Whether its salary-man hangouts, upmarket izakayas or glittery sake boutiques, jazz up your evening at one of these Japanese bars.
Mariko’s
D.Bespoke
Helmed by Ginza celeb bartender Daiki Kanetaka, this bar at Bukit Pasoh does interesting Japanese-inspired cocktails alongside its impressive array of Armagnac, calvados and imported blends of Japanese whisky and cherry brandy. There’s not much food at this 28-seater space, but who needs bar bites when you’re in good company? 2 Bukit Pasoh Rd., 8141-5741. Open Mon-Sat 6pm-1am.
The Horse’s Mouth
The Horse’s Mouth
This underground bar is known for their Japanese-style drinks. Whether it’s using sake or other Japanese ingredients, the muted space is a backdrop for inventive concoctions. Splashes of color come from the origami-like cascades by the wall and you can order food from upstairs Uma Uma Ramen to fulfill that midnight craving. #B1-39 Forum The Shopping Mall, 583 Orchard Rd., 6235-1088, Mon-Thu 6pm-midnight; Fri-Sat 6pm-1am.
Auld Alliance
Auld Alliance
This place stocks well over 1,000 Scotches on its lofty shelves covering every distillery in Scotland from affordable drops to truly astonishing bottles like the Mortlach 70-year-old, but the hidden gem here is its Japanese whisky offerings.They have a selection of over 250 Japanese whiskies, ranging from well known names like the Yamazaki, to lesser known but equally enticing distilleries like the Karuizawa, Shinshu Mars and Akashi. #02-02A Rendezvous Hotel, 9 Bras Basah Rd., 6337-2201. Open Mon-Thu 5pm-1am; Fri-Sat 5pm-2am; Sun 5pm-midnight.
Orihara Shoten
Orihara Shoten
Specializing in sake, sochu and all things Japanese and boozy, this Singaporean offshoot of the well-known Japanese liquor store is a place to discover a still relatively under appreciated drink. #01-02 Robertson Walk, 11 Unity St., 6836-5710. Open Mon-Wed 7pm-midnight; Thu-Sat 7pm-1:30am.
BAM! Tapas Sake Bar
Bam Tapas Sake Bar
Elixir Bar
Elixir Bar
The space, outfitted with lots of dark wooden shelves and a long lit bar, is helmed by Japanese bartender Yutaka Nakashima who shakes up Japanese inspired cocktails like the Lycopini ($21)—a twist on the Bloody Mary made with vodka and cherry tomatoes or the Peridori ($22) an infusion of Mount gay rum, midori, pernod, grapefruit juice and lime juice. For whisky, they have single and double malt offerings from Yamazaki, Yoichi, Miyagikyo and cult favorites like the Hibiki and Taketsuru. #02-01 Orchard Shopping Centre, 321 Orchard Rd., 6733-8272. Open Mon-Thu 5pm-1am; Fri-Sat 5pm-2am; Sun 5pm-midnight.
Bincho at Hua Bee
Bincho @ Hua Bee
Housed in a 70-year old kopitiam, this yakitori bar is perfect for pre and post dinner drinks with its wide selection of Japanese inspired apertifs labelled “Japertifs” that make for great after-dinner drinks. 78 Moh Guan Terrace., 6438 4567. Mon-Thu 6pm-midnight; Fri-Sat 6pm-1am.
Kakure
Kakure
The newest kid on the block at Scotts 29 lifestyle enclave is perfect for fans of sake. Dim lighting, a cosy wooden top bar and plush leathered seats add to the sexiness of this bar. A must-try is Kakure’s house sake, the Tatenokawa Junmai Daiginjo, Nakadori Ki-sho label ($60) which features a delicate aromatic brew with a fruity after taste. If you prefer something thats more soft and crisp, try the Kinshi Masamune, Matsuya Kyuubei Junmai Daiginjo label ($80) that features a clean, fresh aftertaste that goes easy on the palate. 02-02 Scotts 29, 29 Scotts Rd., 6733-5251. Mon-sat 6:30pm-1am.
