In the vibrant world of Singapore’s bars and restaurants, you can expect a gastronomic journey that is out of this world. Hidden amidst the city streets and within the greenery of urban oases, these culinary havens guarantee delicious treats and expertly mixed beverages.
A fusion of tastes, cultures, and experiences, Singapore’s dining scene ranges from sizzling street food booths to Michelin-starred refinements. Without further ado, let’s explore the finest meals and drinks that dynamic Singapore has to offer!
1. Tigress by 82 Soho
Yoonseul by Tigress 82Soho
Hidden amongst Singapore’s bustling shopping district lies a secret garden called Tigress by 82Soho—a Korean-owned restaurant by day and bar by night. Located right in the heart of this metropolis, Tigress takes the form of a botanical-themed Korean fusion restaurant in the day, offering innovative and hearty dishes, as well as coffee and tea. By dusk, it comes alive as a cocktail bar serving cocktails inspired by iconic landmarks in South Korea.
The first step taken on the culinary journey through Tigress is having a Korean fusion restaurant that steals all attention. This means combining Westernised cooking techniques with traditional flavours from Korea hence ending up with an assortment that suits different tastes within the urban communities. The range includes everything from savoury delicacies to sweet, mouth-watering desserts; hence there will be no trouble finding something truly tempting when stepping into Tigress.
At dusk, however, Tigress transforms into a cocktail bar. Beyond being just another restaurant and bar for people to relax while sipping on expertly mixed spirits, Tigress offers a cocktail menu ranging from classics such as the Old Fashioned, to their signature cocktails inspired by South Korea’s iconic landmarks—guaranteeing options for all tastes and preferences.
Highlights among Tigress’s signature cocktails are Dreams of Unity consisting of Bacardi 8 Rum, Korean aged rice syrup, Korean sesame, and fresh lime while Starry Starry Seoul comprises Bombay Gin, Korean Yogurt Soda, Korean Citron Marmalade, Egg White—an absolute delight. Each mouthful is savoured and experienced as one discovers new flavours that were creatively concocted by Tigress’s skilled bartenders.
Tigress’s design itself is captivating with its elements of industry meshing seamlessly with those of botany, aided by its ten-metre high ceiling. It is not a mere spot where you can meet with family and friends; the design of Tigress creates an atmosphere that plunges guests from the buzzing urban life to a sophisticated state of relaxation. In short, it’s all about city-to-jungle vibes providing fantastic nights of fun and friendship.
Tigress is a place where you can have an exceptional experience of fine Korean artistry blended with the romanticism of city spaces—visit us to experience the magic that is spiced up with a little bit of elegance from Korea!
Address: 277 Orchard Rd, #03-17, Orchardgateway, Singapore 238858
Operating Hours: Monday-Sunday: 12:00 PM-10:30 PM (Last Orders: 9:30 PM Daily, 8:30PM on Sunday)
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2. Burnt Ends
Burnt Ends | Photo Source: Burnt Ends
The Burnt Ends bar in Singapore is an interesting fusion that combines innovative drinks with tasty food for convenience instead of dining in its popular namesake restaurant. This bar has its own identity but still feels like part of the larger restaurant; here, patrons will find unique drinks in large variety alongside a mouth-watering food menu like Smoked Quail Egg And Caviar and Crab and Pork Sticker.
Burnt Ends bar is known for its Signature Series cocktails, which are all artistic masterpieces. For instance, the Massaman Curry cocktail was crafted with vodka, coconut rum, kaffir lime leaves, chilli-padi, and citrus fruits—hence bearing a similar taste to the curry dish that is full of rich and spicy flavours. It’s a refreshing concoction that beautifully combines spice and citrus.
For those who love vintage drinks, a wide selection of cocktails that are aged in South American casks are offered by the established bar too. From timeless classics like the Negroni and Old Fashioned to the ever-famous Rob Roy, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
Beyond just drinks, sip on their expertly crafted cocktails while savouring Burnt Ends bar’s tantalising food offerings; With dishes ranging from smoked quail eggs with caviar to the iconic steak frites, or even the comforting Burnt Ends sanger, every dish represents this establishment’s dedication to quality and innovation.
Address: 7 Dempsey Road, #01-02, Singapore 249671
Restaurant Operating Hours: Thursday-Friday: 12:00 PM- 2:30 PM | Tuesday -Saturday: 6:00 PM-11:00 PM
Cocktail Bar Counter Operating Hours: Thursday-Friday: 12:00 PM- 2:30 PM | Tuesday -Saturday: 6:00 PM-11:00 PM
Cocktail Bar & Lounger Operating Hours: First Seating: 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM | Second Seating: 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM | Third Seating: 9:00 PM to 11:00 PM | Fourth Seating: 11:00 PM till late
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3. Sago House
Sago House | Photo Source: Facebook
The birth of Sago House started during 2020’s Covid-19 lockdown period, a symbol of resilience and innovation in adversity. This was an initiative by three veterans in the industry of cocktails and bars: Desiree Jane Silva, Jay Gray, and Abhishek C George, each of them having worked at several distinguished places.
Despite the delay of its grand opening due to the COVID-19 crisis, this did not stop them from making canned and bottled cocktails while designing the interior of their bar perfectly well. The space also features a beautiful mural done by Distort Monsters from the Philippines, adding a touch of beauty to the space.
When guests enter Sago House, they are greeted warmly by attentive staff members who set the mood for an unforgettable night out. The menu at Sago House exemplifies creativity and flexibility. While anchored on six classic cocktail styles, actual drinks change weekly based on the latest locally sourced ingredients. Among popular options is Bubble Bart, which involves mixing rum and French herb liqueur with plum bubbles and sugarcane syrup. As for food offerings, customers can expect to find delicious nachos, Angus steaks, or chicken waffles calling out to satisfy adventurous palates.
Address: 37 Duxton Hill, Singapore 089615
Operating Hours: Tuesday-Sunday: 6:00 PM-12:00 AM | Monday: Closed
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4. Native
Native | Photo Source: Facebook
Maintaining its commitment to promoting local ingredients and pushing mixology boundaries, Native has been a longstanding name on the distinguished list of Asia’s 50 Best Bars and continues to be sought out for unique indigenous mixed drinks inspired by various flavours across Asia.
Native’s signature drinks which have been conceived by owner and bartender Vijay Mudaliar’s visionary thinking embody the Asian influence the bar is committed to. Some include the Pineapple Arrack, a zestful mixture combining pineapple skin with Sri Lankan spices for that burst of a thick tropical flavour. Otherwise, try out the Peranakan which is based on whisky and involves Indian single malt whisky in it as an Asian distinction.
Native’s first-floor kitchen is more than just innovative cocktails; it’s a culinary experience worth several visits. The menu features an array of inventive and satisfying vegetable-forward dishes inspired by local flavours and ingredients. From classic nasi bakar – rice wrapped in banana leaf and grilled, to flavorful massaman mole, each dish represents Singapore’s rich culinary heritage.
Address: 52A Amoy Street, Singapore 069878
Native Restaurant Operating Hours: Monday- Saturday: 5:00 PM- 10:30 PM |Tuesday- Thursday: 12:00 PM-3:00 PM
Native Bar Operating Hours: Monday- Saturday: 6:00 PM- 12:00 AM
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5. Nutmeg and Clove
Nutmeg and Clove | Photo Source: Facebook
Nutmeg & Clove epitomises the CEO & Co-Founder of Nutmeg Collective, Colin Chia’s commitment to celebrating the diverse cultures of Southeast Asia through mixology. Nestled right behind the revered Raffles Hotel along Purvis Street, Nutmeg & Clove has evolved into a vibrant destination complete with cocktails and bar snacks.
Their Nutmeg and Clove cocktail is also worth mentioning – the cheapest, but surely the best one on their menu. It combines bourbon with gula melaka (palm sugar), freshly grated nutmeg, ground clove, and the last thing a little bit of ginger ale to taste. This paves the way for an unforgettable night full of harmonious flavours. The F*** Your Banana cocktail comes with banana caramel and amontillado sherry combined for those who love sweet things – it’s always something good.
But as much as Nutmeg & Clove is renowned for its signature cocktail menu, it’s also a culinary haven. Consequently, when happy hour strikes free-flow chicken sandos are given to the guests at the bar. For non-meat-eaters, Nutmeg & Clove offers a tantalising tofu satay served with peanut sauce and all the traditional accompaniments—a testament to the bar’s dedication to catering to a diverse range of palates.
Address: 8 Purvis Street, Singapore 188587
Operating Hours: Monday- Thursday: 5:00 PM- 12:00 AM | Friday & Saturday: 4:00 PM-12:00 AM
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Embark on a Culinary Odyssey Through Singapore’s Vibrant Bar and Restaurant Scene
As you navigate the vibrant culinary landscape of Singapore, we hope our guide has ignited your appetite for adventure and exploration. One thing is certain, these memories will last forever whether you are sipping some exotic cocktails at a hidden bistro or feasting your lips on the only Michelin-starred food in town. To bring this gastronomic journey to an end, live every moment and toast to discoveries as well as enjoy the myriad tastes of Singapore.