MOGĀ at Pullman Singapore Hill Street has never been about tradition. The name itself, is short for "modern girl" or modan gāru (モダンガール), which refers to the women who adopted Western stylings after WWI (a war that definitely does not deserve a sequel). In those days, these women were seen as defiant, going against the societal and gender norms of Japan’s Taisho era; which is the sort of spirit that MOGĀ wants to uphold, especially with its new menu, Breaking the Norm.

The brainchild behind the menu is bar manager, Gavin Teverasan, who has a decade's worth of experience working at many illustrious local bars like 28 HongKong Street, Neon Pigeon, Nutmeg & Clove. With the new menu, Teverasan wants to spark "curiosity and excitement among guests”.

The "Breaking the Norm" menu presents eight "Izakaya" cocktails that showcase a reimagining of the classic flavours of Japan. There's the Martini with a Japanese twist: the Dirty Saketini. This sake-shochu martini is laced with house-made pickling brine, which leans into its saltiness.

Then, there's the Frozen Drink, which wins no awards for originality for its name and looks like something from a '70s diner but will hold the interest of the adults thanks to its alcoholic properties. It's a whisky milkshake that blends taro liqueur, cream, azuki beans, and matcha; there's even a wafer biscuit and a Pocky stick to chew on. Speaking of munching…

Leon Quek, MOGĀ's head chef, complements the "Breaking the Norm" menu with some new bar snacks like the Spicy XL Clams that bring layered heat with chilli bean paste, saikyo miso, and coriander. There is the Crispy Squid, an unassuming dish; dusted with sansho-spiked fish sauce, kizami yuzu, and green chilli, it cuts straight through with its sharp profile.

(Aside from a new menu, expect guest shifts at MOGĀ as it hosts some of the biggest names in the region like Vender from Taichung and The Curator from Manila.)

We see what MOGĀ is doing with its menu. We don't know how much of the envelope the place pushes but it's a start. And besides, nothing like bucking conventions other than with a whisky milkshake in a bar setting.

MOGĀ is located at Pullman Singapore Hill Street, 1 Hill Street, Singapore 179949.