Served hot or cold, this ancient Japanese alcoholic beverage brewed from fermented rice boasts of complex flavors no other spirit can achieve. We’ve scored the five of the best spots in Singapore with a sake list worth perusing. Kampai!
AOKI RESTAURANT
Partake in Japan’s national beverage of choice at this swanky restaurant bar with sakes hand-sourced by Kunio Aoki himself. Focusing on premium seasonal sakes in limited quantities (and prices to match), the list here changes regularly—flavors and tastes vary according to the season.
Service standards here are impeccable—product knowledge is highly appreciated. One good reason to pop by the bar is award-winning Isojiman 2011 Nakatori Junmai Daiginjo 35% ($1,000 per bottle) with an SMV (sake meter value) of +5 and a seimai-buai (rice polishing ratio; the lower the better) of 32%.
#02-17 Shaw Centre
1 Scotts Road
Tel: +65 6333 8015
Mon to Sat: 12pm to 3pm, 6:30pm to 11pm
Nearest Station: Orchard
BAM! TAPAS-SAKE BAR
The emergence of new sake player Bam! is one to be thankful for. A brand new concept that pairs Japanese sake with Spanish dishes (by former Santi chef de cuisine Pepe Moncayo) brings an element of surprise that tantalizes tastebuds. Yopparai means “drunkard” in Japanese—seemingly the mission here with a specially curated list of over 80 sakes by sake professional Derrick Lim, and food in a supporting role.
Exclusively available at Bam! is MAR ($110-$120 for 720ml); a highly limited collection of sake from the Ehime prefecture—specially chosen by a panel of sake experts to pair specifically with Spanish food. An example is the red range that enhances flavors of umami when paired together, or the yellow range that not only brings out flavors of ham, but tenderizes it as well.
If you’ve well-mastered the art of sake appreciation, opt for one of the top sakes—only 300 bottles are produced annually, Katsuyama Diamond Lei ($1,120) that uses a state of the art centrifuge extraction method, resulting in incredibly pure aromas and clearly defined tastes.
38 Tras Street
Tel: +65 6226 0500
Mon to Sat: 6pm to 12am
Nearest Station: Tanjong Pagar
MIKUNI
While most venues import their sakes, Mikuni sets themselves apart from the competition with an in-house sake sommelier, and better yet, brewing and bottling their own sake.
Also available are yamahai sakes—made from the “yamahai” method only used in specialty brews for the earthy flavors it produces. Seasoned sake drinkers will appreciate the Kariho ($47 per carafe)—a full-flavored yamahai junmai with an SMV of +12, that’s fruity, crisp and refreshing, or Chiyomusubi ($135 per carafe).
Level 3, Fairmont Singapore
80 Bras Basah Road
Tel: +65 6431 6156
Mon to Sun: 12pm to 2:30pm, 6:30pm to 10:30pm
Nearest Station: City Hall
ORIHARA SHOTEN
With an extensive list of premium boutique sakes that’s constantly proliferating—the current list stands at 400, it’s no wonder this cozy bar is abuzz with Japanese locals. If you’re looking to try your hand at sake-drinking, you’ve hit the gold mine.
Ranges of sake sampler sets ($30 for three) are available here, classified into four flavor categories: refreshing, rich, sweet, and dry. House original private label Fukagawa Dragon ($98 for 720ml) is another easy-drinking sake that’s smooth on the palate. It’s rare to find bar service that’s top notch so we appreciate how the staff here are well equipped on their product knowledge, gladly describing the origin and characteristics of each type of sake when asked.
Sake veterans, let the staff know of your preferred tastes and seek recommendations for their off-the-menu seasonal sakes (the list only showcases 150 mainstays)—you’ll be pleasantly surprised.
#01-01/02 Robertson Walk
11 Unity Street
Tel: +65 6836 5710
Mon to Wed: 7pm to 12am
Thu to Sat: 7pm to 1:30am
Nearest Station: Clarke Quay
SAN-SUI SUMIYAKI & BAR
Specialising in rare and exclusive sakes, San-Sui stocks sakes that are limited to 10 bottles islandwide, as well as seasonal sakes that change regularly. For beginners, opt for the Dassai 23 Junmai Daiginjyo ($198 for 720ml) from the Yamaguchi prefecture with a fruity and deep flavor profile, or the Haikassan Junmai Ginjyo ($128 for 720ml) if you prefer something more crisp and clean.
Available only at San-Sui is Tedorikawa Daiginjo Mangekyo ($360 for 720ml), brewed in the Ishikawa prefecture; an aromatic sake with an SMV of -10 (hence its sweeter flavor). A rarity is its mellowness, which can only be experienced when made with the highest daiginjo. Also delicious is smooth-drinking sake Haikassan Junmai Ginjyo ($360 for 800ml) with rich and full flavors that balanced and deep—especially great when paired with yakitori.
#01-05, 1 Fullerton Road
Tel: +65 6423 1555
Mon to Thu: 3pm to 11pm
Fri to Sun: 3pm to 2am
Nearest Station: Raffles Place
About the writer:
Mandy Lynn is a former I-S Magazine writer and current editor of Nookmag; her dining and nightlife features are published in Food & Travel, Appetite Asia and Singapore Tatler Dining. For bite-sized food recommendations, follow her on Instagram and Facebook, or join her on a Gourmet Adventure to keep up with the latest openings in the dining scene.
Thank you a lot for this list. Will be great to visit this places. =D