The Library Relaunched: TCM Cocktails on Keong Saik Road (CLOSED)
PUBLISHED December 31st, 2016 07:00 am | UPDATED May 18th, 2020 04:26 pm
When it comes to The Library – the four-year-old speakeasy along Keong Saik Road – things are never quite what they seem. The misleading facade belies the interior, and the cool mystery conceals the warmth glow inside. Then again, some things never change. The entrance continues to be unmarked; no address can be found online (heck, it doesn’t even have a Facebook page); and a password must be given in order to gain entry.
In a showcase of its most significant makeover since its opening, The Library has collaborated with one of the region’s longest-standing Chinese medicinal institution in Singapore, Eu Yan Sang (EYS). What’s even more interesting is that EYS HAD free rein over the design of the bar’s entrance, resulting in an intriguing pop-up with a herb library and a screen ‘game’ that recommends special cocktails based on your personality.
In an attempt to make traditional Chinese medicine relevant and cool again, the special sinseh cocktails – five in total, each priced at $16 – incorporates traditional ingredients. We try the Sun of Fuji – think Hawthorn-infused White Rum, bits of silken tofu, smoked lychee, almond,  rose, and topped with a haw flake (a dark pink disc-shaped sweet most Chinese would be familiar with). The Library continues to impress with creative presentation, and while the serving is a tad small, this cocktail has our vote for the nostalgic flavours and tasty tofu.
Rice & Shine fascinates us as well, utilising Ginger Rice Shrub, Ginseng, and Chrysanthemum with London dry gin, giving a herbal kick into the night. Fans of absinthe (not for the faint hearted) can go for Hipnotique – rooibos tea, burlesque bitters, some ‘green fairy’, and a light dusting of hipnotique powder. Also among the sinseh cocktails are the Arial Italic Black with its coffee-infused cognac and TCM vermouth, as well as the Thousand Eyes Cobbler, loaded with five spice rum and goji berries.
Also seeing an overhaul is the standard drinks selection, The Library’s physical menu now reads properly only when seen through red-tinted lenses – a nod to the notorious red-light district days of Keong Saik Road. The new cocktails are now split into three categories according to their flavour profiles.
Depending on your mood and palate, select from evocative cocktails such as the rum-based and Monks Herbal Liquer-laden Pineapple Monk ($24, Strong & Dangerous); fruity What’s Abi ($24, Sexy & Tropical) – pisco, passion fruit, citrus, Amargo Chuncho, and wasabi); and the bitter Red-neggs Medicine ($24, Crazy & Sophisticated), made with the herbal Bechervoka, Suze, chamomile, orange, lemon, and wheatgrass.
With new drinks come new bar grub for a late night round of drinks. Think comfort food with a difference, playing on the idea of local and regional street food that’s hassle-free and fun: Japanese-inspired Two-minute Noodles ($8) to absorb all that liquor; Kimchi Hot Dogs ($9); Kaya Toast Ice Cream ($6); and our personal favourite – the tender Beef Cheek Bao ($8) that melts in your mouth.
Perhaps the most important change is the newly expanded space, opening up its wall to take over The Study next door. This means a lot more seating while still maintaining the intimate and welcoming ambience.
The Library may be ever-changing, courtesy of the pop-ups that the space played host to over the years, but we’re glad to find the same good vibes, well-crafted drinks, and quality food that first made us a loyal fan of the bar. There’s a reason why this place is one of Keong Saik Road’s best-kept secret after all. As much as we want to keep the knowledge to ourselves, it’s just too good not to share.
The Library is located at 47 Keong Saik Rd, Singapore 089151, p. +65 6221 8338. Open Mon 6pm – 12am, Tue-Sat 6pm – 1am.
