Looking for a sophisticated spot for a cocktail with some bar bites? Origin Bar is the perfect place if you are heading out for drinks in Singapore. Origin got its name because Singapore’s Shangri-La was the very first property in the world-famous hotel chain. We check out what’s on offer.
First impressions:
Origin is dark, romantic and sexy – a bit like the old train station it was built to resemble. It’s busy like a train station, too, but quiet enough that you can actually have a conversation.
The Chosen One:
The namesake cocktail Origin ($22) is a gin-based drink made with a concoction of sugar-cane honey, nutmeg, pepper and lime husk wine. My favourite was the Sanic ($22) – kumquat, tonic, yuzu and sake – the perfect refreshing drink for Singapore’s hot weather; I could drink this cocktail all day at the beach or by the pool.
The Cheapskate:
On a budget? Each section also offers an alcohol-free drink for $14, or try the ACE Apple Cider ($7).
Bite on this:
The bar menu has everything from poached lobster roll with trout caviar ($28) to the daily seasonal selection of European cheese ($22), but the thing to order here without question is the wagyu beef and gruyere cheeseburger ($18). You get two fairly large sliders and they truly may be the best burgers I’ve had in Singapore – even if you don’t fancy a cocktail, go here for the burger
Last but not least:
Origin got its name because Singapore’s Shangri-La was the very first property in the world-famous hotel chain. To honour Singapore’s illustrious heritage, the menu takes a journey through five of Singapore’s iconic neighbourhoods: Orchard, Chinatown, Little India, Boat Quay and Marina Bay. The drinks in each section are mini-odes to those cultures, clever concoctions made of representative flavours, each more yummy than the last.
ORIGIN BAR
Lobby Level, Shangri-La Hotel, Singapore
22 Orange Grove Road
6213 4595 | shangri-la.com
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This article first appeared in the May 2018 edition of Expat Living. You can purchase a copy or subscribe so you never miss an issue!
