At High Bar Society, Indulge in the Ultimate Gelato Experience

About The Writer

Expat writer and reporter Douglas Peris is a passionate foodie and avid traveller originally from Australia; now living in Singapore since 2000. With an appreciation and curiosity for street food, unique travel destinations and diverse cultures, Doug enjoys indulging in culinary delights primarily during his work and leisure travels. When Doug is not seeking out the best local eats, you can find me in the kitchen trying new recipes, cycling on the roads of Singapore, watching rugby matches, or planning his next beach getaway or guest visit as a well-known writer and reporter for Expat Choice Asia. His varied experiences allow Doug to provide unique perspectives on the vibrant local food scenes across this dynamic region where his recommendations are regarded as honest and reliable. So join Doug as he shares his food and travel adventures through thoughtful reports and articles published and distributed on http://www.expatchoice.asia - if you would like Doug or any of the Expat Choice reporting team to visit your property as a guest to report on your unique experience and have this report published on our network you can contact Expat Choice HQ on email with details about your offering at [email protected]

High Bar Society Report

Amidst the bustling Korean eateries on Tanjong Pagar Road, the High Bar Society at 52 Tanjong Pagar Road is no ordinary gelato bar. It's a place where the worlds of indulgent alcoholic gelato, mouth-watering desserts, savoury tapas, and expertly crafted cocktails converge to create a unique dining experience. They take their gelato seriously, boasting an impressive 6% ABV, and most probably the most potent in Asia.

The mastermind behind this gelato wonderland is Chef and Gelato Queen Sharon Tay, who traded in her banker's hat to pursue her passion for ice cream. Chef Sharon is also the brains behind Momolato in Haji Lane. She's got over 200 gelato recipes up her sleeve, all made right here in Singapore. Plus, they're packaged in adorable little tubs, ensuring every bite is a creamy delight without a hint of crystallisation. Sharon and her team didn't rush into this - they spent a whole year in their gelato labs perfecting their recipes. And trust me, it shows in every luscious scoop.

The star of the show is the gelato itself. With flavours like Highland Fling (made with Macallan Whisky and dark chocolate from Ecuador) and That Shady Nut Job (featuring the elegant Woodford Reserve bourbon), you're in for a treat. These gelato cocktails are served in those cute little tubs, but don't be fooled - they pack a kick like an angry donkey! Some are subtle, with the alcohol gently revealing itself in the aftertaste. In contrast, others explode with the flavours of their alcohol cousins. There are eighteen unique gelatos on the menu, so there's sure to be something for you.

Here's a surprise of the evening. Now, I'll admit, I'm not usually on speaking terms with durian, but I had the pleasure of trying the Goose Bumps infused with Grey Goose vodka and Mao Shan Wang durian. This combination was a revelation. As someone who usually avoids durian, I was amazed at how the vodka tempered the intense durian flavour. This may convert even durian doubters like myself. This is a must-try, even if you're not on the best terms with the king of fruits.

Now, onto the snacks. High Bar Society doesn't just excel in the gelato department; they've got some mouth-watering options to pair with your frozen delights. First up was the Fresh Salmon on creamy avocado with a hint of wasabi, served with crispy wonton skins for that perfect crunch. Next came the Figs & Feta, a delectable mix of caramelised figs and rich Greek feta, and for prawn lovers, don't miss the Zesty Prawn Cocktail in rich coconut broth with zesty pineapple salsa. Save some room for dessert. Smoke & Barrel is a Guinness-infused Chocolate Basque Cheesecake lightly smoked in applewood chips and served in an Instagram-worthy smoking dome. It's a spectacle that tastes as good as it looks.

The Other Menu features their regular cocktails, desserts, bar bites and other drinks. I started with the Berry Posh, a beautifully presented cocktail of vodka, Chambord, raspberry and bubbly, a perfect pairing with the gelato. Try the Kultural Kooler, an exotic blend of gin, young ginger, lemongrass, lemon and lime juice and gula melaka for something refreshing. This one is another must-try!

The ambience at High Bar Society is cosy and inviting, with enough seats for thirty guests. The standout feature is a concrete moon on one wall, practically begging for an Instagram photoshoot. And the best part? They stay open until 2:00 a.m. on weekends, so you've got all the time in the world for those sweet alcoholic endings to your nights.

So, whether you're an adventurous foodie or simply looking for a sweet escape from the ordinary, High Bar Society is where it's at. With their blend of alcoholic gelato, delectable snacks, and inspired cocktails, it's a unique dining experience for your taste buds. It is sure to keep your Instagram feed popping. Cheers to sweet indulgence!