Native

Within a heritage shophouse on Amoy Street, Native Singapore transforms Southeast Asian terroir into liquid poetry through Vijay Mudaliar's revolutionary approach to regional mixology. This three-story temple to locality has redefined Singapore's cocktail landscape since 2016, earning recognition as Asia's 8th best bar through an unwavering commitment to indigenous ingredients and cultural storytelling.

Founded by visionary bartender Vijay Mudaliar, formerly of Operation Dagger, Native emerged from a profound desire to celebrate Southeast Asia's rich cultural tapestry through cocktails. Under head bartender Leon Tan's guidance, the team has pioneered a philosophy that eschews international spirits entirely, instead crafting extraordinary libations exclusively from regional producers. This dedication to locality extends beyond the bar program—from locally-sourced furniture and ceramics to staff aprons featuring traditional Batik patterns, every detail reinforces Native's commitment to authentic regional expression.

Native's cocktail program represents mixology's most ambitious exploration of terroir, incorporating foraged ingredients like ants, wild turmeric, and indigenous fruits into thought-provoking creations. The bar exclusively features regional spirits—Sri Lankan arrack, Thai rum, Singapore gins—transforming these lesser-known expressions into sophisticated cocktails that tell stories of place and tradition. The third floor's fermentation laboratory produces house-made wines, meads, and kombucha, showcasing technical mastery while honoring ancient preservation techniques. Each cocktail becomes a cultural narrative, connecting guests to the diverse landscapes and communities of Southeast Asia through premium craft cocktails that challenge conventional mixology boundaries.

The three-floor experience unfolds like chapters in a regional anthology. The ground floor restaurant bar explores locality through food pairings, while the second floor houses the main cocktail program amid intimate seating for just a handful of guests. The third floor fermentation bar offers the most experimental expressions, where house-made spirits and ancient techniques create ultra-luxury experiences unavailable elsewhere. Service transcends traditional hospitality—bartenders become cultural ambassadors, sharing ingredient origins and preparation methods while a carefully curated playlist featuring 85% local artists creates an immersive soundscape.

Native reservations are essential for this exclusive experience, where smart casual attire respects the venue's sophisticated yet approachable atmosphere. The bar's limited seating ensures personalized attention, making each visit feel like a private masterclass in regional spirits and sustainable mixology. For luxury travelers seeking authentic cultural immersion through exceptional cocktails, Native offers Singapore's most distinctive bar experience—where every sip connects you deeper to Southeast Asia's extraordinary heritage.