In uncertain times and in the midst of chaos, people often turn to familiarity as a way to self soothe. In a bid to take back control of circumstances we look inwards or even backwards in time with rose-tinted glasses when things always somehow always seem simpler.

Enter No. 5 Emerald Hill.

A drinking institution that is nestled in what was formerly a nutmeg and fruit orchard that became the bastion of peranakan splendour in post-world war 2 Singapore, No.5 Emerald Hill is a grand dame that has stood the test of time in the fickle hearts of the Singaporean tippler.

Many Singaporeans, young or old would surely have some fond memories of the bustling Emerald Hill hotspot whether it was a quick yap session, to celebrate someone’s birthday, a date or even just to simply unwind after a day’s work. The biggest thrill is the ability to brazenly dump copious amounts of peanut shells on the floor. As you would imagine is a big source of amusement in this litter-free fine city and there are few places that enable this behaviour in addition to the historic Long Bar located at the Raffles Hotel.

Since 1991, No.5 has been serving glorious martinis, in a variety of flavours ranging from traditional Singaporean desserts (Cheng Tng Martini, Red Bean Martini and Chendol Martini) to uncommon fruits (Starfruit Martini and Longan Martini) and even curious creations like the Popcorn Martini. Not only are they incredibly diverse in the mixology department (chilli vodka anyone?), they should be lauded for consistently delicious bar snacks. Behold – the har cheong kai (prawn paste chicken) so good that it can even put some tze-char (economical food stall in the Hokkien dialect) shops to shame!

While waiting for friends, I found myself doing a little people watching and saw many interesting sights at the bar from first dates with nervous flirtation to seemingly illicit rendezvous between a wrinkled silver-haired gentlemen and a very pretty companion who could not keep their hands off each other. There are even some lone wolves. Perhaps they were stood up or perhaps not, regardless, they nursed their drinks peacefully by the bar entranced by the hardworking bartenders whipping up drinks endlessly on a Wednesday evening.

Special mention has to be accorded to the inimitable old school tong shui dessert martinis.

First, the Cheng Tng Martini. This nectar of the gods comprises the dessert and dried longan and it truly felt so authentic. Throwback to the days of gingerly carrying a bowl in each palm of my hand as I waddled back to the table where my parents were eagerly waiting for 2 bowls for 3 of us to share. My sweaty palms would grip the damp bowls praying they wouldn’t slip as I traversed the busy hawker centre filled with throngs of people dodging many taller adults with hot bowls of piping hot soup. The end of this seemingly long arduous trek on the slippery floors would be worth it once the cool icy sweetness hit the back of my throat. This long-forgotten memory was triggered from greedily gulping at my glass and yet, I am reminded that I am not alone in this endeavour. You are required to order double glasses and as such the journey to the end of the glass will not be a lonely pursuit.

Although we did not get a round this time, the chendol martini (comprising home-made gula melaka and Havana rum) is a delightful treat in the heat. A creamy mix of green jelly and creamy coconut cream, this may appear to be an innocent dessert, but it does not mince on the alcoholic punches that come from the first sip.

The red bean martini is another thoughtful creation - muscat grape and peach soju infusion together with dearly beloved red bean potong ice cream (not served on a stick but blended). It will certainly whisk one back in time, especially if you are a Gen X-er and missed the childhood memory of visiting the mini marts that sold potong ice cream on sticks in the freezers outside the shop that would require some tiptoeing to reach into if you were not vertically up to it just yet.

The glow of the red lanterns in this two storied shophouse sets a gentle ambience for a fun night out with its doors open at 12pm all the way to 2am every single day of the week.

Whether you are in the neighbourhood to admire the architecture of golden age of the Straits Chinese or are just simply not ready to go home after a boisterous night of karaoke nearby, No. 5 Emerald Hill’s doors remain open to welcome you late into the humid night.  

A beautiful setting to enjoy your time after work or to even charm visitors from out of town, No.5 Emerald Hill will capture your imagination and surely I will return if not for the drinks or the juicy har cheong kai, then for a hit of heady nostalgia.

@crystaltonic

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No. 5 Emerald Hill

www.emerald-hill.com

No. 5 Emerald Hill Road, Singapore 229289

Pioneer cocktail bar along Emerald Hill Road housed in a Peranakan styled building. We serve a mean range of cocktails including our signature Chilli Vodka and No. 5 Cocktail. Not to be missed are also our famous Chicken Wings and selection of Pizzas.