The appreciation of craft beer has been growing, and here in sunny Singapore, the love of this bubbly golden liquid created by a micro brewery is on the rise. Singaporeans are skipping the typical canned beers and flocking to bespoke shops and craft beer pubs located in hawker centres and quaint streets to get a taste of this fast-growing trend. Many eateries are starting to understand the art of craft beers and are offering them as better pairings to complement their dishes.

So, where can you get your hands (or taste buds) on some craft beer that will deliver a crisp finish? Let’s take a stroll down to some of the interesting craft beer bars and shops in Singapore.

1. Druggists: A different kind of medicine

For our first craft beer spot in the list, we introduce a name that brings curiosity even to the locals, Druggists. 

Sharing the same building with the Singapore Chinese Druggists Association, Druggists’s famed 23 rotating amazing craft beers on taps is certainly one of the most Instagrammable spots for premium craft beers. Do not be fooled by its old building exterior. Enter the space and you’ll be greeted with tasteful warm lighting and a striking blue paint job contrasted against its original floor tiles. What’s not to be missed aside from their specialty range of beers is the long list of snack bites on their food menu.

Unlike most bars, you will not find basic ‘ol Truffle Fries on the menu. Druggists pride themselves in elevating their dishes with familiar yet unique Asian flavours. Try their Curry Fish Skin or Chicken Rendang Tacos to go with a glass of draft. They even offer other types of alcoholic beverages like the American Pale Ale by Bodriggy Brewing Co. called Utropia, and a lot more.
 

Address: 119 Tyrwhitt Road, Singapore 207547
Opening hours: Monday – 5:00pm to 12:00am, Tuesday to Thursday – 4:00pm to 12:00am, Friday to Saturday – 3:00pm to 12:00am, Sunday – 3:00pm to 10:00pm

2. Smith Street Taps: Quality craft beer in a hawker centre

Ever wished you could pair your favourite hawker dishes with a smooth pint of craft beer?

Introducing Smith Street Taps, a beer stall right in the heart of Chinatown Complex. A collaboration between two local craft beer shop owners, the stall comes with a rotating fresh beer selection, promising its fans varying types of beers with different flavours every season. Ranging from well-known beer brands like Sapporo to experimental brand pours like Brewdog, the stall caters to regulars and newcomers who enjoy a casual pint of beer in a lively hawker centre setting. You’ll also be pleased to know that their prices are easy on the wallet; from S$6 onwards for a pint. Certainly, making it an occasion to drink anytime!
 

Address: 335 Smith St, #02-062, Singapore 050335
Opening hours: Tuesday to Thursday – 6:00pm to 10:30pm, Friday – 6:00pm to 11:00pm, Saturday – 2:00pm to 11:00pm. Closed on Monday and Sunday.

3. Abundance: Indulgent Taiwanese food with a side of fresh brew

The glass (and your belly) will always be half full at Abundance. Located in the heartlands of Redhill, this eatery is a convenient 5min walk away from the MRT station and sits quaintly under an HDB block. With its rise in popularity over the years, the Taiwanese cafe has since expanded, bringing its well-loved food menu to Jalan Besar. 

Holding up eight craft beers on tap, selections are rotated bi-weekly – so you can always expect new and fresh options on your return visit. Serving up Taiwanese-fusion cuisine, choose from a wide range of dishes – from buns, fried rice, dumplings, noodles and delectable side bites – enjoy the fun of elevating your grub’s punch by matching them with craft beer! 

For starters, here are some suggested beer-bun pairings:

  • Gua Bao - the robustness of the braised meat is best enhanced with a malty brown ale or a roasty stout.
  • CCB (Crispy Chicken Bun) - choose an easy lager to wash down the grease, or an IPA to elevate the mild spice if you're feeling adventurous!
  • Fish Bun - this thick white fillet O’ will go well with the citrus notes of a classic Pilsner (akin to a squeeze of lemon).
     

Redhill Branch
Address: 63A Lengkok Bahru, #01-378, Singapore 151063
Opening hours: Monday to Thursday – 11:00am to 3:00pm, 4:30pm to 10:00pm, Friday to Sunday, 11:00am to 10:00pm

Jalan Besar Branch
Address: 399 Jln Besar, Singapore 209008
Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday – 11:00am to 3:00pm, 4:30pm to 10:00pm. Closed on Mondays.

4. ALMOST FAMOUS Craft Beer Bar: Minimalistic space with maximum flavour beers

If you are at CHIJMES taking a post-dinner stroll or just there to bask in its historical architecture, ALMOST FAMOUS Craft Beer Bar is sure to catch your eye with its distinct steel and exposed concrete interior. Their philosophy of simplicity and minimalism has allowed them to stand out from surrounding bars not just in aesthetics, but also through providing the perfect craft beer experience for its customers.

Boasting a selection of 16 beers on tap that rotate weekly, there is sure to be a specialty beer for anyone that visits. If you are feeling overwhelmed by the wide variety of beers, you can always order a tasting platter – problem solved! 

To complement their unique beers are bar bites that are just as special. Ever heard of a Fried Salad? The light and crispy assortment of deep-fried lotus root, kailan and beancurd skin is a delightful and moreish dish. For something more filling, try their Tom Yum gyoza for a tangy, spicy kick!
 

Address: 30 Victoria St, #01-06, Singapore 187996
Opening hours: Monday to Friday – 5:00pm to 10:30pm, Saturday to Sunday – 12:00pm to 10:30pm

5. SG Taps: #Supportlocal craft beers

If you are looking to discover locally-made craft beers, SG Taps is your go-to place. 

This watering hole along Duxton Road carries a whopping 20 taps, all featuring local brews from some of Singapore’s best micro breweries. Grab a pint and get comfy amongst its homely interiors. 

We’ve been talking about unique dishes at each location, but you are not ready for this truly unusual dish – WANI, or Wild-Agri-Next-Innovation. This dish is made up of deep-fried crocodile meat and prawns with a side of tartar sauce to cut the richness of the meat – the ultimate bar bite if you are feeling adventurous! 

If crocodile meat is not your thing, they have an array of interesting fusion dishes like Amami-styled Chicken Rice where you add chicken broth to the chicken rice dish for that extra umami flavour, and Laksa Pizza for a twist on your favourite local dish.
 

Address: 13 Duxton Hill, #01-01, Singapore 089597
Opening hours: Saturday to Thursday – 12:00pm to 11:30pm, Friday – 12:00pm to 12:00am

 

But there is more! Some other noteworthy mentions include Brewerkz, LeVel33, Little Island Brewing Co, Sunbird Brewing Company, and Lion Brewery Co. Brewerkz, a craft beer pioneer since 1997, offers a wide range of flavours. And if you're looking for a rooftop bar to have an enjoyable time, LeVel33 provides stunning views and on-site brewed beers. Little Island Brewing Co., on the other hand, prides itself on selling only its own beer. And, of course, there is Sunbird Brewing Company, which is all about producing bolder flavours with an innovative edge, and Lion Brewery Co, which combines tradition and innovation.

Indeed, there are many more local craft beer shops and options, and one would have to spend some time (without over intoxication!) to explore all the craft beers this sunny island has to offer! For those who are game for a craft beer hunt adventure, there is always the opportunity to start in the comfort of your own home.

iShopChangi offers a wide range of craft beer – from the likes of your India Pale Ales, Sour Ales and even Imperial Stouts! Order in a range to experiment and try out varying flavours – over a sustained period or at a gathering with friends. Have friends who are not “beer people”? Fret not, choose to add on spirits and wines at duty-free prices too! Though you may be able to convert them to craft beer fans with a wide range of offerings!

Singapore is known for its many things including its hawker food, night scene and arts. While craft beer is not something that is strongly associated with the young country, the craft beer scene is not to be underestimated. And for the curious and uninitiated, get ready to be blown away by this growing trend. Cheers!

 

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