The Elephant Room
A culturally-inspired cocktail bar celebrating Little India's heritage through innovative drinks
The Elephant Room is a Singapore cocktail bar founded by Yugnes Susela and established in 2019. Its concept is built around Little India, using Indian culture, Tekka Market and the neighbourhood's food traditions as reference points for drinks and hospitality. The bar's cocktail programme turns stories and ingredients from Little India into modern cocktails, with examples on its current menu including Mr. Samy's Curry, Briyani, India's Favourite Child, Ghee Sour, Monkey King and Holy Basil. The team states that spices, herbs and produce are sourced directly from Little India, and the bar frames its service around introducing guests to Indian culture in an accessible way. It operates from 33 Tanjong Pagar Road #01-02, with evening hours, happy hour, walk-ins and reservations through OpenTable.
The Elephant Room stands out as a cultural beacon in Singapore's vibrant bar scene. This innovative establishment masterfully bridges the gap between traditional Indian heritage and modern mixology. By sourcing ingredients directly from Little India's markets, they create an authentic experience that goes beyond just serving drinks – it's about storytelling through flavors.
Selected for its groundbreaking approach to cultural cocktail crafting and dedication to preserving local heritage. The bar's commitment to supporting local merchants and creating unique drink experiences makes it a standout choice in Singapore's competitive bar scene. Their innovative use of Indian spices and ingredients in cocktails demonstrates exceptional creativity.
The editors' scorecard - 86/100
Exceptional cultural integration in cocktail creation with locally sourced ingredients
Knowledgeable bartenders with deep understanding of Indian culture and mixology
Prime Tanjong Pagar location, though limited seating capacity
Premium pricing reflects unique offerings and quality ingredients
Revolutionary approach to incorporating Indian culture into cocktail crafting