Ume Maru: Japanese Bar Hidden Behind Manga Shelves

If you go up to the fifth floor of Far East Plaza, you may notice these shelves stocked with manga such as Bleach, School Rumble, and Rave Master.

Push past these shelves and you’ll find yourself inside Ume Maru, a new Japanese bar that’s brought to you by the same people behind Ume San 100. While the range of bar bites and mains here is enticing, weebs in particular will find much to love about the drinks inspired by anime and manga.

These drinks can be enjoyed with the manga volumes on Ume Maru’s shelves. For instance, the Light of Nara ($22++) cocktail is said to be a homage to Hayao Miyazaki’s fantasy epic Princess Mononoke.

With a cup holder that’s reminiscent of the Shishigami Forest Spirit, this fruity yet intoxicating drink is made with muscat umeshu, nashi pear umeshu, rose vermouth, and persimmon vinegar. Other anime-related drinks include Tiffany Sky ($22++), a concoction of sake, vodka, cucumber, sea salt, and orange liqueur that’s inspired by Land of the Lustrous, and Matxha ($22++), a matcha, yuzu essence, and elderflower liqueur cocktail that draws from K-On! and Hyouka. As for bar bites, you’ve got cold dishes such as Crudo ($18++), which features salmon, tuna, and scallop sashimi, as well as grilled skewers including the Wagyu Kushi ($28++).

There’s also the Truffle Hotplate Maki ($20++), which sees unagi and salmon maki cooked on a hotplate with creamy truffle tartare sauce. If you’re looking for something heartier, consider having Ume Maru’s main dishes. Try the gorgeous Yuzu Soba ($24++), which is tossed in yuzu sauce and served with pan-seared scallops.

Also worth checking out is the Kitsune Udon ($22++), which sees Inaniwa udon hidden in a beancurd skin pouch and paired with a flavourful dashi broth. Those who prefer rice dishes can opt for the Buta Don ($18++) for its succulent pork slices, creamy onsen egg, and fluffy short-grain rice.

For Japan-famous Wagyu ramen in Bugis, read our Mashi no Mashi review. For a CBD restaurant with Japanese lunch sets from $16.80++, read our Shinrai coverage.

Address: 14 Scotts Road, #05-26 Far East Plaza, Singapore 228213 Opening hours: Mon-Sat 12pm to 2:30pm, 5pm to 11pm, Sun 11am to 2:30pm, 5pm to 10pm Tel: 8069 8055

Website

Ume Maru is not a halal-certified eatery.

Photos taken by Maisie Chong. This was a media tasting at Ume Maru.

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