Singapore’s cocktail scene has reached new heights at the Mandarin Oriental, where the award-winning MO Bar has unveiled Modern Localism, the seventh volume of its celebrated drink programme. Against a backdrop of glittering Marina Bay skyline views, the venue has shifted its focus inward, celebrating the craftsmanship and culture of the Lion City through a series of unexpected partnerships.
Spearheaded by Bar Manager Charlie Kim, who joined the team in 2023, the project is a culmination of a year-long search for Singapore’s most creative voices. Kim engaged with over 40 local brands across the culinary, artistic, and lifestyle sectors before selecting 11 collaborators to co-author this liquid anthology. The result is a menu that functions like a traveler’s journal, guiding guests toward hidden local gems while sipping on world-class mixology.
A Sensory Journey Through Local Partners
The menu ranges from delicate, floral refreshments to heady, savory concoctions. Highlights include:
- Velour Kiss ($26): Inspired by the skincare philosophy of La Dermalogique, this elegant gin-based drink blends Hendrick’s with bee pollen, chamomile, and extra virgin olive oil. It is a structured, evolving pour that balances sweetness with botanical depth.
- Pine-dustry ($26): Often cited as Kim’s personal favorite, this tribute to the local bar community is a masterclass in clarification. It features a base of tequila and cold-distilled pineapple juice, rounded out by a white wine reduction and a whisper of coconut.
- Jo-Hwa ($27): A collaboration with the Korean restaurant Anju, this drink reinterprets the classic Bamboo cocktail. Featuring Fino sherry, verjuice, and Roku gin, it is served with a matsutake mushroom snack that transforms the drink’s profile through savory “anju” pairings.
- Dopa? Dopa! ($26): For those with a sweet tooth, this partnership with South Bridge Road’s Dopa Dopa Creamery fuses salted butter Hennessy VSOP with pistachio kunafa and Darjeeling tea for a decadent, dessert-inspired finish.
Elevated Bar Bites
The culinary offerings have been curated to complement the drinks with bold, regional flavors. While the bar’s signature laksa has evolved, its spirit remains in the Laksa Fries ($18), which are generously seasoned with umami-rich hae bee hiam (spicy dried shrimp). Other notable plates include the Deep-fried Kurobuta Pork Neck ($28) and Aloo Matar Samosas ($22), served with vibrant mint and tamarind chutneys to cut through the richness.
Plan Your Visit
Located on the third floor of the Mandarin Oriental, MO Bar remains one of the city’s most polished destinations, now bolstered by a menu that feels deeply connected to the street-level pulse of Singapore.
- Where: 5 Raffles Avenue, Mandarin Oriental Level 3, Singapore 039797
- Hours: Sunday–Thursday, 5pm–Midnight; Friday–Saturday, 5pm–1am
- Reservations: Recommended via the Mandarin Oriental website.
Whether you are a resident looking to rediscover homegrown brands or a visitor seeking an authentic taste of the city’s contemporary culture, “Modern Localism” offers a sophisticated, approachable window into the heart of Singapore.