Odem is a warm and informal makgeolli bar and restaurant that celebrates contemporary Korean food, craft and design. It is designed by Nice Projects, which has a strong track record of designing restaurants in Singapore. 

Odem is located within New Bahru, Singapore’s new lifestyle hub and creative cluster.Makgeolli, which is increasingly popular in Singapore, is a traditional Korean liquor derived from fermenting rice, yeast, and water together with a starter culture called nuruk. It’s known for its cloudy, off-white appearance and slightly creamy and fizzy taste. Odem offers a very different dining experience. The food celebrates Korea’s diverse culinary traditions and the kitchen is headed by the talented Korean chef, Yumi Bae. 

The burnt wood panels creates a dramatic backdrop for the restaurant, giving it a unique custom signature interior finish, bringing warmth and elegance to the space. The 32-cover restaurant and bar features red stained timber chairs made in collaboration with the Seoul based designers, Studio Word. They are paired with custom granite topped tables.

The focal point of the restaurant is the bar, clad in handmade ceramic tiles which reference the black earthenware pots that are traditionally used for fermenting the rice wine (known as onggi). A built-in makgeolli display is integrated into the counter top and features Odem’s signature flavours. The suspended metal ceiling and silver window blinds contrast with the natural materials used throughout the restaurant and is a nod to Korea’s metalwork tradition.

Other design features include a communal dining table, which is located at the back of the restaurant. Lacquered waiter stations with metal detailing reference traditional Korean joinery. The brushed metal wall sconces are by a young Dutch designer, Paul Coenen and the fabric pendant lights above the bar are by Seoul-based AGO Lighting.