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New York Bar named ‘Singlish’ has Singapore-inspired cocktails

In the heart of New York City, a bar named ‘Singlish’ offers more than just drinks — it’s a nostalgic sip of home for Singaporeans seeking familiarity overseas.

Source: Singlish | New York, NY

On 20 Feb, local actress Caitanya Tan shared her entertaining visit in a TikTok video. The bar’s menu features cocktails with names playfully derived from Singlish or Singaporean terms.

While not every concoction perfectly mirrors the country, Tan appreciates the platform it provides for Singaporean recognition on the global stage.

Bar has menu offerings such as ‘BTO’ and ‘Chiobu’

In the video, Tan shared that her Singaporean friend who is living in New York brought her to the bar.

@caitofalltraits There is a bar in NYC called ‘Singlish’ so as Singaporeans, must complain! #singlish #nycbars #foodieSG ♬ Aesthetic – Gaspar

Interestingly, her friend revealed that the owners aren’t Singaporean, and the bar’s decor is also not inspired by the country. In a tongue-in-cheek tone, Tan said she felt compelled to go in and “complain”, embodying the authentic Singaporean spirit.

Upon viewing the menu, however, she was met with amusement by the names of the cocktails.

In particular, one of the cocktails was named ‘BTO’, which stands for Build-To-Order, Singapore’s real estate development scheme. The drink is a remake of the Lion City’s iconic Singapore Sling.

Source: @caitofalltraits on TikTok

In jest, Tan teased that a BTO in New York was only US$26 (S$34.90).

After looking through the exquisite selection of cocktails, she eventually settled on ‘The Cleanest City’, which is also a rendition of the Singapore Sling. It features a mixture of non-alcoholic gin and heering cherry liqueur, pomegranate and citrus.

Source: @caitofalltraits on TikTok

Moreover, they couldn’t overlook the ‘Chiobu’ punch that her friend ordered — a concoction of white wine (baijiu), jasmine tea, Sichuan pepper, blood orange, and cardamom.

Source: @caitofalltraits on TikTok

The cocktails also came tagged with humorous descriptions, such as a disclaimer to not say ‘chiobu’ to one’s significant other.

A look at the food menu showed the same cheeky treatment. There were light bites with names such as ’40 Licks’ (marinated duck tongue) and ‘Money Bag’ (chicken wrapped in spring roll skin).

Bar elevates Singapore’s standing on global stage

The pair engaged in good-natured banter, playfully poking fun at menu items such as the ‘Chope’ cocktail, which was described with the incorrect pronunciation ‘cho-peh’.

Even so, Tan expressed no discontent with how Singaporean lingo was incorporated into the bar’s menu. She added that Singapore also offers the cocktail ‘Manhattan’, acknowledging that it doesn’t necessarily encapsulate the essence of the iconic town.

Source: Liquor.com

She drew similarities between Singapore and New York City, stressing that both cities are “very open to diversity”. Moreover, she noted that establishments like this bar piques people’s curiosity and provide Singapore with “a platform for recognition”.

Towards the end of the video, Tan shared that she highly recommends the place.

If you’re visiting New York City sometime, here’s how you can get to the bar:

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Singlish Address: 17 E 13th Street, New York, NY 10003 Opening hours: 5.30pm to 12am daily, closed on Mondays

Also read: Chef Bob Tries S$7 Old Chang Kee Sardine Puff In London, Says It Tastes Better

Chef Bob Tries S$7 Old Chang Kee Sardine Puff In London, Says It Tastes Better

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Featured image adapted from @caitofalltraits on TikTok.

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