Brainchild of The Merchants and Korea\x26#39;s Bar Cham
The sleek and intimate speakeasy is a design-forward cocktail bar that merges the soul of Seoul with the edge of Shanghai, being the brainchild of The Merchants—the acclaimed restaurant group from Beijing and Shanghai—and Bar Cham—the award-winning Seoul bar, currently ranked No. 20 on Asia's 50 Best Bars.
READ MORE: The Merchants: A 'Back to the Basics' Sensorial Performance
Welcome Drink Area at Bar Bud
The bar's namesake, Bud—a Seoulite with a rich background in art, gastronomy, and hospitality—brings his unique vision to life with a concept inspired by his journey across these two dynamic cities.
Bar Bud Main Room
Designed by Bud's friends from the award-winning team at Bar Cham in Seoul, the cocktail program draws inspiration from his favorite haunts—bars, cafes, restaurants, local markets, and more—in Seoul and Shanghai, the two cities he calls home.
Hwi Yun of Bar Cham in Seoul designed the cocktail program at Bar Bud
Bar Bud's debut menu, 'The Destinations: Vol. 1,' guides guests through the cultural and culinary essence of these vibrant metropolises, with 12 signature cocktails each paying homage to beloved neighborhood spots.
Hanok Maeul (RMB98): Leegangju, Aged Rum, Sweet Pumpkin, Milk Clarification
One of the highlights from 'Seoul' is Hanok Maeul (RMB98), a concoction inspired by Seoul's hanok villages.
The drink reimagines moju, a traditional Korean liquor known for its hangover cure and health benefits.
In Bar Bud's rendition, the drink features a blend of Leegangju (a spiced Korean pear liquor), aged rum and pumpkin, and made with milk clarification.
Club Brown (RMB108): Tokki Soju Black, Bokbunja, Herb Liqueur, Lemon, Honey, Egg White
For those who love a good sour, Club Brown (RMB108) is a refreshing tribute to Seoul's vibrant nightlife and hip hop scene, reinventing the classic Clover Club with a distinctly Korean twist.
Featuring a mix of bokbunja (traditional Korean black raspberry wine), Tokki Soju Black, herb liqueur, lemon, and honey, the drink is finished with creamy egg white foam and a spritz of freeze dried raspberry flakes.
After drinking through 'Seoul,' Bud whisks us off to 'Shanghai'...
Bud Meets Hema (RMB108): Mezcal, Blanco Vermouth, Horn Melon, Vanilla, Sesame, Lime
Inspired by Bud's late-night quest for the freshest fruits on Hema, China's iconic online grocery store, Bud Meets Hema (RMB108) dances between the refreshing notes of horn melon with just a small hint of smokiness from the mezcal.
The bianco vermouth adds herbal notes, while a touch of vanilla, sesame, and lime rounds off the drink with a crisp and balanced finish.
Lai Lai (RMB148): Château Sanyin 2010, Tangerine Spirit, Cheongju, Crab Oil
An umami-forward cocktail takes center stage in the Shanghai section of the menu with Lai Lai (RMB148), a playful nod to one of the city's beloved xiaolongbao (soup dumpling) spots.
This layered creation combines Château Shanyin 2010 (a Chinese yellow wine) with Korean rice wine Cheongju, while tangerine spirit rounds off the nuttiness.
Finished with drops of crab oil, this drink is the perfect partner-in-crime to the crab xiaolongbao served alongside.
The Lai Lai is paired with a crab xiao long bao
Bar Bud's cocktails may steal the spotlight, but its bar bites menu is no mere supporting act.
The bar's food program is overseen by The Merchants' chef-owner, Paulo de Souza, and is designed to complement the bold, inventive drinks.
The menu serves as a culinary love letter to Seoul, filled with classic Korean dishes with a modern twist.
Yukhoe Wagyu Beef Tartare Tartlet (RMB228 for 2 pieces)
Encased in a crisp tartlet shell, the Yukhoe Wagyu Beef Tartare Tartlet (RMB228 for 2 pieces) features marbled wagyu prepared in the style of Korean yukhoe.
Buldak Fiery Chicken Thighs (RMB128), Gochujang & Nacho Cheese
For a hit of spice, the Buldak Fiery Chicken Thighs (RMB128) deliver bold, smoky flavors without overwhelming the palate.
Ssamjang Wagyu Beef (RMB198)
Galbi Wagyu Philly Steak Sandwich (RMB168)
Eomukguk Spicy Fish Cake Soup (RMB128)
Tteokbokki Crackers (RMB68)
Okra (RMB28), Fish Emusion, Gochugaru
The charcoal grill adds another layer of sensory delight to the experience
An open, charcoal grill tucked into the corner of the bar brings a lively, interactive feel to the space—guests can watch the chef prepare kkochi, or Korean-style skewers, right before their eyes, adding another layer of sensory delight to the experience.
Top: Abalone Kkochi (RMB88), Leek, Abalone Liver Sauce
Below: Wagyu Beef Kkochi (RMB88), Asparagus, Zhangshugang Chili Peppers
The skewers showcase a variety of textures and flavors, each with its own distinct character. Highlights include Abalone (RMB88), featuring tender abalone paired with leek, dressed in a rich abalone liver sauce, and served over charcoal-grilled baby potatoes and Zhangshugang chili peppers.
Other standouts include Wagyu Beef (RMB88) paired with asparagus and okra, prepared with fish emulsion and a touch of gochugaru.
Soju Baba (RMB88)
For those with a sweet tooth, the Soju Baba (RMB88) offers a fresh take on the classic Baba au Rhum, swapping rum for premium aged soju, and featuring doenjang ice cream, puffed rice, nuts, and red fruits.
'Get Drunk' Korean Ramen
To cap off the night with a playful twist, guests who finish five cocktails are treated to a complimentary bowl of 'Get Drunk' Korean Ramen, a tongue-in-cheek nod to late-night indulgence that perfectly reflects Bar Bud's charm and hospitality.
Tue–Thu, 7pm–1am | Fri–Sat, 7pm–2am | Sun, 7pm–1am | Closed Mon
Bar Bud 2/F, 52 Yongfu Lu, by Fuxing Zhong Lu 永福路52号, 近复兴中路
[All images courtesy of Bar Bud]
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