Singapore’s first dedicated CHOYA bar has arrived at Millenia Walk, bringing Japanese ume beyond the familiar glass of umeshu on the rocks.
For many of us in Singapore, CHOYA is one of those names we have seen for years, whether at a supermarket or at a family gathering. But what if there were more ways to appreciate the Japanese ume fruit than simply pouring a glass over ice?
That is the idea behind The CHOYA Ginza BAR Singapore, which made its debut at Millenia Walk in late September 2026. With cocktails, tasting flights and a locally developed food menu, the space gives diners a different introduction to the Japanese brand.
From Tokyo’s Ginza to Singapore
The CHOYA Ginza BAR concept began in Tokyo’s Ginza district in 2019 before expanding to Hong Kong in 2024. Singapore is its latest destination and, according to the brand, only its second location outside Japan.
CHOYA itself is closely associated with umeshu, a Japanese liqueur made by steeping whole ume fruit. Rather than focusing on one signature serve, the new bar offers more than 12 CHOYA expressions, classic cocktails with an ume-inspired twist, Singapore-exclusive creations and curated tasting flights.
What to order at The CHOYA Ginza BAR
Those new to umeshu could begin with the TC Sonic, which pairs CHOYA with soda and tonic water and is topped with fresh ume flown in from Japan. The CHOYA Martini, meanwhile, puts a Japanese spin on the familiar classic by replacing the olive with ko-ume.
For something developed specifically for Singapore, there is The Golden Rod, a combination of CHOYA Single Year, rye whiskey, CHOYA Nectar and fresh mango juice. The bar suggests pairing it with its Hamachi Tropical Ceviche, which brings together mango, pickled mustard seeds and CHOYA glaze.
One of the more unusual combinations is the C4D (CHOYA Cookie Cheese Cake Drink). Made with CHOYA Kokuto Umeshu, Tiffin liqueur, milk, cream and cocoa crumbs, it is paired with the B&W Cheesewich, featuring mascarpone, cocoa crumbs, ume salted caramel and CHOYA gel.
Ume is not just for the drinks
The locally developed menu brings ume into savoury and sweet dishes too. Among the options highlighted by the team are Grilled Pork Jowl with ume yakiniku glaze and ume aioli, Grilled Chicken Skewers with ume sherry glaze, and a Four-Cheese Lasagna made with an ume béchamel.
It is an interesting proposition: rather than simply matching conventional bar food to cocktails, the menu uses ume as a connecting thread between what is on the plate and what is in the glass. Non-alcoholic options are also available.
Is it worth checking out?
If you enjoy Japanese flavours, want a different after-work spot or are looking for a date-night option around Marina Centre, The CHOYA Ginza BAR is one to consider. Its intimate seating, group-friendly tables and jazz-accompanied setting are designed for a relaxed evening rather than a rushed stop.
We have not visited the bar ourselves yet, so this is a first look based on the launch information rather than a personal dining review. What catches our attention is the opportunity to explore how a familiar flavour can be reimagined across both food and drinks.
The CHOYA Ginza BAR Singapore: location and opening hours
Address: 9 Raffles Boulevard, #02-06, Millenia Walk, Singapore 039596
Monday–Thursday: 4pm–11pm
Friday–Saturday: 4pm–midnight
Sunday: Closed
Planning a visit? You can book a table here. For the latest announcements and opening hours, check the bar’s Instagram.
Editor’s note: Information and menu descriptions were supplied by The CHOYA Ginza BAR Singapore/Blue Totem Communications.
