Welcome to Time Out Singapore's 52 Weeks of #ExcitingSG – our commitment to showing you the best of what's going on in the city this week. Every Monday, a guest writer who's "in" with the scene shares a recommendation on what to see, eat, do or buy in the city. This week, we chat with Vijay Mudaliar the owner and head bartender of Native, a bar on Amoy Street that's dedicated to showing off regional produce and spirits. With Asia's 50 Best Bars and Singapore Cocktail Festival happening this week, he tells us all about what gets him excited about Singapore's bar scene.
What gets you excited about Singapore?
The diversity we have in terms of culture, flavours and people keeps it exciting and we're able to explore endlessly. This allows us to constantly give our customers a better experience.
Aside from your own, where’s your favourite bar in Singapore?
Operation Dagger. It's one of the best bars globally that's constantly pushing the boundaries.
What are your thoughts on the current cocktail scene in Singapore?
I see more owner-operated bars popping up, which is really exciting. Seeing talented bartenders branching out on their own is always very heartening. I've always believed bartenders who own their bars have a more-depth understanding of the business. There's also a great balance of creativity and business to keep things fun yet sustainable.
What are you most looking forward to this week?
We are hosting Empirical Spirits from Copenhagen at the bar on May 5th from 8pm to midnight. It's one of the most exciting distilleries at the moment – pushing the limits of what people know about drinks. You have to come down on the 5th to find out what I mean!
For more upcoming cool happenings, check out Time Out Singapore's 52 Weeks of #ExcitingSG challenge. Don't forget to show us how you're living your best Singapore life via the hashtag #ExcitingSG – we might just throw some free passes and VIP tickets to exciting festivals, gigs and events your way!