Tanjong Pagar's newest bar Hi Stranger is a worthy addition to your next bar hop – here's why

Rounding up locations for your next bar hop in Singapore? Here's one more to add to the list. Hi Stranger is located right opposite Exit 3 of Maxwell MRT, joining the company of other excellent bars along Neil Road like The Store and Side Door. And it's easily one of the most interesting bar openings of the year so far. The 26-seater, dubbed an immersive 'cocktail playground', changes up its concept every few months and weaves in a couple of interactive elements for visitors. 

The vibe

By day, it feels more like an airy café than a cocktail bar, with the highlight being the cosy dining area set underneath an open skylight that lets in plenty of natural light, along with some semi-private booths by the side. As the sun goes down, the space is bathed in a warm, reddish glow. Of course, there's also the main bar counter right by the entrance, best if you're up for a more communal and lively vibe. 

Its opening concept is titled 'A World Aglow', a nod to the acclaimed 2022 documentary 'Fire of Love', which charts the story of two French volcanologists. Everything else follows suit – the lava-like visuals that illuminate the room at night, the playlist that matches the mood, as well as the food and drink menu. In a few months, Hi Stranger will take on a whole new theme, including a refreshed look and menu, depending on what the founders Bastien Renard and Roomi Luo are inspired by. 

Nearer the back of the bar, you'll spot a small 'scent wall', similar to those you'd find in fragrance stores. Here's where visitors can get a whiff of the bar's spirits selection, from St. Germain elderflower liqueur to the rare Savanna Rum from Réunion Island, which is exclusively available at Hi Stranger. The whole setup is intended to make the ordering experience more approachable for first-timers, giving you an idea of the spirit's profile before you commit to a full-sized cocktail. 

The drink

Still unsure of what to order? Pick up Hi Stranger's wooden flavour tool, an interactive piece that helps you narrow down your flavour preferences. The nifty block is a hand-carved creation by Bastien's father – another element that makes the experience here friendly for cocktail beginners. But if you already know what you like, take a gander at the bar's expansive menu, which has a wide range of 29 cocktails, including 20 classics and nine seasonal signatures based on the bar's current concept. 

The drinks here are minimalist and boozy, typically with a maximum of six components so that the base spirit really shines. Case in point: the Funky Daiquiri ($26), which spotlights Jamaican rum and is supported by lime juice, syrup and a hint of chilli – though not enough to classify it as a spicy cocktail. We prefer the basil martini ($26), which is on the dirtier side with a splash of olive brine and three olives, but has a pleasant, gentle whiff of basil that keeps the drink light enough to keep sipping.

Speaking of martinis, there are a couple more variations on the signature cocktail list. The kaffir martini ($26) is stiff, dry and proper, comprising just two ingredients – gin infused with kaffir lime leaves and dry vermouth. Then there's The Naughty Martini ($28), the bar's headliner. This bold, heady pour features Savanna rum from Réunion Island, Jamaican rum and gin, with the Savanna carrying a bulk of the flavour. We also like The Krafft Negroni ($25). Think classic negroni, but smoky. The drink is inspired by Moris Krafft from the documentary, and it gets its smoky, volcanic character from the addition of a mezcal float on top, though this mellows out after a few sips.

The food

The food at Hi Stranger goes beyond your usual pub grub of fries, wings and the typical rotation. Instead, expect a line-up of lip-smacking bites by chef Edwin Tay, previously from Michelin-starred restaurants like Nouri and Rhubarb. The prawn toast ($12), layered with sesame and mayo, and the miso cabbage with chopped cashews and garlic purée ($16) are must-tries. 

If you're still peckish, snack on the fried mushrooms with soy emulsion ($12) or the pao de queijo (Brazilian cheese bread, $12). But if you've worked up quite the appetite, go for the larger sharing plates instead. Our pick? The Korean wheat noodles with stir-fried clams ($22). And the Spanish octopus ($48), while on the pricey side, is surprisingly well-executed, with succulent chunks of octopus crowned atop a hearty romesco sauce, together with baby potatoes.

Time Out's rating: 4/5

Hi Stranger ticks plenty of boxes for a fun night out, from interactive touches that keep things interesting and beginner-friendly, to a food menu that goes beyond the predictable list. Tip: Visit between 6pm to 8pm daily to receive a complimentary prawn toast with each cocktail ordered. And if you're up for a little late-night fun, try to locate the 'Catch The Ramos' sign in the bar. When it lights up, you have a couple of moments to order the one and only Ramos Gin Fizz of the day (an off-menu cocktail), before it's snapped up by someone else.  

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