These are the places that you hear about but can't find, the places only known to those who are in the know
There’s always something inexplicably intriguing about hidden restaurants. You hear about them through hushed conversations, from a friend of a friend who discovered a new place, or from an acquaintance who bragged on social media about visiting an untaggable den filled with electrifying music and an eclectic cool crowd.
With Singapore’s vibrant F&B scene constantly bubbling with new ideas, it’s only natural for the creativity to spill over and seep underground, resulting in a spirited, ever-changing speakeasy culture. New establishments are frequently popping up around the corner, but they’re never conspicuous and are always difficult to find.
If you’ve never discovered a whole new world of gastronomic delights hidden behind an unmarked door, it’s time to start exploring. We’ve compiled a list of the top seven most brilliant speakeasy restaurants in Singapore for some toothsome grub and a cocktail or two. Your GPS won’t be of much help, but half the fun is in getting lost and confused. Trust us, it’ll be worth it.
1. Mama Diam and Lou Shang
If you have not yet heard of Mama Diam or Lou Shang, you’re probably not using social media right. The hottest new speakeasy restaurant in town, Mama Diam has in recent months dominated online chatter thanks to its very Instagrammable design and concept. With a sundry shop, faux corridor, bamboo laundry poles, a town council notice board, and HDB lift doors, the novelty of Mama Diam is hard to resist.
Apart from being an exact replica of Housing Board blocks designed and built in the 1980s, the bar and restaurant also reminisces the bygone era with carefully designed food and drink items. Mama Diam on the first floor serves a range of Asian- and Western-inspired mains and small plates, such as the gong bao chicken made with Johnnie Walker, and the curry chicken kueh pie tee with coconut foam. Inspired drink items include the “Chai Tarik Brew” served in an Oki sweetened creamer tin, and the “Pandan Colada Fizz”, a pandan-based mocktail with pineapple juice and coconut syrup.