There aren’t many spots in Singapore that serve Korean makgeolli, so when we heard about Odem, Singapore’s first-ever craft makgeolli bar—we had to make a trip down to try it out. Odem is located in the buzzy New Bahru, and it’s the very first makgeolli-centric dining concept in Singapore offering handcrafted makgeolli brews you won’t find anywhere else, alongside contemporary Korean dishes.
We love the interior of Odem, with an intimate and moody feel that’s great for date nights and nights out with friends. Odem boasts what is probably Singapore’s most extensive selection of craft makgeolli, each one specially handpicked for the restaurant and handmade in small batches by makgeolli artisans in Korea before being imported fresh into Singapore. If you’re unfamiliar with makgeolli, it’s a kind of Korean fermented rice wine, usually characterised by its milky colour, with a slightly tangy taste and smooth or subtly fizzy mouthfeel.
Quintet, $60
You can get the makgeolli by the bottle, but if you’re unsure or want to sample a few different ones, we recommend going for their curated makgeolli flights instead. The makgeolli Quintet ($60) features 5 different signature makgeolli, ranging from sweet to extra boozy. The flight offers a good sampling of the various types of makgeolli, and is a beginner-friendly introduction if you’ve never tried makgeolli before. Our favourite from the flight has got to be the Odem Lychee Rose one, with a lovely fruity flavour that’s easy-drinking and sweet (but not too sweet). We’re also told that this particular makgeolli is extra special as it’s made just for Odem, so you won’t be able to have it anywhere else! The flight also comes with a very unique dehydrated makgeolli “yogurt”, that’s scooped and eaten straight with a spoon. The texture is ultra thick, smooth and creamy, with a super concentrated booziness.
Duck Guksu, $36
Kalbi Sando, $30
Makgeolli tastes best when it’s paired with food, so of course we had to try some of Odem’s contemporary food items too. We had a couple of items from their new lunch menu that’ll be launching soon in end-September 2024. The Korean fare served at Odem is more elevated and refined, but you still get plenty of that authentic Korean flavour shining through. We thoroughly enjoyed the Duck Guksu ($36), featuring buckwheat noodles coated in a nutty, roasty perilla seed sauce and topped with tender slices of barbequed duck. We particularly liked how the duck slices were perfectly pink in the middle and soft to the bite, with no hint of toughness or gaminess at all. Another option for meat lovers is the Kalbi Sando ($30), with a thick patty of savoury beef short rib that’s super umami.
Hwe-Dupbap, $34
Brioche & Gamtae Seaweed Butter, $20
Hwachae, $14
Chirashi lovers can try Odem’s version of a “Korean-style chirashi”, the Hwe-Dupbap ($34). This is a mixed rice bowl that’s generously topped with fresh sashimi strips of salmon, aji and hamachi, plus ikura too. This was a hearty and satisfying rice bowl that’s reminiscent of the classic Korean bibimbap, but with seafood instead of meat. You don’t want to miss out on their signature Brioche & Gamtae Seaweed Butter ($20) either, this is a hot favourite and a must-order for bread fanatics. The brioche itself is served warm and coated in a salty-sweet sticky soy glaze. The seaweed butter is not made from just any ol’ seaweed either, but one of the most premium and sought-after gamtae seaweed that’s extra nutritious and healthy too. We ended off the meal with a refreshing and tart Hwachae ($14), a boozy rendition of the TikTok-viral fruit dessert, made with rosé granita, omija berries, watermelon jelly and more.
Odem’s makgeolli experience is truly one-of-a-kind, and if you’re down to try some really special artisanal makgeolli brews you won’t usually find at other Korean bars in Singapore—here’s probably your best bet. Price-wise, it’s definitely not the most affordable for an everyday affair, but is definitely worth splurging on for dates or for larger group dinners with friends.
Taste: 8/10
Price: $$; ~$30-50 per person
Favourite item(s): Brioche & Gamtae Seaweed Butter, Duck Guksu
Would we come back: Definitely, to try the other makgeollis they have to offer.
Odem
Address: New Bahru, 46 Kim Yam Rd, #01-17, Singapore 239351
Opening Hours: Tuesday-Friday, 5pm-12am; Saturday-Sunday, 12pm-2pm & 5pm-12am
