Discover both old-world charm and modern sophistication in Singapore’s eclectic speakeasy bars, where the city’s exuberant nightlife takes on an air of clandestine elegance. Hidden away behind unassuming facades or through discreet entrances, these bars not only serve drinks, but also invite you on an unforgettable journey to a different time, a surreal place or both.
Besides intriguing decor, speakeasy bars like Ume San 100, The Flying Squirrel and The Secret Mermaid pride themselves on creative and experiential cocktails. Within these quirky establishments, expert mixologists craft elaborate drinks that are both stunning and delicious. Expect classics with a twist, such as a Negroni infused with local herbs or a Martini served with an unexpected, yet delightful garnish. The artistry in the cocktails reflects the passion and creativity of Singapore’s bar scene, making each drink a memorable experience.
One of the best aspects of these hidden gems is the sense of discovery they offer. Finding a speakeasy is often part of the fun – whether it’s through a subtle sign, a secret password or a cryptic clue. This sense of adventure adds an extra layer of excitement to your night out, making each visit feel like you are uncovering a well-kept secret.
We spotlight nine places that offer a sense of adventure that’s sure to add an extra layer of excitement to your night out.
1. Mama Diam and Lou Shang
38 Prinsep Street
www.mamadiamsg.com
Cleverly masquerading behind the facade of a traditional provision shop (“mama shop”), Mama Diam calls out to simpler times, with its old-school trinkets, retro furnishings and nostalgic posters that transport you to yesteryear Singapore. This fusion of past and present creates a unique, immersive dining experience that feels both familiar and refreshingly new, making it a perfect spot for those looking to relive memories or discover the stories of the good old times.
Take your pick from innovative dishes like King Trumpet Dan Dan Noodles (classic dan dan noodles served with king trumpet mushrooms), Singapore Chilli Soft Shell Crab Bao (Singapore-style chilli crab made with soft shell crabs, sandwiched between buns) and Kaya Churros (Spanish churros with local-style coconut jam) in this suave establishment.
Be sure to savour its curious cocktails that shine the spotlight on nostalgic flavours of Singapore, like Nasi Lemak (fragrant coconut rice dish with various sides), Nanyang Tiramisu (Nanyang cold brew coffee with brandy and chocolate liqueur) and Chai Tarik Brew (whisky and house-pulled chai tea). Mama Diam has many drink promotions, which make trying multiple drinks more affordable.
Continue the party upstairs at Lou Shang, Mama Diam’s sister establishment and whose Chinese name 楼上 literally means “upstairs”. Lou Shang is styled like typical HDB apartment flats and features an equally whimsical food and drinks menu.
By day, Lou Shang serves many different types of coffee and tea. By night, Lou Shang serves lemon tea-flavoured craft beer, organic wine and Singapore-themed cocktails like Ang Tao Ni, a concoction of bourbon with red beans, coconut cream and gula melaka (palm sugar); Guilty Pleasures, a blend of spiced rum with brown coca and Guinness reduction syrup; and Kopi & Dream, a mix of coffee liqueur with Nanyang-style coffee, butterscotch salted cream and spiced rum.
Foodwise, Lou Shang serves Chilli Crab-tivating, jumbo crab and ricotta ravioli; “Ayam” Satay Lasagna, which comprises vegetable protein and mozzarella bechamel served in satay sauce; Nonya Seafood Laksa, squid ink spaghetti served with tiger prawns in rich laksa soup; and Lou Shang’s delectable Asian-style sandwiches.
2. Taylor Adam
1 Raffles Place, #01-03
tayloradamsg.com
Hidden in the heart of Shenton Way, you’ll find Taylor Adam behind an inconspicuous tailor shop facade. The anticipation builds as you push past the discreet door, revealing an opulent, dimly lit space that feels like you’re stepping into a secret realm.
Photo: Taylor Adam / Facebook
Every detail, from the plush seating to the vintage decor, exudes a sense of pre-World War II glamour, transporting you to a time when luxury and discretion went hand in hand.
What truly sets Taylor Adam apart is its masterful approach to craft cocktails. Each drink is a carefully curated masterpiece, inspired by anecdotes of travel and adventure. The bar prides itself on using premium spirits, artisanal ingredients, and a touch of theatrical flair to create a menu that’s as imaginative as it is exquisite.
Photo: Taylor Adam / Facebook
Whether it’s Taylor Adam’s Mexico-themed La Paloma with Rosa Tequila and melon liqueur, or Brazil-themed Caipirinha De Manga with orange liqueur and mango, every sip at Taylor Adam is a journey through different flavours and whimsical tales.
3. Ume San 100
190 Middle Road, #02-07 Fortune Centre
www.pebble.by/umesan100
Ume San 100 is a captivating oasis where the art of Japanese dining meets contemporary flair. You’ll find Ume San 100 tucked away behind the facade of a fake vending machine in Fortune Centre’s second floor.
Whether you’re seated at the sleek bar watching the mixologists at work or in a cosy nook with friends, Ume San 100’s decor and creative cuisine transport you to a different world.
Enjoy premium and small-batch liquors like Shinobu Whisky and Masahiro Gin on the rocks, or mixed into inventive cocktails, and pair these with classic Japanese dishes with unique twists like uni (sea urchin), karaage (fried chicken) and asari clam soup. Be sure to sample its wide array of its namesake umeshu, which is Japan’s famous plum liquor.
4. Cat Bite Club
75 Duxton Road
catbiteclub.com
Fuelled by a love of rice and agave, Cat Bite Club is the brainchild of industry veterans Gabriel Lowe and Jesse Vida. These two childhood friends love to share their passion for rice-based spirits like soju and shochu, as well as agave-based spirits like tequila and mezcal.
Among feline-themed furnishings, you’ll be introduced to over 100 labels of rice and agave spirits that sit on Cat Bite Club’s shelves.
Photo: Cat Bite Club / Facebook
In drinks like Hulk Splash (Ocho Blanco Tequila with Fernet Hunter Granit, kiwi and citrus); Meow Now Brown Cow (Espolon Anejo Tequila with coffee liqueur, vanilla cream and banana cordial); and Rice Rice Daisy (shochu, baijiu and rhum mixed with coconut, corriander and citrus), you’ll savour a dash of creativity, a splash of fun, and a smidgen of storytelling flair.
Whether you’re a cocktail connoisseur or just looking for a unique night out, this irreverent establishment promises an exhilarating adventure that will keep you coming back for more.
5. The Secret Mermaid
10 Collyer Quay, B1-08 Ocean Financial Centre
www.thesecretmermaid.com
Every day, thousands of Singaporeans scurry through the Central Business District’s underground walkways and past The Secret Mermaid’s unassuming bronze-coloured door. This restaurant in the basement of Ocean Financial Centre beckons diners with an air of mystery and a promise of culinary discovery. Step into The Secret Mermaid to be immersed in a world of nautical elegance, where sleek, marine-inspired decor and a soothing, ambient atmosphere create a serene escape from the urban hustle.
The culinary offerings at The Secret Mermaid are as intriguing as its atmosphere, blending innovative techniques with the freshest seafood to craft a menu that is both adventurous and refined.
Pick from a variety of oyster dishes, and Japanese classics like chicken skewers, sashimi and hana maki (salmon sushi rolls). Be sure to try unique creations like the garlic-flavoured Mermaid Maki and the spicy yuzu flavour Sushi Donut.
A variety of beers and wines are available here, but don’t pass on concoctions like Silk & Honey (red date gin with vermouth and smoked honey); Cheese & Cracker (bourbon, vermouth and blue cheese); and Mango & Sago (tequila, mango, Aperol and pandan sago).
With an extensive selection of artisanal cocktails that echo the oceanic theme and a wine list curated to complement the seafood-centric fare, The Secret Mermaid invites you to savour the magic of the sea with every bite and sip.
6. Abura Kappo
77 Amoy Street
www.instagram.com/hashida.abura
A restaurant hidden within the award-winning Hashida, Abura Kappo is a relatively new restaurant that’s quickly rising to become a quintessential pitstop for inquisitive diners. Duck into this unpretentious establishment to enjoy contemporary Japanese dishes that marry tradition and innovation.
While Chef Kenjiro Hashida and his highly experienced team showcase traditional Japanese techniques and Japanese produce in his eponymous Hashida restaurant, Abura Kappo is where they let their hair down.
Its tongue-in-cheek omakase menus includes Creamy Egg Custard with Danish blue cheese, Crispy Monaka Wafers filled with 30-month aged comté cheese, Japanese-style Prawn Toast that is inspired by Hong Kong-style toast, Bluefin Tuna Consommé, Carpaccio with Raw Yellowtail and Squid with Tanglin Gin salt, Camembert Cheese with kinome leaf, and Soft Soba Taco, taco filled with sukiyaki-style beef, tofu emulsion, shungiku sauce and raw egg yolk.
Behind his disciplined and professional demeanour, Chef Hashida is an affable gentleman with a love for streetwear. This endearing side of him shines through at Abura Kappo, where Japanese culinary artistry is applied to ensure that diners thoroughly enjoy a memorable meal.
7. Shin Terroir
80 Tras Street
www.instagram.com/shinterroir
Themed on privacy and exclusivity, Shin Terroir only has one six-seater private room and 10 counter seats. Celebrating the best of Japanese produce and the art of grilling, Shin Terroir’s grill masters prepare a variety of succulent skewered meats on a custom-built binchotan (white charcoal) grill, which you can pair with a selection of over 150 wine labels.
Its warm, welcoming ambience and attentive service further enhance the experience, ensuring that every meal is not just a feast but a cherished memory.
The brilliance of Shin Terroir lies in its ability to transform the ordinary into the extraordinary through a creative and sophisticated approach to modern cuisine. The chefs here use Kishu bincho charcoal from Wakayama, and apply techniques where charring is achieved without compromising the juiciness of meats.
The establishment’s 15-course omakase menu just might change your perception of yakitori forever.
8. The Flying Squirrel
92 Amoy Street, #01-02
www.theflyingsquirrel.com.sg
A self-proclaimed “hole-in-the-wall sushi bar”, The Flying Squirrel has been soaring above the ordinary in Singapore’s nightlife scene since 2013. Trace the back alleys of Chinatown to find this discreet bar that is permeated by a friendly and cosy vibe, where patrons unwind among comfy seating and cute art pieces.
Founded by local music legends Jack Ho and Rai Kannu, The Flying Squirrel welcomes you to savour fresh sashimi, sushi, tapas and more. Noodle dishes here include Uni Udon Pasta, Garlic Butter Udon with hamaguri clams or tiger prawns, TFS Seafood & Crabmeat Aglio Olio, and Shiso Pesto with oyster mushrooms.
If you’re in the mood for a rice bowl, The Flying Squirrel’s Premium Unagi Don, TFS Garlic Gyu-Don with pan-seared grass-fed ribeye, and Teriyaki Tofu Donburi will not disappoint.
Photo: The Flying Squirrel / Instagram
Adding to The Flying Squirrel’s allure is its imaginative approach to creating tasty and refreshing cocktails, so get the party started by ordering a Lychee Smash, Gin Cucumber Cooler or Grapefruit Caipirinha, a few of the speakeasy’s signature cocktails.
Whether you’re a cocktail connoisseur or simply seeking a hip hangout with good vibes, The Flying Squirrel promises an unforgettable night out.
9. Ceres Haus
18A Circular Road
cereshaus.com
Have you ever been to a speakeasy cafe? If you haven’t, head to Boat Quay and look for a cup and bottle labelled “Ceres” hanging from a string in front of a staircase that will lead you to Ceres Haus.
Photo: Ceres Haus / Instagram
Enjoy mochas, espressos, madeleines, tiramisu and olive oil cakes in a hip loft. Be sure to order the Salami 2.0, Citrus Ham or Mozzarella Ham sourdough toasts, and pair it with an orange, red or white wine, while soaking in the too-cool-for-school atmosphere of this warmly lit establishment.
Photo: Ceres Haus / Instagram
Occasionally hosting theme nights, guest bartenders and live musicians, this discreetly located cafe and bar is where you can enjoy European-inspired dishes and craft cocktails made using high-quality spirits and fresh ingredients.
This article has been edited and adapted from Now Boarding by Changi Airport’s “10 hidden bars and restaurants in Singapore for a secret swig”
