Bar Middle is the latest bar in Singapore and brings a blend of Japanese discipline and American flair to Hongkong Street.
Hongkong Street was always that street in Singapore to me, all the more now that Bar Middle has joined its ranks! I was lucky enough to get a taste of this new bar’s offerings before its soft launch and was immediately smitten by the amazingly balanced drinks, the simple yet delectable bar bites, and the fabulous chat with bartender-owner Gavin. Here’s everything you need to know (and what to order) about Bar Middle.
Bar Middle Singapore: Details at a glance
Must-tries: It’s Just Negi; yuzu cucumber smash; Bitter Ume
Price: $25 per cocktail
Opening hours: Monday to Thursday, 5pm to 12am; Friday to Saturday, 4pm to 12am
Address: Bar Middle, 31 Hongkong Street, Singapore 059670
A blend of multiple worlds
When it comes to bar culture, blending Japanese and American styles doesn’t come intuitively. They vary wildly in terms of atmosphere, approach to drinks, and hospitality. But for bartender-owner Gavin Teverasan, blending the two came naturally. Having done stints at American-style bars like 28 Hongkong Street and Barbary Coast, and honed his craft at Japanese-inspired establishments like Nutmeg & Clove, it comes as no surprise that Gavin sought to fuse the two.
Bar Middle is home to a unique bar vibe. Enter and you’ll be greeted by the warm cavalier of an American bar. Drinks-wise, you’re treated to precision and restraint, the type of craft reminiscent of Japanese bartending. And at the heart of it all comes a Taiwanese touch. Born and raised in Taiwan, Gavin imparts influences of his heritage through the food menu.
A menu of incredibly balanced drinks
The Japanese precision in Gavin’s bartending comes through in each drink, which is beautifully balanced down to the last drop. With nothing leaning too sweet or overly acidic, every sip I had was a delight.
A favourite of the night for me was the It’s Just Negi ($25). This cross between a dirty martini and a Gibson was everything I needed in a spirit-forward drink. Japanese leek-infused vermouth and a pickled leek brine are used in this concoction, giving it some smooth salinity that’s not overly sharp. It’s also garnished with the most delicious pickled leek, which I highly recommend eating at the end.
The Bitter Ume ($25) was another highlight, featuring Glenlivet, sweet vermouth, umeshu, and Campari. Believe the name of this cocktail, cause it does lean on the bitter side, but I enjoyed sipping this one all night long.
If you’re looking for something a little sweeter, I suggest Bar Middle’s Gin Fizz ($25) or the Yuzu Cucumber Smash ($25). Both drinks offer a bright citrusy flavour, which makes them perfect cocktails for the start of the night.
The Japanese-inspired menu with a touch of Taiwan
The bites at Bar Middle follow the same Japanese thread, replicating familiar dishes you might find in the land of the rising sun.
The spiced edamame ($6) is an addictive bar snack. Seasoned with salt, togarashi, and sesame oil, it’s a burst of umami that pairs well with any of the citrusy cocktails.
If you’ve ever wanted to have takoyaki but aren’t a fan of octopus, Bar Middle has the best dish for you – the Tako Tamago ($8). These six-minute eggs get topped with all the usual takoyaki fixings like bonito flakes, tempura bits, tonkatsu sauce, mayo, and more. It tastes exactly like the Japanese street snack, with the added delight of a jammy yolk.
For me, the must-order item is Mum’s Three Cup Chicken Wings ($12). A recipe from the kitchen of Gavin’s mother, it’s lightly roasted and sits in a savoury sauce. The flavours are familiar and comforting in a way that makes you dive back for more. I even wish I had a bowl of rice to soak up all that sauce.
Is Bar Middle worth a visit?
If you’re a fan of thoughtfully made cocktails and Japanese cuisine, this new bar in Singapore should be a top pick for your next night out. Gavin presents drinks with great precision and care, but still manages to maintain that laidback and friendly atmosphere of an American bar. I’ll be back for the It’s Just Negi and Three Cup Chicken, with a lot of hope that I’ll get a bowl of rice on the side during my next visit.
If you need more ideas on what bars you should visit, here are some other guides to check out:
- Singapore’s best cocktail bars
- Hidden bars and speakeasies in Singapore
- Romantic bars in Singapore for first dates and milestone celebrations
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of cocktails are there?
The cocktails at Bar Middle are created strictly with just six ingredients, highlighting clarity. It features classics given a Bar Middle twist.
Is there food?
Yes! The food menu is limited, but offers a decent number of bar snacks and some bigger plates like noodles.
Is it suitable for groups?
Smaller groups are ideal at Bar Middle's seating is limited. We'd recommend nothing bigger than a group of four. For larger groups, it's best to call in advance to check on space.
Is there a dress code?
There's no formal dress code at Bar Middle.
Do I need a reservation?
Bar Middle doesn't formally take reservations. However, you can DM its Instagram page to check on space and availability.
