Inspired by the modern women of 1920s Japan, Moga pushes the boundaries with a contemporary take on classic cocktails and Japanese dishes
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When a craving for cocktails and umami-laden fare strikes in City Hall, Moga is there to the rescue. One of the very few izakayas in the area, Moga belongs to the newly opened Pullman Singapore Hill Street, a 350-key hotel that boasts great views from its rooftop bar and pool.
What’s it like at Moga?
The name is said to be inspired by the modern women of 1920s Japan. Like those women who challenged gender norms and embraced the Western lifestyle, Moga pushes the boundaries with a contemporary take on classic cocktails and Japanese dishes. While we wouldn’t call it “bold and fearless” like they claim on paper, it is a vast and varied menu that comforts the belly with crowd-pleasers and creative cocktails.
Find it behind a nondescript wooden door with a sign that’s easy to miss, and walking in will feel like stumbling across a secret joint in the alleyways of Tokyo. Polished and comfortable with the right amount of grunge, it’s a fun space that’s great for groups of all sizes. When you have got good company and a stiff drink in hand, especially during this rainy season, there are few better places to be.
What should we order?
Cocktails are the star of the show here. Created by head mixologist Marcus Liow and bar consultant Dario Knox (who also runs The Backdrop), drinks that stand out include the refreshing Hana Sour, shaken with sake, elderflower liqueur and citrus; the Wasabi Smash, a tall drink of gin, green shiso, basil, lemongrass and of course, a smidge of wasabi; and the rum-based Koji Old Fashioned. Those who want to keep things simple can stick to the extensive list of sake, umeshu, and brown and white spirits, and generous cuts of sashimi, sharing plates of grilled meats (the A3 Ribeye is a must) and sushi rolls complete the izakaya experience.
What else should we know?
End the meal on a sweet note with Black Sesame Gelato and thank us later. There’s also Happy Hour daily from 6pm to 8pm (all day on Mondays) with classic cocktails going at S$17.
Moga
1 Hill Street,
Pullman Singapore Hill Street,
Singapore 179949
Tel: +65 6019 7888
