All the new speakeasy bars to check out in Singapore

1. Cha Chaan Teng

Credit: CHA CHAAN TENG

1/13

When it opened: January 2024

What to expect: A contemporary fusion bar influenced by Hong Kong film and culture. Guests can relish renditions of Cantonese classic songs played over the neon-lit old-school furniture while sipping on cocktails like the Daahn Taat (Egg Tart), a spiced rum and custard concoction. For those with a penchant for savoury flavours, the Zyu Yuhk (Pork Old-Fashioned) offers a pork fat-washed Armagnac complemented by a hint of maltose and five-spice bitters. There’s also the Sap Saam Mui (Claypot Rice Negroni), a savoury cocktail with notes of claypot wok hei and sweet lap cheong.

Who’s behind it: Goh Bai Kuan (BK) and Mirul Hyatt. Goh is a seasoned veteran from the bar scene who has worked at establishments like Sing Jazz Club, Le Binchotan, Burger & Lobster, Lime House, and Neon Pigeon. Hyatt has over 16 years of experience in hospitality and bartended at the esteemed Le Noir on Clarke Quay before delving into private bartending.

Cha Chaan Teng’s Pork Old-Fashioned

Credit: Cha Chaan Teng

2/13

How to find it: One might pass by the bar even whilst looking for it, so pay attention to the colour of the walls. Tucked between two spas on Lavender Street, its unassuming jade green exterior and antique scissors gate are the indications you’ve arrived at this hidden spot.

Address: 284 Lavender Street

Contact:  9772-0752

Website: linktr.ee/cct.sg

2. The Backdrop

Credit: The Backdrop

3/13

When it opened: November 2023

What you can expect: This theatrical hidden bar is a testament to the art of mixology, divided into ‘Acts’ and sections that highlight the various cocktail-making techniques discovered from the 1800s until the present day. The menu is divided into six acts – each a compilation of three cocktails using the same techniques like ‘fat coating’, ‘milk punching’, and ‘smoking’. The bar will also feature masterclasses, workshops, and tasting events, providing enthusiasts and aspiring mixologists with an opportunity to delve deeper into the world of cocktail craftsmanship.

Who’s behind it: Bartender Dario Knox, who brings over 19 years of global expertise in cocktail-making and beverage consulting to this new project. Knox was previously the head bartender of The Other Room at Marriott Tang Plaza Hotel.

“Smoking” is one of the signature techniques used for the cocktails at The Backdrop.

Credit: The Backdrop

4/13

How to find it: Located on Orchard Road, on the main floor of Voco Singapore Hotel & Gallery. It’s behind an inconspicuous wooden door – book a table in advance and you’ll be sent a digital key to enter the door. Patrons can also walk-in, look for #01-15/16 or ask hotel staff for directions.

Address: #01-15/16, 581 Orchard Road

Contact: 9645-4780

Website: www.thebackdrop.sg

3. Chandu

Credit: Chandu

5/13

When it opened: October 2023

What you can expect: An intimate cocktail bar drawing inspiration from opium dens and clan associations. Chandu, which means opium in Malay and moon in Hindi, grants guests a peek into colonial-era Singapore when it was a flourishing entrepot. The beverage programme focuses on storied cocktails and market-to-glass specialties. Chandu’s double meaning of ‘Moon’ is used as a play on the menu, where some drinks are indicated with half-moon and hollow moon symbols, showcasing the Alcohol by Volume (ABV).

The bar’s market-to-glass bespoke concept allows guests to select one of the four cocktail styles available in the menu: Light and Clean, Casual and Easy Drinking, Bitter and Complex, and Strong and Classy. Upon selection, a cocktail is crafted and tailored to their preferences. Ingredients used are sourced daily from local street markets and urban farmers such as Edible Garden City and Victory Garden.

Self Help cocktail from Chandu

Credit: Chandu

6/13

Who’s behind it: The Robertson House by The Crest Collection. Chef Nixon Low oversees the bar’s beverage programme, serving as director of culinary and beverage operations for The Robertson House.

How to find it: Chandu is situated at the rear of The Robertson House. Its nondescript facade is distinguished by a gold handle in the shape of a round moon, so locate that and venture through the black doors into the bar.

Address: 1 Unity Street

Contact: 8380-1694

Instagram: www.instagram.com/chandubarsg/

4. Bar Spectre

Credit: Bar Spectre

7/13

When it opened: September 2023

What you can expect: Bar Spectre is a vintage apothecary cocktail bar that draws inspiration from the old-world apothecaries of yore. You’ll find brass accents and a backdrop of shelves filled with jars of herbs, spices, and shop paraphernalia as a nod to the historical roots of medicinal elixirs and herbal concoctions. The bar’s cocktails feature a focus on mental wellness, incorporating adaptogens from TCM and natural mood boosters. For example, the Bonseki, a mezcal-based cocktail crafted with snake soup and Chinese herbs.

Who’s behind it: Co-founded by Andrew Pang, regional brand ambassador for Beam Suntory and veteran mixologist, along with Inch Chua, a multi-disciplinary artist, musician, and MasterChef Singapore finalist.

How to find it: Bar Spectre is situated in the alleyways between Duxton and Craig Road, accessible only through a lift at the back. Keep an eye out for an inconspicuous sign by the entrance.

Address: #02-01, 120 Tanjong Pagar Road

Contact: 9673-0595

Website: barspectre.com

5. Ume San 100

Credit: Ume San 100

8/13

When it opened: May 2023

What you can expect: This Japanese-style speakeasy is said to conceal the largest collection of umeshu in Singapore, sourcing only the finest from Wakayama, the birthplace of umeshu. Ninety-five percent of its umeshus, liqueurs, and ingredients are directly imported from Japan. Modern interpretations of umeshus can be found alongside experimental drinks, including tea umeshu, fruit, and dessert umeshu. Drinkers who prefer something stronger can also savour new additions of premium Japanese whisky and gin, such as Akashi Whisky, Kujira Whisky, and Masahiro Whisky. Drinks are served alongside classic izakaya bites.

Who’s behind it: Founder Jeffry Lautan, who also serves as the general manager of Aroma Food Enterprise. The bar also employs a team of mixologists led by head bartender Rif Michaels.

How to find it: This speakeasy is hidden behind a row of (non-operational) jidohanbaiki Japanese vending machines. Give a gentle push on the ‘condom’ vending machine right in the middle to reveal the bar space, which is fashioned after traditional izakayas in Japan.

Address: #02-07 Fortune Centre, 190 Middle Road

Contact: 8897-4575

Website: umesan100.com

6. Cat Bite Club

Credit: Benjamin Sim

9/13

When it opened: June 2023

What you can expect: Cat Bite Club highlights two well-loved alcohol categories deeply rooted in terroir (the natural environment in which liquor is produced): agave and rice spirits. The bar aims to create buzz around these unique products, showcasing their flavours through the cocktail programme.

Patrons can expect a signature serve for each category: the Cat Bite Margarita (Codigo 1530 Blanco Tequila, Siete Misterios Espadín Mezcal, Cointreau, Fresh Citrus Blend, Agave Nectar, and Sherry) for agave and the Soju Sprint (Tokki Soju, Peach, Honey, Mint, Fresh Citrus Blend, Sherry, Absinthe, and Soda) for rice. From there, guests can explore reinterpretations of classics through the lens of agave and rice. Each menu page features one classic drink accompanied by one agave variation and also one rice variation.

Chrysanthemum tipple

Credit: Benjamin Sim

10/13

Who’s behind it: Gabriel Lowe and Jesse Vida, who began their bartending careers together in San Francisco in 2007. Discovering the beauty of agave spirits in the early 2000s, both founders saw similar potential in historical Asian spirits when they moved East in 2018 and 2019 respectively, and drew on their combined 30 years of hospitality experience to open Cat Bite Club.

How to find it: Keep an eye out for the sign of a grinning Cheshire cat outlined by red neon lights along Duxton Road. Once you spot it, head straight into Monument Coffee, with the bar located behind its curtains.

Address: 75 Duxton Road

Contact: 8190-6597

Website: catbiteclub.com

7. Puffy Bois

Credit: Puffy Bois

11/13

When it opened: May 2023

What you can expect: After popping up around town at takeovers from Caffe Fernet to Tippling Club and Meatsmith Little India, Puffy Bois has found a permanent home for its cocktails and pizzas at Bali Lane. While its entrance may be hard to find, the hidden dive bar is all about casual, fun, and non-exclusive vibes. The drinks selection spans from Grower Champagnes to Pabst Blue Ribbon, as well as classic and custom cocktails. Highlights include the refreshing Sour Crush Cooler with whiskey and sour mango, to the boozier Duck & Weave, a tequila old fashioned Puffy Bois-style.

Who’s behind it: Zul Zaba and Sam Ng. Ng began his journey in hospitality as a chef, worked at the Black Pearl Bar in Melbourne, and served as an ambassador for Four Pillars Gin and Monkey Shoulder Whisky. Zaba, a well-travelled former law student, crafts the pizzas.

The OK Go by Puffy Bois

Credit: Puffy Bois

12/13

How to find it: Locate the KTV lounge on the ground floor, and make your way up the conspicuously lit-up stairway leading to the second floor. You’ll spot a sign reading ‘Don’t be a douchebag and be good to your mother’, indicating the entrance of the bar.

Address:  20A Bali Lane

Contact: instagram.com/puffyboispizzas/

Website: puffybois.com

8. Synthesis Bar

Credit: Synthesis Bar

13/13

When it opened: March 2023

What you can expect: A TCM-themed restaurant bar, with the five elements of wood, fire, earth, metal, and water incorporated into its design. The drinks menu showcases the TCM concept, with highlights like the cognac-infused and Jia Jia herbal tea concoction named Date With Jia Jia. There are also favourites like the ginseng spiced wine, with cognac, house red wine, and spices.
Who’s behind it: Sebastian Ang, who is also behind the restaurants Lou Shang and Mama Diam. Ang has previously organised events in the nightlife space.
How to find it: Located at Suntec City Tower 4, the bar is hidden behind an oak storefront resembling a TCM shop, with the entrance right next to a 7-11.

Address: #01-643, Suntec City Tower 4, 3 Temasek Boulevard

Contact: 9727-4649

Website: www.synthesis.sg

This article was originally published in Female.