(Singapore, 4 December 2024) MOGĀ, the modern Japanese Izakaya-inspired cocktail bar in Pullman Singapore Hill Street, has announced the appointment of Gavin Teverasan as Bar Manager and Leon Quek as Head Chef. Guests at MOGĀ can experience the fruits of this new collaboration from 2 December, when the bar launches ‘Breaking the Norm,’ a new elevated Izakaya experience that combines craft cocktails and cuisine that blend creative modernity with the iconic flavours of Japan.
Gavin Teverasan Bar Manager (Left) and Leon Quek Head Chef
Joining MOGĀ as Bar Manager, Gavin Teverasan has over a decade of bartending experience in Singapore’s craft cocktail scene. His impressive career includes stints at 28 HongKong Street, Neon Pigeon, Barbary Coast, and Nutmeg & Clove. Gavin’s expertise in artisanal mixology, and his refined understanding of flavour combinations, are set to elevate MOGĀ’s cocktail offerings, promising a dynamic Izakaya-inspired experience that elevates this concept, whilst maintaining the laid-back elegance of this beloved Japanese drinking and dining custom. His approach intertwines operational finesse with in-depth research into Japanese flavours and culture, curating a menu that highlights quintessential ingredients in Japanese cuisine, with fresh interpretations.
“I’m thrilled to become a part of this unique blend of modern Japanese fare and craft cocktails. MOGĀ’s adventurous spirit and vibrant energy make it a unique player in Singapore’s thriving cocktail scene,” says Gavin Teverasan, Bar Manager, MOGĀ. “I look forward to establishing MOGĀ as a must-visit destination, built on the strength of intricately designed Japanese flavours and a philosophy centred around sparking curiosity and excitement among guests.”
Complementing the bar program is Head Chef Leon Quek, whose decade-long culinary career includes experience at CUT by Wolfgang Puck and 1880, the private members’ club. His cooking style incorporates the use of fire, through techniques like smoking and robata, elevating MOGĀ’s food menu. "Having been part of the MOGĀ team since pre-opening, I am grateful for this opportunity to play a bigger role in shaping their next chapter," said Leon Quek, Head Chef, MOGĀ. "I have deep respect for Japanese cuisine, and look forward to complementing the bar’s drinks programme with an exceptional epicurean experience by weaving in local flavours and ingredients, some of which are reminiscent of nostalgic flavours from my childhood."
New Menu and Seasonal Promotions
MOGĀ’s new menu, titled Breaking the Norm, celebrates being unrestrained by tradition and common societal expectations, while respecting the wisdom that can be gleaned from culinary heritage. MOGĀ is named in honour of the modern girls (modan gāru, or mogā for short) who defied societal and gender norms and expectations during Japan’s Taisho era from 1912-26, and the new menu pays homage to these icons of Japanese popular culture, embodying their vibrancy and unconventional spirit.
Highlights include The Frozen Drink, an alcohol infused riff on the classic diner milkshake; inspired by popular summer dessert matcha anmitsu, ice-blended whisky meets taro liqueur, cream, azuki beans and matcha. For the more adventurous, the Dirty Saketini riffs on the savoury classic. With a shared base of sake and shochu, made ‘dirty’ with house-made pickling brine, the Dirty Saketini offers a deliciously tasty option for those who love the sophistication of a Martini, but with a Japanese twist and a little less kick.
MOGĀ intends to keep things fresh with seasonal offerings, such as December’s festive Jerry’s Xmas cocktail, a highball with green apple, honey and clarified milk, anchored by the warm notes of Sailor Jerry Spiced Rum.
Looking forward, MOGĀ is set to host guest shifts with some of the most exciting bars from around Asia, including Vender (Taichung) and The Curator (Manila) – both recognised as the top-ranked bars in their respective countries on the prestigious Asia’s 50 Best Bars list. This underscores MOGĀ's commitment to excellence as a key player in Asia's vibrant cocktail scene, bringing luminaries from the region for guests and the local community to experience the best that the world of craft cocktails has to offer.
In tandem with MOGĀ’s latest cocktail offerings, the new culinary menu showcases Chef Leon’s expertise, spotlighting local flavours and ingredients while harmonising traditional Japanese techniques with modern Western influences. This is exemplified by the Spicy XL Clams, infused with the nostalgic flavours of chilli bean paste and complemented by saikyo miso, chilli crisp and coriander. Another signature on the menu is the toothsome Crispy Squid made with a piquant sansho fish sauce, kizami yuzu and green chilli.
"We are thrilled to have Gavin and Leon lead the MOGĀ family," says Mazen Abilmona, General Manager at Pullman Singapore Hill Street. "Their combined expertise and creative vision align perfectly with MOGĀ’s commitment to offering an exceptional, modern Japanese dining experience. We're excited for our guests to experience the reimagined culinary journey designed by Gavin and Leon, exclusively at Pullman Singapore Hill Street."
To celebrate the revamped menu and new team, MOGĀ is introducing a lineup of exciting promotions:
Lunch Hour Liquid Deals
Available daily from 12:00pm to 3:00pm, guests can enjoy a selection of drinks for just $10++ per glass or bottle. The menu includes the zesty Yuzu Negroni Fizz, featuring Yuzu Sake, Mancino Rosso, Campari, and soda, as well as Asahi Super Dry Beer (330ml).
Happy Hour Cocktails
MOGĀ is also offering a happy hour from 6:00pm to 8:00pm daily. Five cocktails will be priced at $17++ each, featuring drinks such as MOGĀ’s Gimlet - a refreshing twist on the classic, made with Hendrick's Gin, Calamansi champagne cordial, and lemon, offering a perfect balance of citrus and dry notes.
For more information, please visit https://www.moga.com.sg/.
Opening hours: Mondays - Saturdays 12:00pm to 3:00pm (Lunch), 6:00pm to 12:00am (Dinner).
Open until 1:00am on Fridays & Saturdays. Closed on Sundays
Age Policy: MOGĀ transitions into an adult-only premise from 6:00pm onwards.
Reservation contact number: +6019 7888
Email: pullman.singaporehillstreet.dining@accor.com
Social media handle: https://www.instagram.com/moga.sg/
For reservations, visit: https://www.sevenrooms.com/reservations/moga
MOGĀ is located on level 1 of Pullman Singapore Hill Street, at 1 Hill Street, Singapore