Given the sheer variety of watering holes and cocktail bars in the CBD, those working in the area have it good.
But if you’ve somehow already exhausted your options — life does get pretty stressful — here’s an unassuming bar you probably didn’t even know existed.
Bar@Jiak is the latest addition to Singapore JIAK, the food court in Frasers Tower specialising in local hawker dishes.
This food court bar serves as a casual space where you can enjoy affordable alcohol alongside hawker favourites — it’s like drinking (not-so nice) beer at a hawker centre, but way better!
You can find a modest selection of classic cocktails with a local twist. The best part? They’re priced from just S$15, which is a steal considering how expensive cocktails are these days.
If you’re in a need of a pick-me-up, the Kopiko Martini (S$15), a take on the classic espresso martini, combines vodka with Kopi O, hazelnut, and orange, yieiding a caramel-like sweetness evocative of the actual Kopiko candy.
Otherwise, keep it classic with Mario’s Elixir’s (S$18), an elevated Old Fashioned that incorporates tea and a unique shiitake-infused whisky. Fancy some mushrooms with your whisky?
However, the refreshing Who Moved My Kueh (S$15), starring pandan vodka and an array of citrus fruit, was my favourite of the lot.
Visiting in a larger group? The Lychee Jubilee (S$48), an extra spirited concoction of sake, vodka, lychee, lime, and pink guava makes for a fun, communal cocktail experience. Of course, you can simply order Peroni or Cascade beer (from S$4), Whisky Highballs (S$6), and choose from a line-up of spirits, sakes, and red and white wines.
Pair your drinks with locally-inspired Munchies, available from 3pm onwards, including the likes of Sambal Carrot Cake (S$12), Chilli Fried Wanton (S$8), and Mala Crispy Duck (S$12).
My dining partner and I couldn’t get enough of the Sambal Chicken Wings (S$12), which were spicy and addictive, with a shatteringly crispy batter.
If you prefer something more substantial, there are hawker dishes like Mixed Pork Wanton Noodle (S$7.80), Curry Chicken Nasi Lemak (S$9.80), and a daily Claypot Special to chow down on.
I highly recommend the Roasted Meat Maggie Goreng (S$7.80), stir-fried maggi goreng doused with dark sauce and served with roasted meat, a fried egg, and most importantly, crispy lard. Break the gooey yolk, mix it all up, and wash it down with an ice-cold beer!
All things considered, Bar@Jiak may not be your typical swanky or “hidden” cocktail bar, but it’s definitely a great spot to hit up on a Friday evening before a night of bar-hopping.
Bar@Jiak
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📍 182 Cecil Street, #02-15/16/17, Frasers Towers, Singapore 069547 (part of Singapore JIAK)
🕒 9am–10pm (Mon to Sat), Closed on Sun, food stalls close at 7pm
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Photos by Christabel Tan
I'm always feelin' either boozy or boujee ✨