Hidden behind a nondescript wooden sliding door at Pullman Singapore Hill Street, MOGĀ is your gateway to a glimmering Tokyo back-alley fantasy. This sultry speakeasy takes its cues from the 1920s prohibition era in Japan, with all the decadence and none of the rules. Think rich leather banquettes, a bar stocked with rare Japanese spirits, and beats that bump till late.
The vibe
Step inside and feel the world melt away. MOGĀ brings out two different worlds – retro glamour and underground mischief – all wrapped in warm lighting and moody vibes. The space is lush yet intimate, with just enough edge to feel like you’ve stumbled into a secret the cool kids have been gatekeeping. Whether you’re out to impress a date or just catching up with your post-work crew, the energy here morphs with the hour – laidback at lunch, electrifying after dark.
The food
Modern izakaya plates headline the menu. These are designed for sharing, but you’ll be tempted to hoard. Kick things off with the MOGA Samurai Roll ($32), a decadent medley of prawn tempura, fresh yellowtail, creamy avocado and house-made sriracha yuzu aioli that hits all the spots: crispy, creamy, zesty and rich. Then there’s the chicken karaage ($18), a crowd-pleasing staple elevated with tangy karashi mayo and a punchy tonkatsu dip on the side.
For an East-meets-West indulgence, the A4 wagyu sando ($45) is stacked with tender wagyu, house-made coleslaw, teriyaki hollandaise, and sweet onion confit for that rich, umami-loaded bite. But if there’s one dish we can’t stop raving about, it’s the Hokkaido scallop ($34), seared to perfection and deliciously seated on a bed of yuzu soy and truffle butter – a little dab of wasabi takes it over the edge.
The drink
At MOGĀ, conformity gets left at the door. The Breaking The Norm cocktail menu is a bold tribute to Japanese ingredients, reimagined through the playful lens of a modern izakaya. Each of the eight concoctions bubbles up familiar flavours like yuzu, matcha and umeshu, but never in ways you’d expect.
The Japanese Tea Party ($25) is a rum-based old fashioned that leans smoky and smooth, layered with roasted hojicha and a splash of green tea umeshu for depth. My Pear-adise ($25) features Rémy Martin 1738 brandy mixed with juicy pear and subtle herbaceous notes. But if you’re in the mood for a dessert in a glass, The Frozen Drink ($25) delivers. This frappe-style blend of Kujira whisky, taro, milk, stewed azuki beans and a matcha dusting is rich, creamy and unapologetically indulgent – a firm favourite of bar manager Gavin Teverasan.
Bonus: the bar team’s always hosting global guest shifts, so there’s always something new on the cards.
Time Out tip
Clock off in style with MOGĀ’s daily happy hour from 6pm to 8pm, featuring five craft cocktails from just $17 each – a rare steal in this part of town. And ladies, Wednesday nights are made for you. From 7pm to 9pm, indulge in free-flow packages starting at $32 for prosecco, $48 for prosecco plus two cocktails, or go all out with champagne and two cocktails for $68.