It’s hard to plan a night out with your friends without at least one mention of Korean food.
With Singapore riding on the K-wave for almost half a decade now, Korean food is ubiquitous as evidenced by the slew of K-food on Tanjong Pagar alone. But if you think Korean liquor has not taken off as well, think again. We all know that no cause for celebration is needed to knock back soju and makgeolli but the popular Korean bars in Singapore offer more than just that!
Need more reasons to visit Korean bars? Here’s one extra reason: at Korean bars, you get Korean fare as well, but without the famous Korean BBQ smell sticking to you!
To make it easier the next time you’re in search of some Korean liquor, here’s a handful of Korean bars we’ve handpicked for you – here you’ll find all sorts of liquor, more than the standard Korean ones!
1. Kream Beer
Had a bad day? Kream Beer’s got you covered with their adorable ornaments and sure-to-cheer-you-up plushies lining the counter from when you enter the bar.
Brightly coloured, this feel-good bar is decorated with beer bottles, photographs and little trinkets. Expect a variety of beer from the menu, as well as some light bites that go well with the beverages.
Try their Kream So-Maek (SGD12), a grapefruit flavour beer, with a Soju shot in the middle. Post as many photos as you want of their Instagrammable cherry blossom interior – you don’t have to worry about busting your data on Instagram, as there’s free wifi here too!
Location: 60 Duxton Road, Singapore 089524
Opening Hours: 5pm to 2am daily
More details at Kream Beer online
2. Don’t tell Mama
Tanjong Pagar is known to be Singapore’s very own K-town and this bar is located right smack in the centre of the district. The restaurant serves a variety of Soju and comfort food – their Kimchi fries with soy-glazed chicken has a reputation of bringing Korean food-fans weak in their knees.
But in an innovative application of KoMex (the popular Korean-Mexican fusion), the Beerita (SGD22) consists of a fruity margarita made with tequila and Hite (Korean lager), that packs a much-needed punch. It’s time to let your hair down in this industrial-themed bar and have some real fun!
Location: 52 Tanjong Pagar Road, Singapore 088473
Opening Hours: 5.30pm-2am (Mon – Thu), 5.30pm-3am (Fri – Sat). Closed on Sundays
More details at Don’t Tell Mama online
3. Vatos Urban Tacos
Everyone’s been taco-ing about the Ko-Mex fusion fare here at Vatos Urban Tacos, created by three Korean-American guys who moved from the US to Seoul.
A blend of casual Mexican fare with Korean influences, the Singapore outlet of Vatos dedicates almost half its menu to a selection of staple Mexican cocktails. But fret not, K-drink fans, there are K-inspired options such as the Makgeolli margarita called Makgeolitas (SGD26). It’s available in a variety of flavours including classic lime or in a choice of six other fruit bases – there’s sure to be one that suits your taste buds!
Location: 36 Beach Road, Singapore 189677
Opening Hours: 12pm–11pm (Sun – Thu), 12pm – 12am (Fri–Sat)
More details at Vatos Urban Tacos online
4. Joo Bar
Joo Bar is well known for its delectable array of Korean food and beverages, but the star of the show has to be their selection of makgeolli that they brew in-house. Always served cold from the tap, it comes in three different sized open-topped flasks.
For the best of all worlds, try their sampler set (SGD35) that comes with the in-house makgeolli and seasonal makgeolli flavours such as green tea, grape, or honey. With ‘Joo’ meaning alcohol in Korean, you know the drinks here are going to be lit!
The next time you’re looking for an after-work place to chill at, you know what to go.
Location: 5 Tan Quee Lan Street, Singapore 188094
Opening Hours: 12pm – 12am daily. Closed on Sundays.
More details at Joo Bar online
5. Wabar
Nestled on the bend of Tanjong Pagar Road’s post-work watering-hole stretch, Wabar has been the go-to for thirsty masses of office workers and Koreans throughout the week who absolutely need their soju and makgeolli fix.
As an offshoot of a Korean franchise with outlets in China and Japan, the Singapore branch is well-known for its extensive menu of craft beers – and of course, with soju and makgeolli. Try their well-loved Watermelon Soju that’s served in half a watermelon that’s been carved out – chances are, you have seen this on Instagram. You might go for the alcohol, but you’ll probably stay for the juicy fried chicken!
Location: 62/64 Tanjong Pagar Rd, Singapore 088483
Opening Hours: 11am – 3am daily
More details at Wabar online
6. Wangdaebak Pocha
This street-themed bar will transport you to the streets of early Korea the moment you enter. We’re talking pojangmacha – stalls on wheels selling Korean street food on the roads. In these establishments, soju was only served in the evenings but you don’t have to worry about that at Wangdaebak Pocha.
Drown your workday worries in somaek towers and makgeolli bottles, complete with their extensive Korean menu and smoke-free BBQ. Their fruity soju (SGD15) is served chilled and is basically alcoholic fruit juice, perfect for those who prefer their alcohol on the sweet side. This also goes great with the food served here, so order away!
Location: 93 Amoy St, Tanjong Pagar, Singapore 069913
Opening Hours: 11.30pm – 2.30pm and 5:30pm – 1am daily.
More details at Wangdaebak Pocha online
7. Kko Kko Na Ra
This one’s a great supper place for some drinks and KFC – we’re talking Korean Fried Chicken, of course!
Don’t be fooled by the interior of Kko Kko Na Ra, which has a warm and cosy vibe that might look like the kitchen of an English granny, because it’s all about the Korean cuisine and liquor here. You’ll be spoilt for choice with the fruity array of soju cocktails, such as apple, pineapple, and the popular watermelon bowl. For something unique, consider the cucumber soju (SGD25), which adds a bittersweet flavour to its soju variant.
With the bar counter, cushion seats, dim light and K-pop music, you’re sure to have a blast here!
Location: 57 Tras Street, Tanjong Pagar, Singapore 078996
Opening Hours: 11am – 3am daily
More details at Kko Kko Na Ra online
LATEST PRIVILEGES
