Where to Drink Craft Beer in Singapore
Craft beer in Singapore is certainly on the up, and we couldn’t be happier. With so many excellent bars and restaurants serving quality, small-batch beer on tap, beer lovers are spoilt for choice when it comes to picking a brew.
IPA is the king of craft beer in Singapore
The IPA (India Pale Ale), in particular, is a must-try for any self-proclaimed beer lover. Originally brought to India during the days of the British empire by the East India Company, this beer is currently experiencing a rebirth. For some, it’s an acquired taste. For others (like me), it was love at first sip. But if the hoppy, somewhat bitter flavour isn’t your thing – don’t fret. You’ll also find pale ales, wheat beers, coffee-flavoured porters, cream ales and much more at Singapore’s craft beer bars.
Always up for a new trend, Singapore was quick to hop aboard the craft beer train. Not only can you find numerous taphouses around town, but the city-state even boasts its own microbreweries. From speciality bars and microbreweries to gastropubs and restaurants, you’ll find craft beer served in more places than you might initially think.
Not sure where to go? Read on…
Don’t let the bearded guys and ultra-hip fixie bikes hanging around these bars scare you off. A pint of freshly tapped craft beer is definitely worth it. Despite there being several craft beer bars in town, you’ll also find gastropubs serving amazing food to accompany your drinks. So, let’s take a look at some of our favourite Quandoo bars and restaurants serving quality craft brews. You may never drink normal beer again!
The 1925 Microbrewery & Restaurant
This well-known brewery is the perfect place to go when you want to have a memorable food pairing experience. And, we’re not just talking about your typical bar food here either. Think more along the lines of Asian fusion dishes that include everything from beef brisket noodle soup to Myanmar-inspired smoked eggplant.
The beers on offer are brewed right here in Singapore, and the menu features a range of lighter and darker brews. For IPA fans, the Small Monster is a session IPA that goes down a treat on extra hot days. It’s also a great starter IPA for those who haven’t yet acquired a taste for super hoppy beers.
If you’re more of a fan of porters or you prefer beers dark like Guinness, the Blk 622 is for you. This dark beer boasts a rich and velvety texture and imparts flavours of malted barley and a touch of caramel.
If you’re new to the whole craft beer thing, we recommend ordering a flight of beers to test and see which brew suits you best.
Good Luck Beerhouse
A cosy spot dedicated to quality craft beer, Good Luck Beerhouse features a selection of local Singaporean brews as well as craft beers from around the world.
This bar has a no-frills approach to serving beer, and we love how the muted decorations make the focus on beer that much stronger. A simple blackboard on the wall lists eight rotating beers that are available on tap. They change regularly, but you can usually find a beer or two from local Singapore brewery, Innocence Brewing. We highly recommend checking them out!
Good Luck Beerhouse also serves bar snacks for when you get the beer munchies. There’s an array of dim sum dishes such as dumplings, chicken, and char siew pau on offer to soak up all the beer in your belly.
This spot is a must-visit when you’re near Haji Lane.
Malthouse
If you’re looking for a place with craft beer and a neighbourhood vibe, Malthouse is your best bet. This bar feels comfortable yet trendy, almost like a stylish second living room. Ok, we wouldn’t go that far. Still, it’s the type of place where you can easily while away the hours with great friends and great beers.
This buzzing bar and restaurant features 12 taps of local and international brews at any given time. If you’re looking for a classic IPA that packs a punch, try the Punk IPA. This hoppy hellion from Scottish trailblazers Brewdog does not disappoint. It’s ideal for both connoisseurs and craft-beer newbies alike, and makes an excellent choice when drinking at Malthouse.
Temple Cellars
Temple Cellars is a little different than the other places listed above. A bottle store with attitude, this Clemenceau Avenue spot hosts tastings, food nights and other events. The focus here is on a well-curated drinks list including quality beers, natural wines and premium liquors.
This little hole in the wall has an ample selection of beers both familiar and lesser-known. You’ll find bottles here from local brewers as well as American, European and Australian varieties.
The team here are super knowledgeable when it comes to the different types of craft beers on offer, so don’t hesitate to ask for help if you need it. Events like Temple Cellars’ oyster and beer night are especially popular, so make sure to book ahead if you plan to attend.