At SUM YI TAI (meaning “Third Wife” in Cantonese), Chinese Tapas is served alongside a wide range of cocktails, premium whiskeys and a good selection of fine wines, where patrons can enjoy a tipple, while savoring a slice of roast pork or two.
It is set in a multi-storey shop-house on Boon Tat Street, perched at the edge of the CBD, with the ground floor Chinese Tapas Bar, the second-floor Dining Club (with an attached private dining room), and the Private Rooftop Bar.
Upon entering SUM YI TAI, patrons will be transported back to 1980s Hong Kong. The bar has a distinct gangland vibe reminiscent of old Hong Kong gangster movies.
Along the wall at the entrance of the Chinese Tapas Bar is a mosaic artwork made up of hundreds of wooden mahjong tiles, while further in, a CD (Compact Disc) wall waits, featuring the albums of many popular 1980s Canto-pop artistes.
The Private Rooftop Bar presents a different atmosphere. With rattan furniture, beautiful lamps and lovely Chinese-style screen dividers adorning the surrounding area, and an exceptional view of the urban landscape, patrons will experience an exclusive yet cozy setting that is perfect for an intimate evening with close friends. Access to the Private Rooftop Bar is by invitation or reservation only.
In keeping with the 1980s Hong Kong theme, the music played at SUM YI TAI is predominantly nostalgic 80s Canto-pop. The playlist is curated and arranged by DJ Andrew T (AOS), former Butter Factory resident, and also an investor in SUM YI TAI.
Expect up-to-date music when guest DJs are invited to spin too. We were singing along and enjoying the tracks played after 2-3 drinks.
Dont miss out on their signature dishes which include Crispy Roast Pork (Siu Yoke) with Chili Oil Dip, Maple Honey Glazed Char Siew, Salt & Pepper Squid Tentacles, Crispy Salmon Skin with Salted Egg Yoke, and XO Carrot Cake.
The Salt & Pepper Squid Tentacles have got to be our favorite amongst their offerings.
Those with a heartier appetite can look to the lunch menu, which offers good old roasts (roast pork, char siew, roast duck and suckling pig) served with rice or noodles, as well as comfort food such as King Prawn Wanton Egg Noodles, Claypot Rice and Vermicelli with Jumbo Head King Prawn.
SUM YI TAI’S whiskey menu reaches from approximately 20 single malts to small batch whiskeys, whiskey-based cocktails, & even “white dogs” (white whiskeys). Super premium whiskeys such as Yamazaki 25 Years are served at the Private Rooftop Bar. Premium whiskeys can be ordered by the glasses, allows us to try more variety without having to buy an entire bottle!
Should cocktails be more your thing, you must try one of SUM YI TAI’s. Each cocktail, tells the tale of the epic love story between the Dragon and his SUM YI TAI. Passionate, ferocious and carnal to a fault, these cocktails, like their story, will leave you feeling hot under the collar and coming back for more.
The Golden Dragon, a mixture of gin, soda, syrup and lemon foam, is light, refreshing and a good start to the night. My Mistress’ Cherry packs more of a punch with its bourbon base, cherry liqueur and lime and bitters. The Chinese Mojito is SUM YI TAI’s take on the classic drink using Chrysanthemum rum to add that extra Chinese touch.
For the more adventurous, try The Mysterious Yum Seng Shot. No one’s quite sure what’s in it, but it promises to be exceptionally tasty!
We spent the entire night at this place, not wanting to leave the amazing cocktails and delicious food. You will see the Metropolitant team there very often!
SUM YI TAI
25 Boon Tat Street, Singapore 069622
Editorial by Wilsurn “Hong Heng” Lim
