With two Michelin stars and 23rd place on the Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants list in 2018, Waku Ghin is either a restaurant reserved for special occasions or a place that’s only dreamt about—for the average foodie in Singapore anyway. But not many are aware that The Bar at Waku Ghin is another proposition altogether. Those who have been will know it could well be a regular watering hole. Here’s why.
The handcrafted cocktails
Ghin Martini
The sophisticated, intimate setting aside, it’s the skill and experience of Head Bartender Kazuhiro Chii that place The Bar at Waku Ghin in the upper echelon of nightspots in Singapore. The cocktail menu in particular will require a few return visits to explore fully—there are 85 to choose from including the simple-looking but supremely well-balanced Ghin Martini (a baby peach soaked in truffle oil is used instead of an olive), the smoky and piquant Scotch Peppery Man (Talisker whisky, soda and black pepper) and one from the list of Japanese concoctions, the floral and sweet Sakura-bito (sake, sakura liqueur and peach bitters). Contrary to popular belief, prices start at just $20 with most drinks costing $23.
The sake list
Waku Ghin sake
If you’ve done your homework on Chef Tetsuya Wakuda, you’ll know that he was the first sake ambassador to be appointed outside Japan—he received the title in 2006. It’s no surprise then that The Bar at Waku Ghin has one of Singapore’s best sake lists, with more than 60 to choose from, spanning 17 prefectures. Among them is the chef’s own label, the sweet and clean Isojiman Junmai Daiginjo M for Waku Ghin, that boasts a medley of fruity notes. Or just order sakes by the glass; there’s no pressure to get them by the bottles.
The bar bites
Japanese wagyu beef tartare
The food menu at The Bar at Waku Ghin gives you the unique opportunity to sample dishes from the Michelin-starred restaurant’s kitchen but in a more casual, laid-back setting. Here, you’ll find guests walking in with polo and jeans. Start with the oysters (choose from Canadian, French and Irish varieties) and choose to drizzle them in a supremely addictive homemade vinaigrette. Then nibble on the highly-popular toasted parma ham and black truffle sandwich, or indulge in a set of uni and salmon roe placed delicately upon a bowl of fluffy Japanese rice. Whatever you do, be sure to order the Japanese wagyu beef tartare. It may seem odd to order a tartare dish at the bar, but believe us, it works and complements the drinks list well.
The desserts
You’d be surprised (like we were) to find out that Waku Ghin’s dessert offerings are reason enough to come check out by themselves. They have their own pastry line, Patisserie Platine, that offers desserts ranging from a refreshing Yuzu Tarte to a pillowy Tiramisu Choux. Definitely try the velvety Mont Blanc, a yummy cocktail named after the classic French dessert that showcases their skill with sweets and mixology at the same time.
No reservations required!
The Bar at Waku Ghin
Feel like popping into The Bar at Waku Ghin for an impromptu tipple? Just show up. Unlike the restaurant, they avoid forming a waiting list and reservations aren’t required, so drop by whenever you like.
The Bar at Waku Ghin is located at The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands, L2 Dining, L2-01. No reservations required for The Bar. For more information, head to The Bar at Waku Ghin’s website.
