DIMPLE Cocktail Bar Brings Hong Kong Flair to Singapore’s Bugis District

Published - 14 November 2024, Thursday
  • DIMPLE

DIMPLE, an independent cocktail bar in Singapore's bustling Bugis neighbourhood, has introduced a new and distinct approach to social drinking. This Hong-Kong-inspired bar, intended for intimacy and charm, is opening on Purvis Street and will serve as a new hub where quality cocktails, a blend of regional spirits and delightful small meals combine to generate an atmosphere of connection and good fortune. With only 30 seats, this intimate venue provides a customised experience that emphasises both artists and community.

Marcus Liow, head barman at DIMPLE and a veteran of Singapore's cocktail scene, has created a menu that conveys a story of romance, harmony and wealth. His 14 speciality cocktails combine Hong Kong tradition with seasonal fruits from Singapore, resulting in drinks that are both complex and sophisticated. The menu features fresh ingredients such as lychee, mango, and passionfruit, which give each drink its own freshness and flavour.

DIMPLE

The Passionfruit Martini, made with Tanqueray No. 10 Gin, passionfruit oolong-infused sake, mint, and citrus, is a standout. It is topped with passionfruit sea salt foam. The Mango Spicy Margarita, another signature drink, pairs Don Ramon Reposado Tequila with bird's eye chilli, salted caramel, and mango-lime sorbet for a zesty bite.

DIMPLE's allure is heightened with Hong Kong-inspired tiny bites like as curry fish balls and siu mai, which capture the vibrant energy of Hong Kong's street food culture. Co-founders Anoop Kalloor and Natalie Siu, both of whom have extensive experience in the food and beverage industry, envisioned DIMPLE as a reflection of their hospitality ideals—a place that is as comforting as it is refreshing, where each guest is treated as if they were family, and where the heritage of Hong Kong cuisine is celebrated.

DIMPLE

DIMPLE has positioned itself as a community environment, not merely a cocktail bar. Visitors from all walks of life, whether locals or visitors, are drawn to its inviting atmosphere and communal vibe. DIMPLE also offers a unique 15% discount on drinks to guests of the NuVe Group boutique hotel, establishing a strong neighbourhood connection that is both inclusive and personal. As guests enter, the warm warmth of the "DIMPLE" sign illuminates a lively scene of laughter and conversation, with bartenders mixing drinks in plain view, offering a shared experience of cocktail-making at its finest.​​​​​​​

​​​​​​​DIMPLE, which is based on traditional Asian mythology, views dimples as symbols of good fortune and hospitality, qualities mirrored by its staff's warmth and attentiveness. "Those small impressions—the dimples—are smiles we hope guests take with them," Liow explains. "Every visit should feel like a lucky charm, something that keeps bringing them back to our bar."

DIMPLE

DIMPLE is open Tuesday through Saturday from 5 p.m. to midnight and ready to welcome customers looking for a thoughtfully crafted night out. Follow @dimple._sg on Instagram for event updates, sneak peeks, and insider access to Singapore's newest cocktail hotspot.

a. 13 Purvis St, Singapore 188592

w. www.hotelnuveheritage.com/dimple

ig. www.instagram.com/dimple._sg

t. +65 8054 0008

 

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Douglas

  • 61 comments
  • CONTRIBUTOR
RATED 8 / 8

New cocktail bar opened just 6 weeks ago.

It located on Purvis Street, that’s almost next door to the iconic Raffles Hotel.

Husband and wife owners, Anoop and Natalie.

You may have run into Anoop when he was running the bar at Antidote.

Why is it called Dimple? Anoop told me that it was a combination of dim-sum, which comes from Natalie’s HK heritage, and tipple, a word usually associated with cocktails and alcoholic drinks.

It’s quite a cosy bar with seating for 30 people and many of the seats at the counter.

Mixologist and head bartender is Marcus, who is on hand to craft the 14 signature cocktails inspired by the Chinese principles of love, harmony, and abundance.

While the kitchen is not 100% operational, Anoop served a sample of what’s to come, a curry sauce fishball and a siu mai with chilli soy sauce. Tasty snacks indeed, and a much better choice than mixed nuts and rice cracker snacks. Given the goal to bring HK street food to Singapore, I cannot wait to see what’s on the full menu.

So, the cocktails. What a splendid choice. My favourite cocktail remans the almighty Negroni. In the Dimple version, the gin is steeped with Lapsong Souchong leaves, a tea that I am impartial to. First, sip…boomski. A powerful explosion of the smoked black tea is almost immediately tempered by the vermouth before the orange bitterness of Campari kicks in. This one rates highly on the list of Negronis.

Then the Cherry Manhattan, made with Mitchers Rye bourbon, fills the mouth with the distinct sweet-bitter taste of cherry. Using a fresh cherry as a garnish accentuates the taste.

Passionfruit Martini. It’s served with a fluffy meringue-like foam akin to a lemon cream pie and is infused with passionfruit and sea salt. There’s no other way to drink it without leaving the trademark white moustache on your upper lip. Classic stuff!

My affinity for bourbon led me to choose another bourbon-based cocktail, this time the Old Fashioned. The bourbon is infused with hazelnut, which creates a new version of the Traditional Old Fashioned. It’s also served with a hazelnut chocolate truffle, tasting like a Ferrero Rocher.

The chocolate didn’t add to the cocktail pleasure, so I set it aside after a small nibble. It was a good cocktail, though.

There were six of us, and Dimple was a great place to chat and share cocktails. It is a low-light chill-out ambient and O can see it becoming a favourite for pre or post-dinner drinks. Prices are quite standard, and with Anoop’s and Marcus’s long stint in the industry, you are assured of an innovative drinks menu and detailed attention that results in a refined guest experience.

Finally, possibly one to add to my favourites list, the Saketini. Premium Ketel One vodka and Sake taking the place of vermouth. Served in a classic conical martini glass, somehow, the sake mellows out the vodka, creating a smooth martini sensation in your mouth.

Dimple should be on your list of cocktail places. I recommend it.

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