habitat by honestbee launches oyster and seafood bar, hama hama, and progressive cocktail bar, b bar

b bar smoked beef slider

Tucked away in NewGen Retail concept habitat by honestbee, lies two exciting entrants set to shake up Singapore’s dining scene and change your notion of a grocery and dining destination. Introducing oyster and seafood bar hama hama, which brings Asian-inspired small plates and progressive cocktail bar b bar – habitat by honestbee’s answer to a speakeasy that’s beyond their famous mirrored cul-de-sac Wine and Spirits alley.

Conceptualized by Chef De Cuisine Vincent Ng, hama hama injects a rustic elegance into its seasonal sharing menu. With oysters as the main draw, choose from nine different types that range from French to Irish, including two house specials. hama hama ‘pimps’ oysters with five cooking styles that range from light (a cincau-like lemon and hot sauce jelly) to a crunchy bite (breadcrumbs with mentaiko aioli).

With its white and blue tiles and gold and brass accents, hama hama is a stylish kitchen and bar for seafood lovers. The main show-kitchen at the back and counter kitchen give guests first class seats to an intimate dining experience. With the ocean’s best catch of the day, guests can start off with the Truffle Udon made with shio kombu, packed with umami goodness in a truffle oil emulsion. The Bouchot Mussels are also a must-try – Chef Vincent uses hae bee hiam (dried shrimp) powder, dehydrated and made from scratch, served with deep fried hor fun strips.

“With Singapore’s hot and humid weather, I like to present dishes that are lighter and more refreshing on the palate,” says Chef Vincent Ng. “We really wanted to put a modern spin on fresh seafood, without overcomplicating things and keeping the flavours simple and clean. Think casual fine dining with the use of Asian ingredients and European techniques. Dessert s take you back in time with old school flavours like MILO and even Nescafé.”

 

To make a reservation at hama hama, please email reservations.habitatsg@honestbee.com. For daily updates, check out the hama hama Instagram page, @hamahama_sg.

Rhubino with bee smokerb bar drinks

Once your appetites have been satiated, hit up b bar, a hidden spot in an unassuming neighbourhood. Transporting you to a one-of-a-kind experience, this swanky hideout is home to an exclusive spirit and cocktail bar that presents New Age Classics, its first of many seasonal themes. Inspired by gastronomy and culinary techniques, ingredients are sourced from around the world, available for purchase at habitat by honestbee.

Resident bar manager Anton Gornev uses modern techniques to recreate classic drinks infused with local and Asian flavours. Originally from St Petersburg, Russia, Anton brings with him a wealth of international experience having competed in competitions across the globe. Employing gastronomy techniques such as fat-washing, sous vide infusion, milk clarification, and even using a bee smoker, Anton’s inventive style adds a layer of depth to b bar’s cocktails. Apart from a change of menus, b bar’s interior decor and uniforms will be updated accordingly to bring a new take to the experience.

Sharing his inspiration behind the current theme of New Age Classics, “As a bar that’s just opening, I wanted to shine a spotlight on classic cocktails to showcase how bartending began and evolved, but with my own modern take. habitat by honestbee is an exciting playground of flavours and ingredients that have inspired me to take on new concoctions.”

Designed by Wynk Collaborative, the bar is hidden beyond the Wine and Spirits alley, serving as an element of surprise behind the elusive mirror. Colours and geometries give the shelving its own character with brass and stone adding to the richness of textural qualities of the space.

Those looking to ease back this month will be able to indulge in b bar’s low ABV (alcohol by volume) cocktails which pack more flavour than potency. To provide guests with more options, b bar’s menu is categorised into low to high ABV cocktails to suit any occasion. Not to be missed at b bar is Anton’s signature cocktail, Bienvenido, which is a Top 3 finalist in the 2018/2019 Bacardi Legacy competition. Also look out for Milky Whey, a classic milk punch cocktail made with a secret natural cola recipe comprising 15 ingredients, including dried lavender and coriander. More than your average mocktail, b bar’s non-alcoholic cocktails are complex and nuanced. Made with habitat by honestbee’s cold brew coffee from Hinoki and homemade kaya from Lazy Loaf, the Cold Brew Colada is a spin on the traditional Pina Colada.

Reservations are essential for b bar, please email reservations.habitatsg@honestbee.com. For daily updates, check out the b bar Instagram page, @bbar_sg.

 

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