Step into a world of mystery and nostalgia at Chandu, The Robertson House's hidden speakeasy, that has officially been open to the public since October 14, 2023. Chandu transports guests to a bygone period, telling tales of opium dens and clandestine parties inspired by colonial-era Singapore.
Chandu, which translates to "opium" in Malay and "moon" in Hindi, draws its inspiration from opulent opium dens and historical clan associations. The tiny cocktail bar harkens back to a time when Singapore was a booming business, but beyond the gleaming façade, it had a sinister side, with aspects of secret societies and opium misuse inherent to its colonial history.
Chandu is positioned as a mysterious cave reminiscent of covert gatherings, with an "if you know, you know" approach that fosters an air of exclusivity and secrecy. Dr Murray Robertson, a famous Municipal Councillor during British colonial Singapore, and less-than-savory individuals, including triad leaders, are alleged to have frequented the pub.
Chef Nixon Low, The Robertson House's Director of Culinary and Beverage Operations, emphasises the importance of drinks in the whole dining experience. The beverage programme at Chandu emphasises cocktails with a story, including market-to-glass specials. The bar's double meaning of "moon" is effectively incorporated into the menu, with half-moon and hollow moon emblems denoting Alcohol by Volume (ABV).
Guests can select from four cocktail styles: light and clean, casual and easy drinking, bitter and complex, and strong and classy. Chandu's ingredients are gathered daily from Singapore's street markets and local urban farms, ensuring that each visit is unique. This holiday season, Chandu adopts a Christmas theme, incorporating holiday components such as pumpkin, apple pie, and eggnog into its offerings to capture the spirit of the season.
Signature drinks include "Be On Time," which recalls earlier communication breakdowns between servants and owners, and "Chasing The Dragon," which honours the camaraderie of traders exchanging their exports over tea. "Death and Taxes" honours Dr. Robertson's lavish lifestyle as a tax collector, while "Mata Hari" pays tribute to the exotic dancer and reputed German spy of the late 1800s.
Other tempting menu items include "Always British" and "Trader's Punch," each of which tells a distinct story through carefully picked ingredients. The prices for these unique cocktails range from $20 to $26.
To enhance the beverage experience, Chandu serves light appetisers. The intimate area, which has a sitting capacity of 16 and standing space for 20, is available daily from 5:00 PM to 12:00 AM on weekdays and 5:00 PM to 1:00 AM on weekends and public holidays.
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