Walking into Mona Lounge feels like you’re stepping back in time. It’s decor, with old-school vinyl and oriental motifs, draws reference to the hedonistic days in Hong Kong during the 1980s. And as a nod to its gangland inspiration, you can only access this back-room cocktail lounge if you procure a secret code at the door (the hint is on its website). Sip on a cocktail or two as Chinese jazz is piped in through the stereo and savour the surprises the night might bring.
The drinks menu, curated by head bartender Edwin Poh, is also Cantonese-influenced. Sectioned into courses of drinks, mains, and desserts, try the gin-based Longevity Spritzer ($16) that’s reminiscent of a chrysanthemum ginseng tea from the ‘drinks’ section. For a unique spin on savoury dishes, the ‘mains’ section offers the Supper Sipper ($22) made with bak kut teh broth spiked with Bulleit Rye and topped with a piece of toasty you tiao. There’s also the char siew rice-inspired My Favourite Roast ($22). But if savoury cocktails aren’t your thing, skip to the ‘dessert’ section. The aptly named sweet soup ($20) will not disappoint with whisky, longan vermouth, and pandan syrup that goes down like cheng tng.