In the heart of Gillman Barracks, surrounded by art galleries and creative spaces, the newly opened Ida’s Bar offers a different kind of artistry – the edible and drinkable kind! A true hidden gem, this spot balances culinary creativity with a relaxed, welcoming vibe. Attached to an event space and a gorgeously quaint flower shop, the vibes of Ida’s Bar are simply unmatched!
I was lucky enough to get a sneak preview of what to expect and I found myself immersed in a culinarily captivating experience! From the first sip to the last bite, I was engaged by everything I ate and drank, so without further ado, let’s get into it – the lowdown on Ida’s Bar!
Drinks: Where Art Meets Mixology
The cocktail menu at Ida’s Bar is no ordinary list of drinks – it’s a veritable journey in tastes, sights and smells! From fruity thirst-quenchers to works of visual art and flavour bombs with more than a little spirited kick, there’s a drink whatever your tastes are!
Melon Reverie
To start for drinks, the evening kicked off with the Melon Reverie, a light and refreshing cocktail that set the tone perfectly. The first sip was like biting into a fresh slice of watermelon, refreshing and juicy, but it quickly evolved into something more complex.
The Machetazo Salmiana Mezcal added a subtle smokey depth, while the grapefruit and lime cordial brought a sharp, citrusy punch that kept things interesting. This was followed by a gentle kick from chilli bitters, just enough to wake your senses without completely overwhelming the palate.
It’s an ideal starter, playful and light, yet with enough complexity to keep you coming back for more. Be careful not to down too much at once!
Tequila Sunset
Next up was the Tequila Sunset, a drink as visually stunning as its name suggests. With its shimmering blue pea lychee float, this cocktail is a feast for the eyes, but it was the flavours that truly shined.
Altos Blanco Tequila dominates the first sip, offering that unmistakable cutting warmth, but it’s quickly softened by the tropical sweetness of mango and the subtle heat from the Coconut Ancho Reyes Chilli. A touch of lime adds just the perfect amount of acidity to balance the richness, making each sip a rollercoaster of flavours.
Slightly stronger than the Melon Reverie, this drink packs a punch, but its balanced layers ensure it’s never overwhelming. It’s the kind of cocktail you want to take your time with, savouring each complex note as it unfolds.
Rose Mallow Martini
For those in search of something a bit more sophisticated, the Rose Mallow Martini delivers in spades. This cocktail is a masterclass in balance, starting with an explosion of Nikka Coffey Vodka – smooth, warm, and slightly sweet – before settling into smooth floral notes from hibiscus-infused bianco vermouth.
The PX sherry adds a layer of dry sweetness, while a hint of citrus brightens the whole experience. This is a cocktail for those who appreciate the finer things, both visually stunning and intensely flavorful. It’s bold and elegant, with just the right amount of tipsy kick – perfect for sipping while awaiting your food!
Minted Passion
By the time I reached the final cocktail, Minted Passion, I was ready for something that would ease me into the night’s end, and it did not disappoint! The Koch Elemental Mezcal and Aperol create a smoky, slightly bitter base, but the real star here is the passionfruit. Its full-bodied, citrusy fresh flavour dominates the palate, with a refreshing minty aftertaste that lingers pleasantly.
Orange bitters tie it all together, giving it a subtleness that makes it a fitting end to the evening. With the drinks sorted, onto the food!
Food: A Culinary Canvas
While the cocktails alone are worth the trip to Ida’s Bar, the food isn’t to be forgotten at all! Each dish is carefully, with an array of flavours and textures that play off one another in perfect harmony.
Green Gazpacho
I started with the Green Gazpacho, a small, unassuming dish that packed a refreshing punch. The soup’s vibrant green hue – thanks to a vibrant mix of avocado and spinach – was as inviting as its flavour.
Tasting somewhat like liquid guacamole but lighter, it had a delicate creaminess from the yoghurt and a satisfying salty crunch from the croutons, making for a well-rounded mouthfeel! To end things off, the bright acidity of the cherry tomatoes cut through the richness, making every spoonful feel fresh and balanced.
Lamb Croquette
Next came the Lamb Croquette, a dish that was as fragrant as it was flavorful. The crispy exterior gave way to tender, perfectly cooked lamb, with just a hint of gamey richness that was expertly balanced by a serving of wasabi cream paired with the croquette itself. The wasabi wasn’t overpowering but rather subtle, creeping in just enough to flush through your sinuses and nostrils in the most delightful way.
It plays with your senses, teasing you with its texture and then surprising you with its bold, unexpected flavours. Crispy, warm, and comforting, it was the perfect match for the cocktails I enjoyed through the night.
Potato Gnocchi
The Potato Gnocchi was another standout dish, offering soft, pillowy gnocchi that melts in your mouth! To balance it out, chilli crisp yoghurt added a gentle heat that was complemented by the cooling freshness of cucumber.
Topped with crunchy fried shallots, this dish was all about texture – each bite offering something new! From the soft gnocchi to the umami bursting from the crispy shallots, it’s a dish that feels familiar, yet with more than a few twists that make it Ida’s own.
Ida’s Semi Freddo “Doughnut”
For dessert, I indulged in Ida’s Semi Freddo “Doughnut”, a dish that was as playful as it was delicious! Despite its name, this was no ordinary doughnut! Instead, it was a light, airy sponge cake, served with a luscious white chocolate mousse and a tart, sweet raspberry coulis.
The crunchy bits of raspberry added texture, while the mousse was pleasantly sweet but not cloying, balanced perfectly by the chewy softness of the sponge cake. It was the ideal way to end the meal – lightly sweet and utterly satisfying.
Ida’s Bar
As the night drew to a close, I was thoroughly impressed with the culinary journey that Ida’s Bar had brought me on! Each dish and drink felt like it had been created with thought, designed to surprise, delight, and satisfy in equal measure.
Whether you’re here for a casual cocktail evening or a full night of indulgent dining, Ida’s Bar has something to offer everyone. In a space as artistic and culturally significant as Gillman Barracks, it’s only fitting that it delivers a dining experience that is as much about artistry as it is about flavour!
📍Location: 9 Lock Rd, #02-21 Gillman Barracks, Singapore 108937
⏰Opening Hours:
- Monday, Tuesday and Saturday: Closed
- Wednesday to Friday, and Sunday: 5pm to 12am
If you’re looking for a place where food and drink are treated as more than just sustenance, look no further than Ida’s Bar! I know I’ll definitely be back soon to try my favourite cocktails and dishes. If you’re hungry for more information after this article, you can head over to their website, and be sure to check out their Instagram for the latest on what’s happening there!
Photos by Leo Chia and Ethan Yeo of the DANAMIC Team.
