The Place One of the most unexpected locations for a bar in Singapore. I first visited The House of Tan Yeok Nee early this year for Loca Niru, and there is a new addition to the historic building – Bar Kap, a cocktail bar housed in the last of Singapore’s Four Grand Mansions. Adjacent to the bar is also Jing Studio, a contemporary tea house in a minimalist setting. 

I couldn’t help but marvel at how well-preserved the interior and building are. It feels like an east meets west vibe the moment I entered Bar Kap, where the counter seats form the centrestage of the space. There are also private booths at the two sides of the bar for greater privacy and cosy gatherings. 

The Food The cocktail program here is designed around the building’s layered history drawing on themes of Teochew heritage. 

I tried Tank Road (S$28), a drink which references the former railway hub, and it pairs roasted orange and bay syrup, grapefruit and scotch in a refreshing whisky sour-style accompanied by a rosemary-infused chocolate. 

A variation of the martini, Lights Out (S$25) is a tableside serve of gin, secco vermouth, and mandarin, finished with fragrant pandan oil. 

For food, the menu is quite straightforward with a decent selection of bite-size snacks and heartier portions. 

The Golden Spring Rolls (S$12) comes with jicama, carrot, shiitake and micro coriander; while the Spicy Tempeh Tots (S$12) is an easy snack to munch where it spots a sweet soy glaze with toasted sesame and chives. 

The namesake Bar Kap Bao (S$18) is quite a hearty dish to order – flat bread, homemade beef rendang, cucumber, micro coriander, pickled mango – there is this crunch in the texture of the bread which makes it enjoyable.  

For heartier dishes, I had their Mee Kapitan (S$20) served in a claypit which is topped with minced pork and prepared with shrimp paste. 

For dessert, it is a play on nostalgic Singapore where I had the Ice Cream Sandwich (S$9), a playful rainbow version. 

Rants I think the food options can be stepped up further, where possibly some alignment to the Teochew heritage of the building could be a more consistent theme with the drinks.  

Will I Return Again? A gorgeous and one-of-a-kind setting and location for drinks and bar grubs, Bar Kap is a great twist from the typical bar setting. The heritage element adds to the charm of the experience, where the drinks programme takes on a strong theme here. 

TheRantingPanda says:
Taste bud: 3.5/5
Hole in the pocket: 4/5
Ambience: 4/5
Overall Experience: 4/5 

Bar Kap 
The House of Tan Yeok Nee 
101 Penang Road 
Singapore 238466 
Tel: +65 8896 1035 

Opening Hours 
Daily: 5pm to 12am

Ranted by The Ranter