Nami Record Bar

The Verdict

Rising from the proverbial ashes of the old Conch digs, Nami Record Bar might just be your next favourite hangout. It’s certainly one of ours. 

Sitting pretty in a sunkissed palette, the vibe is relaxed while polished and just a little bit flirty. Vinyl is queen here, and rightly so; The resident record collection and nearby tables are bathed in stars in a pleasing side-effect of the disco ball attached prominently to the ceiling. Snag a seat and people-watch, pull up a pew at one of their high tables, or huddle with friends in the booths out back. 

The latest from the creators of K-food heavy-hitters Ockhee and Swings, Nami Record Bar is about good vibes in good company (with some stellar eats, to boot) and that’s something we can get behind. 

The drink game is a strong one indeed with no wrong choices. But if you’re unsure where to start, the Nami Marg is the bar’s namesake for a reason. Arriving with a nod to the divine minimalist—a cloudy medley of tequila, mezcal, agave, and lime on the rocks cut with the vibrant orange of gochugaru salt—the hit is anything but minimal. Then there’s Lola—a bewitching concoction of feijoa, lemon and gin you’ll want to knock back again and again.  

The Daydreamer is another must-sip. The inclusion of chardonnay amongst the vodka, elderflower, lemon and cucumber is unexpected and will immediately convert you. Cocktails (reluctantly) aside, the bar also carries a range of beers—including an alcohol-free number by Sawmill—and practically a rainbow of tap wines.  

Nami’s menu is best described as anju—Korean bar food, for the uninitiated—and it’s bursting with a feast of tastes and textures from tangy to crunchy, umami to citrus. Sure, there are fries (and they hit the spot) but you’re just as likely to tuck into parmesan-coated corn kernels, pickled tomatoes, or slender blades of yuzu-spiked broccolini. 

Don’t miss the standout Palace Tteok-bokki. The chewy Korean rice cakes served with capsicum, flat mushroom, and lotus in sesame oil are the perfect (and a vital) addition to any session, garnering extra points for being a mega vitamin boost. 

The deep-fried fishcake chips come piled high, thin ribbons coated in curry seasoning that’s well-matched to Nami’s signature mayo dip that accompanies it. A tonic for when you’re craving a little bit of a different crunch. 

The croquettes—crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside—are deserving of an appearance on your table too. Choose from pork or potato iterations, both which are served on cabbage smothered in special nami sauce. 

All in all, Nami Record Bar’s already making serious waves in the scene and you’ll do very, very well to fall into its star-studded wonderland as soon as you can.

Image credit: Wono Kim 

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