The experience you get at Barood can be gleaned from its name. Meaning ‘gunpowder’ or an ‘explosive substance’ in Urdu, housed within the modern izakaya’s deep red walls are an explosion of flavours waiting to be savoured.
Barood is found on Tras Street, at a cosy second floor 32-seater shophouse space right above Revolver (same owners, continuing the explosive theme), a restaurant known for its Indian-inspired cuisine laced with international sensibilities.
Like an izakaya should, Barood offers food and drink in equal measure. For libations, expect a succinct but all-star selection of signature cocktails, each with its own distinct character inspired by the historical foodways of the world.
The Ready for Love (S$25) is their take on the classic Pisco Sour, done using a homemade clarified green mango, lime juice, egg white, and (to us) the defining ingredient, Waqar Pisco, a beautiful spirit that’s distilled from fermented muscat grapes.
Then there’s the Cafe Con Leche (S$28), a drink we love for its aromatic complexity. The rendition on the Espresso Martini is made using vodka, coffee liqueur, coffee coconut, and a hazelnut hot foam to top it off. The result is an obviously caffeinated cocktail that offers more layers than you’d expect.
There are wines (including minimal intervention ones), sakes, beers, and a vast collection of whiskies to enjoy too if you’re more in the mood for those. We particularly fancy the Amrut and Kavalan whiskies, hailing from India and Taiwan respectively, sitting alluringly on the back shelf.
As an izakaya, food is the other half of the equation. And Barood’s executive chef Saurabh Udinia (who also runs Revolver’s kitchen), serves up tapas-style bites of flavour explosions that go so well with a tipple.
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Items like the Goat Biryani Arancini (S$24) served with pickle mayo are literal umami bombs, while the Malabar Sloppy Joe (S$22) is so moreish and satisfying it’s more than worth the mess you’re left with after you’re done.
Our favourite’s the Butter Chicken Paratini (S$22). This unctuous and spice-laden dish is the ultimate elevated comfort food, and makes for delicate yet unpretentious eats. Definitely get one serving just for yourself – trust us, you won’t want to share this.
With bombshell flavours found in both food and drink, Barood delivers as promised with explosive hits after hits, making sure your taste buds get a thorough treatment of sweet, salty, spice, and everything in-between. Plain and simple is something you’ll never find within this vibey, sexy space.
Barood is located at 56A Tras Street, Singapore 078977.
Read what our friends over at Spirited Singapore thought about Barood.
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