Mama Diam: Hidden Speakeasy Restaurant & Bar Serving a Taste of Singapore’s Heritage

In the bustling heart of Dhoby Ghaut, tucked away on Prinsep Street, lies one of Singapore’s most ingeniously concealed dining establishments. Mama Diam is a speakeasy restaurant and bar that infuses elements of Singapore's traditional mama shops, embarking visitors on a nostalgic journey through the nation's cultural heritage with a menu that puts a modern twist on iconic local favourites.

The term "mama diam" itself is a delightful nod to Singapore's linguistic heritage, with "diam" translating to "store" in local dialect. Mama shops, or mamak stores, were small, often family-run provision stores commonly found under HDB blocks back in the 1980s to early 2000s, serving as an important element of Singapore's rich cultural heritage.

Mama Shop Facade

Upon arrival, guests are greeted by what appears to be an authentic mama shop facade, complete with vintage snacks and household items, including a shelf stacked with artefacts from yesteryear such as CDs and magazines. The attention to detail is remarkable – vibrant colours splash across the walls in the form of a mural painted by visual artist Jaxton Su, depicting a throwback memory of a typical mama store from the good old days.

The real magic happens when you discover that the magazine shelf doubles as a secret sliding door, concealing the entrance to the speakeasy. Walking past it reveals a stark contrast – the bar within is dark and sophisticated, with ample, spacious seating. Neon-lit signs add a modern touch to the space, whilst bartenders work their magic behind the counter.

Standout Dishes

The menu at Mama Diam represents a masterful fusion of nostalgia and innovation. The establishment offers familiar flavours inspired by local dishes, with a contemporary twist, featuring signature items on a menu that refreshes every three months.

Singapore Chili Softshell Crab Bao (S$18.90)

The restaurant's signature dish features soft shell crab tucked into a sandwich bun and drenched in their signature chilli crab sauce – a bold twist on the beloved local classic that exemplifies their approach to reimagining heritage flavours.

Hae Bee Hiam Mien (S$18.90)

An innovative take on traditional dried shrimp sambal, this dish combines hae bee hiam with sakura ebi, ikura, angel hair pasta, truffle oil, and Chinese black vinegar for a sophisticated fusion of textures and umami flavours.

Chicken Curry Kueh Pei Tee (S$13.90)

A playful bite featuring boneless chicken thigh with chicken curry sauce and coconut foam, all packed into a crisp kueh pie tee shell – demonstrating the kitchen's ability to transform familiar flavours into elegant small plates.

'Bak Chor' Mee Pok (S$18.90)

Their interpretation of the classic minced meat noodles uses linguine instead of traditional mee pok, topped with minced pork, mushrooms, crispy anchovy, and fried shallots.

Stuffed Seafood Lychee (S$13.90)

Tiger prawns stuffed into fresh lychee with citrus mayo and tobiko create an unexpected but delightful combination of sweet, savoury, and umami elements.

Signature Beverages

The drinks programme at Mama Diam is equally inventive, featuring creative cocktails that celebrate local flavours whilst incorporating international spirits.

Something Light 小喝 (S$20)

Perfect for those seeking accessible and familiar flavours, this category includes the refreshing Green Mango Highball with gin, mango liqueur, and Cajun spice, and the comforting Chai Tarik Brew featuring whisky with house-pulled chai tea and brown sugar.

Got 'Liao' One 有料的 (S$22)

For the more adventurous drinker, standout creations include the Mango Sago made with junmai sake, Aperol, and homemade mango cream, and the nostalgic PB White Rabbit Sundae combining white rum, peanut butter whisky, and white rabbit cream.

Never Drunk Before! 一直喝 (S$24)

The most complex category features spirit-forward cocktails like the innovative Nasi Lemak (junmai sake, Ceylon arrack, ancho verde, cucumber shrub) and the Peranakan Negroni with Colombo Navy gin, Campari, and kaya milk punch.

Nightcap Local Delights Shooters (6 for S$38)

The restaurant also offers nostalgic shooters that pay homage to beloved local flavours:

• Milo Gao: Black Tears spiced rum with Milo

• Sour Plum: Sour plum infused vodka with sour plum syrup

• Ribena Sour: Gordon's gin with Ribena and strawberry

• Kaya: Milagro silver tequila with pandan, coconut, and pineapple

Mocktails

For non-drinkers, the establishment offers creative alcohol-free options (S$12 each) including the Jia Jia Mocktail with watermelon shrub, Pandan Colada Fizz, and Teh Limau featuring jasmine tea with calamansi.

Ambience and Design

The restaurant successfully creates two distinct experiences under one roof. The outdoor seating area features HDB stools, vintage knick-knacks, and traditional snacks, whilst the interior captures the essence of vintage Singapore with retro décor that serves as a beguiling portal to the 1970s. It creates an unforgettable experience that embodies nearly six decades of Singapore's rich culinary history, trends, and ambience.

Final Verdict

Mama Diam represents more than just a dining establishment – it's a cultural institution that successfully bridges Singapore's past and present. The attention to detail, especially relating to the throwback décor, makes this spot worthwhile for people across all ages looking to soak in nostalgic vibes. As the menu changes regularly, the anticipation builds with each visit and there’s always something new to explore. Whilst some menu items may be more memorable than others, the overall experience of discovery, nostalgia, and culinary adventure makes Mama Diam a must-visit destination.

Location: 38 Prinsep Street, #01-01, Singapore 188665
Opening Hours: 4:00pm - 10:30pm (Sun to Thurs), 4:00pm - 12:00am (Fri, Sat & PH Eve)