You’ve probably heard of FiftyFive Coffee Bar, the aesthetic two-storey cafe that opened in early 2023 along Neil Road, by now.
It has since evolved into a space that embraces both coffee and cocktails, serving as a blank canvas for creative collaborations with visual artists, chefs, baristas, and mixologists.
This time, diners and cafe-goers are in for an immersive, multisensory experience that’ll bring you on a journey of ‘the Seven Seas’. Think interactive installations and props like cascading fishing nets, driftwood, projection mappings, and plants that mimic seaweed swept ashore.
There is even a sandbox (containing actual sand) in the centre of the space — you can walk on it and pretend like you’re on the beach.
Walk up the spiral staircase and you’ll be greeted by a cosy loft decked out in customised modular furniture reminiscent of boats. This is joined by the first-ever unveiling of ‘Boats’ by Singapore’s renowned pioneer Nanyang-style oil painter Liu Kang — it’s especially significant, given that his great-grandson founded the coffee bar!
The painting will be on display till 5 June 2023, so there’s still time to bask in its tranquil beauty while sipping on a cuppa (or cocktail).
Speaking of cocktails, although the cafe may be best known for its Manuka Miso Honey Latte and Strawberry Pipagao Latte, it has also finally launched its long-awaited alcohol menu.
That’s right — from 7pm to 11pm on weekends (Fridays and Saturdays), you can take your pick from the repertoire of seven flavour-forward cocktails inspired by the oceanic bodies of the Caribbean, Atlantic, Indian, Mediterranean, Pacific, Arctic, and the Gulf of Mexico.
The crowd favourite, Atlantic (S$22), is a fruity and fizzy combination of sparkling sake, lavender and merlot grape juice with a lingering sweet aftertaste — an ideal cocktail for those who dislike the taste of alcohol.
Garnished with a marigold leaf (which gives off a subtle passionfruit aroma), the Pacific (S$22) is fizzy with spicy and herbaceous notes, rounding off with a clean and crisp mouthfeel.
Those who prefer complex cocktails will probably enjoy the Mediterranean (S$22), a concoction of prosecco, and apple cider, and for a savoury twist, olive brine and tomato water.
I didn’t particularly enjoy the bitter aftertaste of the Gulf of Mexico (S$22), a blend of mezcal, Gentian liqueur, and pink grapefruit tonic, and immediately sought respite in the Caribbean (S$22), a fresh and fragrant mixture of rum, pine soda, and vetiver.
However, my favourite cocktail of the seven was the Indian (S$22), an earthy number made with a base of chinotto liqueur, along with garam masala and allspice, further enhanced with tamari, sansho pepper and jalapeño, and topped off with a splash of bark tonic.
Pair these oceanic tipples with Japanese-inspired eats by ooomahmee, which will be available for lunch (Tuesday to Saturday) and dinner (Friday and Saturday) for a limited time only.
Start off on a lighter note with the Super Hiro (S$18), plump Hiroshima oysters with Hokkaido scallop and ikura, followed by Ooomahmee (S$30), chilled truffle oil cappellini with hotate and a generous scoop of ikura.
We got to try tasting portions of the Unadon + Hirame Engawa (S$30), comprising premium unagi, torched engawa (flounder fin), and ikura over rice, as well as the Barachirashi (S$22), a medley of tobiko, tamagoyaki, and premium seafood including trout, swordfish, and boiled octopus seasoned with ponzu shoyu, served over three-vinegar sumeshi (oohmahmee’s signature sushi rice).
As expected, both were indulgent, yet exceedingly fresh — a must-order for seafood lovers!
We highly recommend visiting FiftyFive Coffee Bar for this unique experience that combines sand and sea before they make way for a new concept, so don’t miss out!
FiftyFive Coffee Bar
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???? 55A Neil Road, Singapore 088892
???? 9.55am–5.55pm (Tue to Sun), 7pm–11pm (Fri & Sat), Closed on Mon
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Photos by Christabel Tan
I'm always feelin' either boozy or boujee ✨