There is a distinct rhythm to walking through the older buildings of the city. When you step off the busy streets and enter 190 Middle Road, the atmosphere immediately shifts. The air cools, the ambient noise settles into a low hum, and the corridors stretch out in a maze of quiet purpose. This building is famous for its plant based eateries, drawing a steady crowd during the day. Yet, if you wander up to the second floor, specifically towards unit 02 07 fortune centre, the narrative of the space begins to change.
I often find myself walking these halls when I want to escape the predictable pace of the city. It was during one of these slow, wandering afternoons that I first discovered a hidden place for food that completely redefines the concept of a hidden speakeasy. This is the story of discovering a quiet sanctuary tucked away in Singapore 188979.
A Hidden Door Behind Vending Machines
At a glance:
Name: Ume San 100
📍 Location: 190 Middle Road, #02 07 Fortune Centre
🕰️ Dual concept: Ramen bar by day, umeshu bar by night
🎯 What makes it special: Hidden entrance behind vending machines
If you walk along the corridors of the second floor, your eyes will naturally scan the modest storefronts. Then, you will notice an anomaly. Set against the plain walls is a vibrant row of what appears to be Japanese vending machines. In any other context, these vending machines might just be a quirky design choice. But here, they invite you to pause.
There is no immediate handle or glass window. You have to physically step forward and push against the facade of these machines to reveal what lies inside. The transition is sudden. One moment, you are standing in a bright, aging mall corridor at 07 fortune centre singapore, and the next, you are stepping into a dimly lit, intimate room. This is the entrance to Ume San 100, a place that deliberately conceals itself to offer a moment of genuine discovery.
Exploring the San 100 Flavours, One Glass at a Time
Sitting at the counter, you have the opportunity to taste the nuances of the ume fruit. Whether you order a tasting set or a single pour, the experience is unhurried. The bartenders move with precision, making sure each drink is shaken or stirred to perfection.
What to expect from the drinks experience:
🍶 One of the largest umeshu collections in Singapore, located in a cozy, intimate setting
🍸 Cocktail-forward menu with visual appeal, featuring unique creations like the P!NK and Pot De Fleurs
🍹 Tasting sets for first-time visitors to explore a range of flavour profiles
🌸 Flavour profiles ranging from floral and sweet to rich, malty, and dessert-like, showcasing the versatility of ume
For those who enjoy a visual element, the umesan nachi pagoda is a beautiful presentation that feels almost architectural, featuring four kinds of freshly made chinmi. If you prefer cocktails, the sea garden is a stunning mix of floral notes and sparkling textures, a drink that often finds its way onto Instagram. They even offer a dessert umeshu, sweetened naturally by the fruit, which serves as a beautiful end to a long week. Every glass poured here carries a sense of intention, inviting you to take a slow, deliberate sip.
Dining at Ume San, Beyond Just Drinks
A drink is best enjoyed when you pair it with thoughtful food. The menu here extends far beyond a simple bite. As the evening progresses, the kitchen transitions to serving izakaya style dishes that perfectly complement the umeshu highball bar experience.
I often start with a plate of freshly made chinmi or a delicate lobster salad (part of the Umesan Nachi Pagoda, $20). The ingredients are treated with respect. If you want something more substantial, you must order the black chahan. This is a charcoal style fried rice that arrives dark and smoky. Recently, they introduced the new black chahan, featuring tender cubes of wagyu and a generous scatter of tobiko ($22). The richness of the wagyu and the popping texture of the tobiko create a dish that is deeply satisfying.
For sharing with friends, the garlic chicken karage ($16) is always a reliable choice. The frying technique leaves the chicken incredibly crisp on the outside while remaining juicy within. Occasionally, I will treat myself to a small serving of uni, letting its creamy texture balance the sharp, bright flavors of the plum wine. The uni croquettes, known as This Uni is the Bomb! (2 pieces for $14), are a perfect indulgence.
Dish | Price |
|---|---|
Angry Asari Soup Ramen | $16 |
Signature Nagoya Dry Prawn Ramen | $20 |
Wagyu is the New Black Chahan | $22 |
Garlic Chicken Karaage | $16 |
This Uni is the Bomb! (2 pieces) | $14 |
Umesan Nachi Pagoda | $20 |
A Quiet Ramen Bar That Feels Almost Personal
Depending on the time of day you visit, the space presents two very different identities. If you arrive while the sun is still high, the room operates as a focused ramen bar. The light filters in softly, illuminating the wooden counters and the quiet movements of the staff. It is a calm spot for lunch, a place to sit alone or with a close companion and focus entirely on the bowl in front of you.
During the day, the kitchen is dedicated to the craft of soup ramen. I often order their angry asari soup ramen. It arrives steaming, carrying the oceanic sweetness of fresh asari clams balanced against a rich, milky broth. The chef uses a secret recipe sauce that deepens the flavor profile, while a few drops of garlic infused oil pool beautifully on the surface. If you prefer a bit of heat, the mala asari clams variation offers a gentle, numbing spice that warms you from the inside out. Sitting here, eating a freshly prepared dish, you easily forget that you are inside a bustling vegetarian hub.
When the Space Transforms Into Something Else
As the afternoon fades into evening, the energy within the room shifts. The quiet lunch spot slowly transforms into a lively highball bar. The lighting dims further, and the focus turns to the impressive wall of bottles behind the counter. This is where the true identity of the establishment comes alive.
It is widely known as having the largest collection of umeshu in singapore. The dedication to this specific plum wine is remarkable. The owners have curated an exclusive selection sourced directly from Japan, paying homage to Wakayama, the birthplace of premium umeshu. You can spend hours here simply observing the different hues of gold and amber lining the shelves. It is not just a bar; it is a library of flavors waiting to be explored.
Dining Tips to Enjoy the Ume San 100 Experience
To fully appreciate what Ume San 100 has to offer, keep these tips in mind:
Arrive with an open mind and curiosity to explore the diverse umeshu flavours and izakaya dishes.
If you’re new to umeshu, start with a tasting set to sample a variety of profiles, from sweet and floral to rich and malty.
Pair your drinks thoughtfully with the food menu — Garlic Chicken Karaage and Umesan Nachi Pagoda are excellent choices to complement the plum wine’s complexity.
For ramen lovers, visit during lunchtime to enjoy their specialty soup ramen in a calm, focused setting.
Sit at the bar to observe the bartenders’ craft and get personalised recommendations.
Make reservations in advance, especially on weekends, to secure your spot in this hidden gem.
Following these tips will help you unlock the full experience of this unique umeshu haven.
Stepping Back Out Into Fortune Centre
When the night draws to a close, and it is time to leave, you push back through the hidden door and step out into the quiet corridor of 190 middle road. The contrast is always jarring, yet strangely comforting. The mall is asleep, but you carry the warmth of the speakeasy with you.
Ume San 100 is more than just a spot to eat and drink. It is a spatial experience that requires you to actively seek it out. Whether you visit on a quiet mon afternoon for ramen or make a reservation for a lively Friday night, the space asks you to slow down and appreciate the transition. In a building known for its quiet vegetarian eateries, discovering a hidden bar behind a wall of vending machines feels almost unreal. And that is precisely what makes it worth finding.
For those intrigued by secret culinary spots, Fortune Centre Food offers a treasure trove of hidden gems waiting to be uncovered beyond just Ume San 100.