MOGĀ, the modern Japanese Izakaya-inspired cocktail bar located at Pullman Singapore Hill Street, is proud to announce the appointment of Gavin Teverasan as Bar Manager and Leon Quek as Head Chef. Together, they will spearhead the launch of Breaking the Norm, a new elevated Izakaya experience combining inventive craft cocktails and creative cuisine, available to guests starting December 2, 2024.

A New Chapter for MOGA

With over a decade of experience in Singapore’s craft cocktail scene, Gavin Teverasan brings his expertise to MOGĀ, having previously worked at renowned establishments such as 28 Hong Kong Street, Neon Pigeon, Barbary Coast, and Nutmeg & Clove. Known for his artisanal mixology skills and deep understanding of flavor combinations, Gavin is set to elevate MOGA’s cocktail program.

"I'm excited to join MOGĀ and contribute to its unique blend of modern Japanese cuisine and craft cocktails," says Gavin Teverasan, Bar Manager at MOGĀ. "MOGĀ's adventurous spirit and vibrant energy make it a standout in Singapore’s cocktail scene, and I look forward to enhancing that with a menu designed to spark curiosity and excitement in every guest."

Joining him is Leon Quek, MOGĀ's newly appointed Head Chef. With a distinguished culinary background that includes stints at CUT by Wolfgang Puck and 1880, Quek brings a passion for innovative cooking techniques, including smoking and robata grilling, to MOGĀ's food offerings. 

Introducing "Breaking the Norm" Menu

The new Breaking the Norm menu celebrates a bold and boundary-pushing approach to Japanese cuisine and cocktails, offering guests a reimagined Izakaya experience. The menu is divided into two sections: Izakaya and Modernity, showcasing a balance of traditional Japanese ingredients with creative modern twists.

Cocktail Highlights From New Menu " Breaking the Norm"

MOGĀ’s new menu, titled Breaking the Norm, celebrates being unrestrained by tradition and common societal expectations, while respecting the wisdom that can be gleaned from culinary heritage. MOGĀ is named in honour of the modern girls (modan gāru, or mogā for short) who defied societal and gender norms and expectations during Japan’s Taisho era from 1912-26, and the new menu pays homage to these icons of Japanese popular culture, embodying their vibrancy and unconventional spirit.  

Breaking the Norm presents a collection of eight ‘Izakaya’ cocktails that showcase this unfussy and very crushable cocktail style, whilst paying homage to the colourfully diverse culinary heritage of Japan, alongside eight modern classics boldly reimagined with the flavours of Japan. The two menu sections—Izakaya and Modernity— highlight the intricacies of Japanese ingredients, balancing traditional elements with modern twists that reflect MOGĀ’s norm-breaking approach to the Izakaya experience. 

Highlights include The Frozen Drink, an alcohol infused riff on the classic diner milkshake; inspired by popular summer dessert matcha anmitsu, ice-blended whisky meets taro liqueur, cream, azuki beans and matcha.

For the more adventurous, the Dirty Saketini riffs on the savoury classic. With a shared base of sake and shochu, made ‘dirty’ with house-made pickling brine, the Dirty Saketini offers a deliciously tasty option for those who love the sophistication of a Martini, but with a Japanese twist and a little less kick.  

MOGĀ intends to keep things fresh with seasonal offerings, such as December’s festive Jerry’s Xmas cocktail, a highball with green apple, honey and clarified milk, anchored by the warm notes of Sailor Jerry Spiced Rum. 

In addition to these signature cocktails, MOGĀ will offer a seasonal rotation of inventive drinks that highlight the flavors of Japan, alongside classic cocktails reimagined with Japanese ingredients.

Available throughout December at S$21++ per glass, Jerry's Xmas is an exclusive festive cocktail designed to bring holiday fun & cheer.

Culinary Offerings

Chef Leon’s menu incorporates local ingredients and Japanese culinary techniques with Western influences, resulting in a unique and flavorful dining experience. Standout dishes include the Spicy XL Clams: Infused with chili bean paste, saikyo miso, chili crisp, and coriander, offering a bold combination of spicy and umami flavors, and the Crispy Squid: a crispy dish made with sansho fish sauce, kizami yuzu, and green chili for a piquant, savory experience.

The XL Spicy Clams are perfect for those who enjoy bold, spicy dishes with complex umami flavors, providing a flavorful and satisfying experience.

Guest Shifts and Exciting Collaborations

As part of MOGĀ's commitment to excellence, the bar will host guest shifts from top-ranked bars across Asia, including Vender (Taichung) and The Curator (Manila), both recognized on the prestigious Asia’s 50 Best Bars list. These collaborations will bring some of the best talent from the regional cocktail scene to Singapore, allowing guests to experience world-class mixology.

These one-night-only events will bring unique cocktails, flavors, and techniques from diverse bartending scenes across the region. 

Promotions and Special Offers

To celebrate the revamped menu and new team, MOGĀ is offering exciting promotions:

• Lunch Hour Liquid Deals: Available daily from 12 pm to 3 pm, guests can enjoy drinks for just $10++ per glass or bottle, including the Yuzu Negroni Fizz and Asahi Super Dry Beer (330ml).
• Happy Hour Cocktails: Daily from 6 pm to 8 pm, five signature cocktails are available for $17++ each, including MOGĀ's refreshing Gimlet, made with Hendrick's Gin, calamansi champagne cordial, and lemon.

Opening Hours and Reservations

MOGĀ is open Monday through Saturday, offering lunch from 12 pm to 3 pm and dinner from 6 pm to 12 am, with extended hours until 1 am on Fridays and Saturdays. The bar transitions to an adult-only premise from 6 pm onwards.

To make a reservation, please call +6019 7888 or visit the website here for more details. MOGA is located on Level 1 of Pullman Singapore Hill Street, at 1 Hill Street, Singapore 179949.

Kanpai!

88 Bamboo Editorial Team