You might have heard of 21Moonstone, a creative co-working space along 21 Moonstone Lane that transforms into a hipster bar by night. It has since shuttered, but its playful spirit of juggling work and leisure lives on in its latest concept: Moonstone Bar. Located on the buzzy Amoy Street, this new joint aims to be a ‘modern community centre’ – one where people can come together and connect over events, food, and drinks.
The menu takes its cue from the interior – a modern, industrial-chic space dressed up with old-school accents – to give you elevated Asian street food. From its lunch menu, slurp up the signature Bakmi Ayam Mason ($10), a jazzed-up version of the classic Indonesia noodle dish with minced chicken, braised shiitake mushrooms, onsen egg, and tofu crisps. Or swap out the noodles for some grains in the Nasi Ayam Mason ($8) for an equally hearty dish – but whatever you do, don’t forget to drizzle in some of that homemade sambal, made from a traditional recipe that’s been passed down from the chef’s mother. Other reworked bakmi variants include noodles topped with Sichuan-style braised chicken ($8), and a ‘sehat’ or healthy version ($8) that’s made meat-free.
Come dinner, the menu sees other fun creations that include the In.Ter.Net ($12) that combines Indomie, telur (onsen egg), and kornet (corned beef) tossed in a “secret seasoning”; or the K.F.C Sliders ($14), which is the kitchen’s take on the famous fried chicken sandwiched between brioche buns. The Asian inspiration continues with the tipples as well. Sip on the Liang Teh Cocktail ($18), an homage to the bar’s iconic signboard, with its herbaceous and bittersweet combination of gula Melaka, Fernet Branca, and a rotation of gin infusions that can feature chrysanthemum to luohan guo. Or toast to Guinness Draught on tap, and guzzle on yuzu gin and tonic, which goes for just $12 during happy hour.