Got a thing for hidden themed bars?
The folks behind Ume San 100 — yes, the quirky speakeasy hidden behind a row of vending machines in Fortune Centre — have unveiled their latest venture, Ume Maru.
They pride themselves as being Singapore’s first secret craft whisky and bespoke cocktail bar inspired by Jimbōchō Book Town, a well-known area in Tokyo, Japan filled with hundreds of bookstores.
It’s tucked away in Far East Plaza behind a row of floor-to-ceiling shelves lined with manga comics, Japanese literature, and graphic magazines.
Once you enter, you’ll be greeted by an casual 40-seater space decked out in hanging book-shaped lights, wooden furnishings, and even a comics corner for your reading pleasure.
True to its concept, the menu boasts an exciting line-up of cocktails inspired by renowned anime and manga titles like Naruto, Death Note, and One Piece, just to name a few. Let’s just say that anime enthusiasts are in for a treat!
For instance, fans of the Studio Ghibli classic Princess Mononoke can go for the Light Of Nara (S$22), a sweet and fruity blend of muscat and nashi (pear) umeshu, rose vermouth, and persimmon vinegar. Fun fact: it’s inspired by the Forest Spirit, or Shishigami (Deer God).
There’s also the Songbird (S$22), which pairs homemade strawberry umeshu with vodka, sakura, lavender, and citrus — it gets its vibrant red hue from the iconic gown worn by Suzu in animated sci-fi film Belle.
As a matcha fanatic, I can’t wait to return for the Matxha (S$22), a refreshing concoction of matcha umeshu, matcha tea, elderflower, and yuzu marmalade. It takes a leaf from the animes K-On! and Hyouka, both of which feature matcha-loving characters.
But if classic cocktails are more up your alley, you’ll probably get a good laugh out of the Hentai Martini (S$23), a riff on the P*rnstar Martini, as well as the Tokyopolitan (S$23), which replaces the vodka and orange liqueur with shiso umeshu and homemade shiso syrup.
Otherwise, keep it simple with their ever-so-reliable selection of umeshu, whisky, and highballs.
Naturally, you’d want to pair your tipples with hearty izakaya-style bar bites like Truffle Fries with Spicy Mentai (S$14), Mala Karaage (S$16), and Wagyu Kushi (S$24), tender and buttery grilled wagyu skewers.
Feeling a little more peckish? Order the Truffle Hotplate Maki (S$20), a maki roll comprising baked unagi, salmon, kyuri (Japanese cucumber) and tempura bits served on a hotplate. You’re supposed to top it off with the accompanying truffle cream — pretty tasty, only if you don’t mind having your sushi warm.
I preferred the Kitsune Udon (S$22), which sees a fried tofu pouch topped with minced beef and spring onions, that breaks apart to reveal inaniwa udon in a light yet comforting dashi broth.
For something more refreshing, the Yuzu Soba (S$24), chewy matcha soba tossed in a tangy yuzu sauce with pan-seared scallops, may be right up your alley.
The food is on the pricey side, and so I’d recommend grabbing dinner elsewhere and heading down for drinks afterwards. After all, where else would you be able to geek out over your favourite manga series while enjoying crafted cocktails at the same time?
Reservations can be made here.
Ume Maru
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📍 Far East Plaza, #05-26/26A, Singapore 228213
🕑 12pm–2pm, 5pm–11pm (Daily)
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Photos by Christabel Tan
I'm always feelin' either boozy or boujee ✨