One of our favourite eateries in the city, Bar Magda, is known for its exceptional, new-wave Filipino fare (Carlo Buenaventura, Matthew Venables, and their clever team never miss), but great food isn’t the only reason we turn to this subterranean sanctuary time and time again. The cocktails also happen to be amongst the best in town.
This month, Bar Magda has a host of inventive new drinks joining the fold, as well as delicious menu items and an alluring espresso martini offering — adding to the many reasons we have to visit this lively locale.
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Agua Bendita
A smooth, creamy, and indulgent concoction, here, the botanicals of Peddlers Shanghai gin blend with the nutty richness of macadamia, the sweet-tartness of feijoa, and the lusciousness of coconut cream.
Philippine Pineapple
Sweet Philippine pineapple and tart green mango balance the robust Tanday rum in this tropical and spicy fusion, while gingerbread liqueur adds warmth and complexity.
Saison Rhubarb Vermouth
The tartness of saison rhubarb vermouth is balanced by the bitter notes of East Imperial and cherry bitters in this dry, refreshing, and herbaceous cocktail.
Andre Clouet NV Champagne
A sophisticated and refreshing aperitif. The delicate bubbles of Andre Clouet NV are complemented by the sweet-tartness of preserved black dorris plum and the aromatic notes of farigoule de thyme, resulting in a light and elegant libation.
Last Seasons Feijoa
Complex and tropical, this delicious drop balances the rich, fresh notes of feijoa with sweet passionfruit, tangy tamarind, and the bold character of applejack brandy.
Ube Soufflizzy
A playful, indulgent cocktail with a touch of tropical flair, Bar Magda’s Ube Soufflizzy blends the botanicals of Peddlers Gin with the sweetness of coconut and the unique earthiness of ube to create a vibrant, brightly-hued libation that goes down a treat.
Barrys Bay Parmesan Custard
A truly tasty way to start what is bound to be a delicious dinner, Bar Magda’s new, creamy parmesan custard with preserved pimento, served with the eatery’s house-made focaccia, is a must-try.
Tuna and Pork Suglaw
We can always count on the clever team in the kitchen at Bar Magda to turn out fare that is as delightful to behold as it is to savour, and this suglaw of grilled pork, raw tuna, nashi pear, macapuno, and creme fraiche is a shining example of just that.
Lamb Ribs
Any foodie worth their salt would have already indulged in Bar Magda’s impossibly tender, flavourful lamb ribs. And if you’re yet to enjoy what is, hands down, one of the city’s best dishes, we suggest you do so in haste. Served with soft herbs and green sambal, and pulled apart and mixed at the table by the chef, these exceptional ribs are a must-order, every time.
A trip to Bar Magda is always an enjoyable and satiating affair. Food aside, the cocktails are certainly some of the best in the city, with both inventive takes and elevated classics on offer, and now, the subterranean spot has unveiled a bespoke ‘Espresso Martini Nights’ menu come Friday and Saturday. Here, several delightful renditions of everyone’s favourite party starter are on offer for a modest $18 a pop from 8pm until midnight — setting the tone for a convivial evening.
