This Telok Ayer joint is a fairly familiar one. Iconic bar 21 Moonstone has moved and resettled in the heart of town, renaming themselves simply as Moonstone in the process.
In line with their previous “Modern Kopitiam” concept, their new space now aims to be a “Modern Community Centre”. They’re retaining a little of their former dive bar vibe to create an equally unpretentious, semi-underground culture that many have come to know and love. Made for the true Singaporean at heart, take refuge here when you spot their old-school, handcrafted “凉茶” (meaning herbal tea) signboard hanging up front.
It’s not a swanky fancy bar, but it’s certainly not your neighborhood run-of-the-mill pub either. Brick walls and warm lighting set a foundation for some, well, edgier decor such as exposed bulbs, naked barbies hanging off shaded chandeliers, and questionable artwork that should read borderline crude — but somehow doesn’t. This homely, lived-in ambience they’ve strived to build organically is reminiscent of both the past and present, and promises to only get better with time.
Liang Teh Cocktail ($18)
So kick back with their signature Liang Teh Cocktail ($18) which features a herbal mix of Chrysanthemum and Luohan Guo gin infusions sweetened with Gula Melaka, served in an oriental glass that even your grandparents would approve of. And if cocktails aren’t your thing, go for a pint of Guinness Draught on tap which you’d be hard pressed to find anywhere else along Amoy Street.
Mason Kitchen’s Bakmi Ayam Mason ($12) vs Nasi Ayam Mason ($8) with their signature homemade spicy sambal sauce
They’ve also teamed up with Mason Kitchen, a name that cleverly combines the colloquial term “Ma” for mother and “Son”, to bring you awesome street food that doubles up as comforting bar grub too. Sweet, salty and just plain tasty, dig into Bakmi Ayam Mason ($12), a noodle dish that’s essentially an Indonesian version of our Bak Chor Mee. It’s served with braised minced chicken, mushrooms, poached greens, crispy beancurd skin and a gorgeous onsen egg for maximum ooze satisfaction. Prefer grains? Opt for the Nasi Ayam Mason ($8), which features similar ingredients on top of a bed of moist, fragrant rice that emulates our well-loved 油饭 (oil rice).
In.Ter.Net ($12) – Indomie, Egg and Corned beef
But what really wins us over is the super shiok homemade spicy sambal, which is dangerously addictive—worthy of suffering any bodily discomfort and the sweat fest that follows. After a long boozy night, fall back on a Singaporean supper staple: Indomie. This crowd favourite comes together with corned beef and an egg to form the In.Ter.Net ($12), a dish which fuses its components’ names in Malay together.
K.F.C. Sliders ($14) “Kena” Fried Chicken
Those who adore western-style fast food breakfasts and such can also “kena” their fried chicken fix with Mason Kitchen’s K.F.C Sliders ($14), sandwiched between soft brioche buns loaded with a generous serving of cheese sauce. An elevated version of McDonald’s Sausage McMuffin is reflected in their Bon Joe ($14), which serves all the flavour and way less of the MSG.
Come alone, or in groups — either way, you’re in for a fun time at Moonstone with themed parties, flea markets and other exciting events in the works.
