There’s been a rise of hidden bars and speakeasies in Singapore, including Synthesis in Suntec City. A new addition is Ume San 100, a bar specialising in umeshu in Fortune Centre that’s cutely hidden behind a row of Japanese vending machines.
Ume San 100 officially opens its doors on 30 May 2023 but we got to see a sneak preview.
Spot The Entrance
As mentioned, Ume San 100 is located behind a row of unassuming vending machines selling drinks and snacks.
There’s a sign above the machines so you know you’re at the right place. The actual entrance is located in the centre machine selling condoms.
The bar is decorated with light-coloured wood with a unique Japanese touch, with bar and table seating. The space is relatively small so it might become difficult to move when crowded.
Ume San 100 Menu
The menu includes an extensive menu of savoury dishes like Mentaiko Kani Gratin ($18 for 2) and Lok Lok Oden ($18).
There are plenty of sharing including Garlic French Fries ($12) and Wagyu Saikoro Steak ($14)
Their highlight is also their selection of umeshu from Wakayama, the birthplace of umeshu! They have an Umeshu Bible with different notes including fruity dessert umeshu, aged black tea, and even whiskey-based options.
They also offer cocktails like umeshu highballs, Pot De Fleurs ($22) which is vanilla and elderflower-based and P!NK ($22) with ume salt. Unique options include the smokey Picante De La Ume San ($18) and Cow San ($20) made with milk!
Umesan Nachi Pagoda
Served in an ornate multi-tiered display, the Umesan Nachi Pagoda ($20) features four types of chinmi – speciality seafood sides – that pair well with their drinks.
The sides include lobster salad and spicy seasoned squid which you enjoy on a fried wanton chip. Paired with the crunchy chips, the salty seafood really whet our appetite!
Signature Nagoya Dry Prawn Ramen
A heartier dish is the Signature Nagoya Dry Prawn Ramen ($20), topped with two large-sized prawns and seasoned minced meat.
The noodles were springy and paired well with the savoury sauce. The highlight was definitely the prawns – they were seared for a slightly crisp exterior but retained a bouncy texture!
Angry Asari Soup Ramen
For something warming, try the Angry Asari Soup Ramen ($16). The dish came garnished with a generous amount of clams and a spicy paste to mix into the soup.
It has a sweet seafood umami flavour that is enhanced by the slight kick in the back of the throat. The clams were fresh, adding a nice burst of briny flavour!
Wagyu is the New Black Chahan
A unique dish is Wagyu is the New Black Chahan ($22), featuring a bed of charcoal fried rice.
It features cubes of simply seasoned wagyu beef cubes and tobiko. There was a distinct smokey flavour but we wish the rice had stronger seasoning.
Sides
The Garlic Chicken Karaage ($16) and This Uni is the Bomb! ($14 for 2) were both deep-fried and paired perfectly with their drinks!
The Karaage had a crunchy coating and juicy meat, with a notable seasoning. It’s served with Kewpie mayo for dipping.
This Uni is the Bomb is a uni croquette and oozed with uni with each bite, making for a super sinful dish.
Umeshu
Umeshu is a must-order here, with options to drink it straight or as a highball, and even cocktails. We tried their Umeshu Tasting Set (from $16) which comes with three umeshu of your choice.
Your choices each come with accompanying info cards with tasting notes. The three umeshu we chose were fruity-based, with options like yuzu and pineapple.
All three were delicious and dangerously easy to drink, with a pleasant sweetness that cut through the alcohol.
Another umeshu we got to sample was the Nakano B.C. Lemon & Ginger ($14 for cup, $68 for bottle). This umeshu has a 12% alcohol percentage but you can barely taste it!
It had a slightly medicinal finish due to the ginger which might make it an acquired taste.
Cocktails
They have a few house cocktails, Sea Garden ($22) served in a cup with a sculpture of a diver, inspired by the diving culture of Wakayama.
The drink combines a gin blend of Plymouth and Genever, lime acid, prosecco and butterfly pea flower. It tastes as good as it looks, with the hypnotising sparkle from the edible glitter.
A potent option is the 3-Piece Su Misura ($20) served uniquely – test tubes!
You mix the drink yourself tableside. The vials are a dual Gin mix, a Sherry mix and rose chocolate tea.
This drink was strong but complex, with different layers of flavours the more you drink it. The chocolate notes are present at the end for a unique after taste!
Their cocktail menu rotates with the seasons so you can look forward to new creations.
Umeshu Bar In Singapore
From the quirky exterior to unique drinks and food, Ume San 100 is an excellent place for a fun gathering! Head down on 30 May 2023 when they officially open to experience it for yourself.
Ume San 100
#02-07, Fortune Centre, 190 Middle Road, Singapore 188979
Open daily: 5pm till late
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