. I’d have it replaying on my VCR as a kid because she was a cool Disney character. I mean, she talked to animals and survived a poisoning.
But if you bring the words up to Subang residents, they might think of the restaurant with the same name instead. And yes, it has a Snow White theme that goes beyond just menus filled with puns.
So as a new Subang resident, I figured it’s my duty to find out more about Poison Apple before adding it to my food hunt list. And the founders, Chris and June Chang, were more than happy to share.
Bringing the fairytale magic to Subang
Speaking with us, Chris said that both his and June’s love for fairytales served as the foundation for Poison Apple. They’ve always been fascinated with fantasy and adventure stories as children and thought many others would resonate as well.
“We sought to create a location where guests could escape reality and immerse themselves in a fantasy realm,” he stated.
And nothing screams more fairytale than the iconic story of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. Originally written by the Brothers Grimm, it’s also Disney’s first princess film adaptation.
But on a more personal level, the siblings found the fairytale’s plot delightfully dark and amusing. The Queen poisons Snow White with an apple but her plans are thwarted by a prince’s simple kiss? That’s peak storytelling, creating a story that many of us remember even as we grow up.
So the siblings tried to recreate that same sense of enchantment and mystery at Poison Apple.
Every component of the themed restaurant was curated to help customers engross themselves in the make-believe fairytale realm. From the moment you step through the restaurant’s hobbit-like entrance, you’ll be transported to an “enchanted” hideaway.
The walls are covered in creeping vines with “poison” apples, dark-coloured Chesterfield sofas are scattered around, and a smokey wishing well that dispenses beer. Together, they tie in the whole Snow White theme quite nicely.
A tavern filled with enchantments
Decor aside, though, Chris and June took extra care to ensure the food and beverage offerings lived up to what you’d expect of a themed restaurant.
Poison Apple has a number of cocktails inspired by the fairytale, such as:
- Snow White’s Potion – a sweet and creamy drink with hints of coconut
- Witch’s Voodoo Cauldron – a rich and fruity drink with berries, topped with whipped cream and cocoa powder
- The Seven Dwarfs – a tray of seven tangy and fruity shots that’s perfect for sharing with friends
Those looking to still their hunger here could try the restaurant’s signature burger, The Beast Burger, that features a fried cheese patty. Alternatively, you could opt for something spicier to pair with your alcoholic drinks, like Red Queen Spaghetti (topped with Szechuan pepper sauce) and Griffin Wings (with a mala kick).
These are all served by staff members that are dressed up in costumes.
Previously, this consisted of elves, wizards, and even unicorns. But it changes from time to time. At the moment, they’re dressed like pirates.
“By changing [costume] themes, we ensure that there is always something new to discover at Poison Apple, while still retaining the brand’s feeling of wonder and enchantment,” Chris shared. “Our objective is to take our customers into various fanciful realms with each visit.”
To let visitors further immerse themselves in the fairytale theme, Poison Apple provides props and costume accessories for guests as well. From crowns and horns to butterfly wings, there’s a good selection to choose from.
A third space for youngsters
Once decked out in your fairytale fit, you could indulge in the classic game of beer pong. Chris noted that this is a favourite amongst its patrons and understandably so. It’s a good way to socialise and have some lighthearted competition with peers.
Part of the restaurant’s success can also be tacked down to the area’s demographic. Sunway is home to educational institutes like Sunway University and Taylor’s University.
And if there’s one thing these students are on the lookout for, it’s unique experiences. Which is exactly what Chris and June were betting on when they established Poison Apple there.
“Sunway has rapidly developed into a bustling entertainment and lifestyle hub [too],” Chris mentioned. The area draws in a steady stream of visitors, both locals and tourists as there are various entertainment options available.
Although it’s not as eccentric as that of KL, it’s still quite lively with hotspots like Sunway Pyramid and Sunway Lagoon.
“While the bar’s core attraction is young adults and fairytale fans, it has drawn a varied population of curious explorers, social media influencers, and even families. Our unusual atmosphere has helped us stand out in the competitive F&B market.”
Continuously evolving with the times
It’s only been five years since the Chang siblings opened Poison Apple. However, their experience in the restaurant industry spans much longer than that.
You see, Poison Apple is actually under the Caffeinees Group that the duo founded nearly two decades ago. Brands under the group include Chateau de C.A.F.F.E.I.N.E.E.S, Yamaguchi Fish Market, and Truly Wine.
With that also comes valuable lessons they’ve picked up that have helped in building new brands. Chris shared two of them that he wished he knew sooner himself:
- Your restaurant’s concept should resonate with your target market and create a memorable experience. Whether it’s a theme, special cuisine, or unique ambience, make sure it stands out.
- Prioritise the quality of your food, drinks, and service. Consistently high standards will help you to build a loyal customer base.
On that note, Chris also pointed out the importance of changing things up to keep it fresh.
“While we started with a strong Snow White theme, we’ve evolved to include various themes to keep our guests engaged,” he said. “Looking forward, we plan to continue evolving our themes and possibly expand to new locations. Our goal is to keep offering new adventures and enchantment to our guests.”
- Learn more about Poison Apple here.
- Read other articles we’ve written about Malaysian startups here.
Featured Image Credit: Poison Apple / HIN MUN MA