Bet you didn’t know this secret retro-inspired bar existed in Singapore—serving elevated instant noodles, and super weird cocktails that taste like local favourites including beef rendang, chicken rice and curry!
Oriental Elixir is nestled among the shophouses along Bukit Pasoh, and its entrance is as hidden as it gets, with absolutely no obvious signage at the front. Instead, you enter a door that says “PTP Engineers Pte. Ltd”, trek up to the second floor and enter a nondescript door with merely a tiny namecard that spells out “Oriental Elixir” to let you know you’re in the right place.
We absolutely adore the nostalgic, moody and retro vibe of the space, thoughtfully decorated with various familiar memorabilia that are specifically sourced from various old-school Asian marts like our Singaporean mama shops, Indonesian warungs and more. You’ll find unique items like shampoo sachets, instant drink packets, old magazines, soap bars, biscuits, toys, knick knacks and more—you’ll definitely have a fun time sifting through the items and taking a trip down memory lane.
Chicken Sambal Highball, $25
Marmite Alexander, $25
The cocktail menu ($25 nett each) is also unlike any other you’ve seen in Singapore, with very unconventional flavour profiles that probably aren’t for everyone. If you’re feeling adventurous, try one of their crazier cocktail flavours like the Octopus White Negroni, Blue Cheese Curry Negroni or Chicken Sambal—which pretty much tastes like a plate of chicken rice, but in drink form, down to the flavour of the iconic sambal and topped with actual coriander leaves.
Beef Rendang Old Fashioned, $25
Thai Tea Silver Sour, $25
For something a little more tame but still on the unique end, you can try the Beef Rendang, which boasts a spicy and beefy kick that’s reminiscent of the actual dish. Not to worry, there are plenty of more normal cocktails you can go for, with safe options like the Butterfly Pea Daiquiri, Osmanthus Highball, Toasted Coconut Margarita or Thai Tea Silver Sour, just to name a few.
For food, there’s only one thing on the menu: instant noodles. But not the kind you’re used to making at home—these are some atas instant noodles, jazzed up with even more saucy condiments, mushrooms, vegetables and your choice of protein (beef, chicken, pork or fish balls). Each bowl is made-to-order and costs $15 nett, just choose from the display of various instant noodle packets from behind the counter.
Aside from the usual favourites like Indomie, they try to source more rare instant noodle brands and flavours that you won’t be able to find at mainstream supermarkets. Note that all noodle options are dry, no soup versions available.
Oriental Elixir
Address: 19 Bukit Pasoh, 2nd Floor, Singapore 089833
Opening Hours: Tuesday-Sunday, 6pm-12am
