Native

Located in the heart of Singapore at 52A Amoy Street, Native is a pioneering cocktail bar and restaurant that celebrates the rich tapestry of Asian culture through its innovative use of regional ingredients and sustainable practices. Spanning three floors, the establishment offers a multifaceted experience: a restaurant on the first floor, a cocktail bar on the second, and a fermentation lab on the third. Native’s commitment to zero-waste principles and its emphasis on local sourcing have positioned it as a trailblazer in the global bar scene.

History & Concept

Founded by Vijay Mudaliar in 2016, Native was conceived as a tribute to Asia’s diverse culinary heritage. Mudaliar’s vision was to create a space that not only serves exceptional cocktails but also tells stories of the region’s traditions and flavors. By foraging ingredients from the local environment and collaborating with regional artisans, Native crafts beverages that are both innovative and deeply rooted in cultural narratives.

Design & Atmosphere

Housed in a traditional shophouse, Native’s interior seamlessly blends rustic charm with contemporary aesthetics. The decor features furniture and pottery sourced from local craftsmen, while staff uniforms incorporate Batik fabric patterns, reflecting the bar’s dedication to regional artistry. A curated playlist, predominantly featuring local music, enhances the immersive experience, creating an ambiance that is both intimate and culturally resonant.

Native Menu

The Native menu is a dynamic exploration of Asia’s rich culinary landscape, emphasizing sustainability and innovation. Each offering is meticulously crafted using locally sourced ingredients, often foraged from the surrounding environment. The menu evolves with the seasons, ensuring a fresh and ever-changing dining and drinking experience.

Cocktail Menu

Native’s cocktail menu is renowned for its inventive use of regional ingredients and storytelling approach. Some standout creations include:

• Antz. A daring concoction featuring Chalong Bay rum, coconut yogurt, soursop, and salt-baked tapioca, garnished with locally foraged weaver ants for a unique citrusy zing.
• Red Light District. Inspired by Singapore’s vibrant neighborhoods, this cocktail combines pink dragonfruit water kefir, rose aperitif, basil seeds, and tongkat ali, offering a refreshing and slightly herbal profile.
• Ceylon Arrack. A tribute to Sri Lankan spirits, this drink melds arrack distilled from coconut flower sap with coconut meat, oil, and water, resulting in a sweet and robust flavor.
• The Peranakan. Celebrating Peranakan culture, this cocktail features Indian rum, jackfruit, and locally made goat’s milk, with the curd byproduct transformed into a gelatinous substance flavored with coconut, pandan, and blue pea flowers.

Food Menu

Complementing its beverage offerings, Native’s food menu showcases dishes that echo the bar’s commitment to local flavors and sustainability. Highlights include:

• Cheese & Roti. A delightful starter featuring freshly made ricotta, confit garlic, peanut chutney, and mint, served with toasted baguette slices.
• Mandarin Orange Sorbet. A refreshing dessert made from mandarin orange purée, served on an almond crumb base and topped with blackened, dehydrated orange powder for a smoky citrus finish.
• Cocolime. A creamy blend of lychee, coconut water, milk, and cream, clarified through centrifugation and combined with lime distillate, topped with Ine Mankai red sake and a false roselle leaf.

Price Level

Native offers a premium yet accessible experience, with cocktails averaging around SGD $17. The pricing reflects the bar’s dedication to quality, sustainability, and the use of unique, locally sourced ingredients.

Awards & Recognition

Native’s innovative approach has garnered significant acclaim:

• Ranked No. 31 in Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2024.
• Achieved No. 14 in The World’s 50 Best Bars 2021
• Recipient of the Sustainable Bar Award in 2019.

Opening Hours & Guest Policy

• Monday – Thursday: 6:00 PM – 12:00 AM
• Friday – Saturday: 6:00 PM – 1:00 AM
• Sunday: Closed

Native welcomes guests on a walk-in basis, fostering an inclusive and spontaneous atmosphere.

Reservations

While walk-ins are encouraged, reservations can be made through Native’s official website to ensure a seamless experience.

Why Visit?

Native offers a one-of-a-kind journey through Asia’s rich culinary and cultural landscapes. Its commitment to sustainability, innovative use of regional ingredients, and immersive storytelling make it a must-visit destination for those seeking an authentic and memorable experience in Singapore.