TL;DR: The Elephant Room has dropped a bold new cocktail menu that trades some of its more intense spice-forward signatures for drinks that welcome newcomers without alienating regulars. If you've been curious but intimidated, now is the perfect time to finally walk through that door.
Key Takeaways
- The Elephant Room's new menu is its most accessible to date, with softer flavour profiles alongside its classic spice-driven style
- The bar retains its Indian-inspired identity while introducing lighter, fruit-forward and floral options
- Cocktails are priced between $22 and $30, keeping it competitive for a bar of this calibre
- The venue seats just over 40 guests, so reservations remain strongly recommended
- This is one of Asia's most recognised cocktail bars — it has featured on Asia's 50 Best Bars list and continues to hold its reputation well
What Is The Elephant Room and Why Is Everyone Talking About It?
If you've spent any time in Singapore's cocktail scene, The Elephant Room needs no introduction. Since opening in Tanjong Pagar, this bar has carved out a singular identity — one rooted in the bold, aromatic spice traditions of South Asian cooking, reimagined through the lens of craft cocktails. Think cardamom, tamarind, curry leaf, and turmeric doing things in a glass you never thought possible. It has earned a devoted following and consistent recognition on Asia's 50 Best Bars list, which puts it firmly in the upper tier of the region's drinking culture.
But here's the thing — for all its acclaim, The Elephant Room has occasionally felt like a bar for the already-converted. The intensity of its spice profiles, while thrilling to enthusiasts, could be a hard sell for the casual drinker looking for something a little more gentle on a Friday night. The new menu changes that conversation entirely.
How Does the New Menu Differ From What Came Before?
The new cocktail menu introduces a broader spectrum of flavour, with several drinks leaning into floral, citrus, and fruit notes that provide an entry point for guests who might not be ready to sip on something aggressively spiced. That said, the bar hasn't gone soft — the DNA is still very much intact, and the kitchen's pantry of South Asian ingredients still informs every pour. It's more of a widening of the lens than a pivot in direction.
Standout new additions include lighter, more aromatic builds that layer jasmine and lychee alongside the bar's signature use of regional spices, as well as a couple of longer, more sessionable drinks designed for those who want to linger across multiple rounds without their palate being overwhelmed. The balance between old and new is well-judged, and it shows a bar that's listening to its audience without compromising its point of view.
What Should You Actually Order?
- For the spice lovers: Stick to the classics that have made The Elephant Room famous — the tamarind and chilli builds are still present and still excellent
- For newcomers: Ask the bartenders for their floral or citrus-led recommendations from the new additions — they're approachable and genuinely delicious
- For groups: Mix it up across the table; the contrast between the bold and the gentle makes for a great tasting experience
- Price range: $22–$30 per cocktail
- Snacks: Don't skip the bar bites — the small plates complement the drink programme beautifully
The Elephant Room
📍 20 Teck Lim Road, Singapore 088391
📞 +65 9459 0076
⏰ Tue–Sun 6pm–midnight (closed Mondays)
Why Does This Matter for Singapore's Bar Scene?
Singapore's cocktail culture has matured significantly over the past decade, and bars like The Elephant Room have been central to that story. What makes this new menu notable beyond the drinks themselves is what it signals — that even the most concept-driven bars are thinking carefully about accessibility and longevity. Building a loyal audience doesn't mean repeating the same tricks; it means evolving in a way that brings more people along for the ride.
The Elephant Room was never going to chase trends or water down its identity for the sake of a wider audience. What it has done instead is find a smarter middle ground — one that keeps its regulars excited while lowering the barrier for first-timers. That's genuinely hard to pull off, and the team here has managed it with real confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to book a table at The Elephant Room?
Yes, strongly recommended. The bar is compact with around 40 seats, and it fills up quickly — especially on weekends. Book ahead via their website or direct contact to avoid disappointment.
Is The Elephant Room good for cocktail beginners?
With the new menu, absolutely. While the bar built its name on bold spice-forward cocktails, the latest additions include lighter, floral and fruit-led options that are far more accessible for those newer to craft cocktails.
What is the price range at The Elephant Room?
Cocktails are priced between $22 and $30 each, which is on par with other top-tier cocktail bars in Singapore. Budget around $60–$80 per person for a proper evening including snacks.
What kind of food does The Elephant Room serve?
The bar offers a selection of small plates and bar snacks that draw on South Asian culinary traditions, designed to complement the cocktail menu rather than function as a full dining experience.
Has The Elephant Room won any awards?
Yes — The Elephant Room has been recognised on Asia's 50 Best Bars list, cementing its status as one of Singapore's most acclaimed cocktail destinations and a standout in the broader Asian bar scene.
