There's something thrilling about going to a hidden speakeasy, it's like you're in on a secret that's privy to a select few and kept from the masses. To put it simply, it feels like being one of the cool kids.
We're not ones to gatekeep, so cue Ume San 100, a new hidden drinking den in town. Located at Fortune Centre, this bar will rouse plenty of thrill as you step in through their quirky entrance disguised as jidōhanbaiki AKA vending machines.
At first glance, Ume San 100's entrance looks like an unassuming row of vending machines, but on closer inspection, you'll find that the pick-up boxes are sealed and the products are permanently enclosed inside. The teal "vending machine" is the disguised door, push it open to head inside the bar!
Photo from GirlStyle Singapore
Ambience at Ume San 100
Modelled after traditional izakayas in Japan, the bar has a charming and homey aesthetic with wooden fixtures, bamboo bars and little trinkets from vintage posters to retro flag banners emulating Japanese Happy Hour.
Photo from Ume San 100
The space is pretty compact, with seatings at a bar counter and high tables. But if you'd rather be in your own little private bubble, go for the cosy little booth that can seat two groups of four.
Photo from Ume San 100
Drinks at Ume San 100
The drink menu is umeshu-focused, and customers can always expect something new as the drink line-up will change constantly to reflect the seasons. For the uninitiated, umeshu is a traditional Japanese liqueur made from plums.
Ume San 100's umeshu comes in creative iterations in terms of both flavour and presentation. We were mesmerised by The Sea Garden ($22), a magical-looking drink made with a gin blend of Plymouth and Genever, lime acid, prosecco, butterfly pea flower and edible fairy dust. The flecks of glitter glided and swirled in the cup as we stirred the drink, resembling a spinning galaxy.
Photo from GirlStyle Singapore
Stunning presentation aside, this palatable drink also impressed us with its refreshing sweetness and subtle tang.
More intriguing umeshus include Pot De Fleurs ($22), that looks like a pot of flowers, P!NK ($22) a cherry blossom-inspired beauty, and 3-Piece Su Misura ($20) a DIY concoction served in three test tubes.
Photo from Ume San 100
There's also a range of highballs ($14 - $28), available in over 20 variations including with shiso and tea.
Food at Ume San 100
As you might have surmised by the bar's Japanese influences, the food menu features modern Japanese-fusion dishes
If you're craving a light nibble, go for the Umesan Nachi Pagoda ($20), a tower of gyoza skin chips resembling a pagoda and four chinmi. Another one for sharing is the This Uni is the Bomb ($14), which has two delightful croquettes oozing with rich and creamy uni.
Photo from Ume San 100
For a more substantial meal, we recommend the Wagyu is the New Black Chahan ($22), which has rice stained black with squid ink topped with succulent chunks of beef, and the Angry Asari Soup Ramen ($16), a comforting bowl of umami-packed broth and fresh lala adding a delicate ocean flavour.
Photo from Ume San 100
Photo from Ume San 100
Ume San 100's cute vending machine entrance is a definite draw, but once that novelty fades, we're sure their food and drinks will hold their own!
To celebrate its opening, the bar is offering 50% off the Umesan Nachi Pagoda in the entire month of June (U.P.: $20).
Ume San 100
Address: 190 Middle Road , #02-07 Fortune Centre, Singapore 188979 (5-minute walk from Bencoolen & Bras Basah MRT)
Opening hours: 5 to 11pm daily
Reservations: reserve.oddle.me
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