There's something special happening on Purvis Street, just a stone’s throw from the iconic Raffles Hotel. DIMPLE, Singapore's newest cocktail haven, has created an intimate space where exceptional drinks meet Hong Kong's spirited soul. I'm already planning my return visit.
This 30-seat sanctuary, opened by industry veteran Anoop Kalloor and his Hong Kong-native wife Natalie Siu, cleverly weaves its identity from the marriage of dim sum and tipple, and we have DIMPLE! The name also nods to Asian folklore, where dimples are considered lucky, and after my evening there, I'm inclined to agree.
Let's talk about what you're really here for—the cocktails. Head bartender Marcus Liow has crafted a menu that's innovative yet respectful of classics. Prices start at $25.
The star of the show was, hands-down, the Lapsang Souchong Negroni, which is nothing short of revolutionary. The smoky, black tea-steeped Roku gin creates an initial flavour explosion, beautifully tempered by vermouth before Campari's signature bitterness sweeps in for the finale. DIMPLE's Lapsang Souchong Negroni is revolutionary, a masterclass in balance where smoky tea meets classic cocktail craftsmanship. It's easily one of the most memorable Negronis I've encountered in Singapore.
The Passionfruit Martini arrives with a playful meringue-like foam crown of passionfruit and sea salt—and after the first sip, expect to sport the inevitable white moustache with pride. These thoughtful touches elevate DIMPLE's drinks from merely good to memorably great. Their Saketini, a clever twist using premium Ketel One vodka and sake in place of vermouth, delivers such a smooth experience that it's destined to please even traditional martini purists.
For bourbon enthusiasts like me, the hazelnut-infused Old Fashioned offers an intriguing deviation from tradition. While I didn’t fall in love with the accompanying hazelnut chocolate truffle, the cocktail itself holds its own. The Cherry Manhattan, crafted with Michters Rye bourbon and garnished with a fresh cherry, hits all the right notes of sweet-bitter complexity.
While the full food menu was still under development during my visit, the preview of Hong Kong-inspired bar bites showed promise. The Curry Sauce Fishballs and Siu Mai with Chilli Soy Sauce offered a tasty glimpse into DIMPLE's ambition to bring authentic Hong Kong street food culture to Singapore.
The space itself is a lesson in thoughtful design. Ambient floor lighting and low-volume background music create an atmosphere that's sophisticated yet relaxed, perfect for intimate conversations and small group gatherings. Most seats are at the bar counter, offering front-row views of the cocktail craftsmanship unfolding before you.
What sets DIMPLE apart isn't just the exceptional drinks—it's the attention to detail in service. The team, led by Anoop (whom some might remember from his Antidote days), offers a level of hospitality that makes you feel less like a customer and more like a welcomed guest.
Open Tuesday through Saturday from 5pm to midnight, DIMPLE is poised to become a favourite for pre-dinner aperitifs and nightcaps. In a city teeming with cocktail bars, DIMPLE has managed to create something special. Innovative drinks, warm hospitality, and Hong Kong heritage come together to create an experience greater than the sum of its parts. In Singapore's bustling cocktail scene, DIMPLE stands out as an intimate sanctuary, creating an experience that's both innovative and deeply personal.
a. 13 Purvis St, Singapore 188592
w. www.hotelnuveheritage.com/dimple
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