There are bars that seem to fly under the radar and we tend to forget how great they are. One such Sydney bar is Uncle Ming’s, an underground venue along York Street.
Uncle Ming’s
On a cold weeknight in Sydney, Uncle Ming’s is pumping. The venue which is bathed in red light is vibrant with energy behind the bar. Look around and you’ll see happy patrons engaged in animated conversations, chit chat among strangers at the bar and people cocooned in low-lit corners away from the clamour of the city.
Since we first reviewed Uncle Ming’s in 2015, there have been a few notable changes to the menu.
Hitachino Nest Dai Dai IPA
Hitachino Nest Dai Dai IPA ($12) is a new addition to the beer menu. The IPA is brewed with Fukuremikan orange and special hops that give it spicy, fruity, floral hops along with notes of mandarin. It’s easy drinking and has proved a popular choice with patrons.
Yuzu Sake Highball
Sake features on the menu and the Yuzu Sake Highball ($12) is light and refreshing with yuzu juice infused with Kizakura sake – a tasty alternative to G&T for those who don’t enjoy the bitterness of a tonic.
Miyozakura Junmai Panda Cup
For those who prefer their sake neat, the Miyozakura Junmai Panda Cup ($22) is hard to pass up. Served chilled, the sake is a dry style and makes for very pleasant sipping alone or as an accompaniment to food. And the cute Panda Cup is yours to take home if you wish.
Japanese Gin
Uncle Ming’s prides itself on its Japanese spirits and you’ll find a good range of Japanese gin such as Wa Bi Gin, Nikka Coffee Gin, Roku Gin and Ki No Bi. For something a little different, ask for a Martini with a Japanese gin.
Japanese Whisky
Of course, the good uncle is also known for his impressive selection of Japanese whisky, many of which are sourced from Japan such as the highly coveted Nikka Samurai. Other notable whiskies include Ichiro’s Malt Chichibu IPA Cask Finish 2017 which follows the experimental trend of finishing whisky in ex-beer casks. Subtle on the nose with yeasty aromas, the hops influence on the palate is a little subdued then it comes back on the finish and lingers. At 57.5% ABV, the whisky is surprisingly ultra smooth with no hint of burn.
The cocktail list at Uncle Ming’s has undergone a few changes well worth choosing on your next visit.
Tokyo Jazz
Tokyo Jazz ($19) combines gin with St Germain liqueur, muddled cucumber and lavender bitters into a fresh and floral Martini style that evokes a fresh garden vibe. Light and delicate, it’s easy drinking with notes of cucumber lingering on the palate.
Paper Moon
Good sake cocktails are far and few in between and the Paper Moon ($18) hits the spot with a combination of sake, Cointreau, yuzu and lemon juice. What is good about this cocktail is that the citrus and sake are in perfect harmony. What is great about this cocktail is that the sake doesn’t take a back seat. The drink is garnished with an excerpt from the lyrics of Solita, an anime show which has Paper Moon as its theme song.
The Cassia
For a winter drink that’s well suited for after dinner, The Cassia ($19) combines Japanese Whisky with cinnamon bitters, lemon juice and toasted marshmallow. The glass is smoked with cinnamon which gives the drink a warm and spicy aroma before the palate enjoys an interplay of spice and marshmallow without being overly sweet.
Jackson Tigwell, Bar Manager
It’s winter time so treat yourself to the theatrics of a Blue Blazer style cocktail.
The Shanghai Roller isn’t new to the menu but the combination of ingredients make it well worth getting reacquainted with the drink.
Shanghai Roller
The Shanghai Roller ($22) combines delicate Japanese Whisky with smoky Laphroaig 10 yo and vanilla syrup, served over lemon peel and a cherry. Sip it and enjoy the breadth of flavours while warm.
Uncle Ming’s is still serving a selection of tempting dumplings from the hole-in-the-wall kitchen.
Start with steamed Edamame and rock salt ($6) and work your way through the new Beef Dim Sim (5 per steamer $10), Prawns (5 per steamer $10) and the pick of the bunch, the Five Spiced Pork (5 per steamer $10).
Tempura Prawns & Ming’s Wings
The Tempura Prawns (4 per plate $10) are light in texture and ever so moreish and who can resist dippingMing’s Wings (3 per steamer $10) in that delicious sesame sauce.
When was the last time you visited Uncle Ming’s?
Uncle Ming’s
LG, 49 York St, Sydney NSW 2000
www.unclemings.com.au
Photography © by Gourmantic – Copyright: All rights reserved.
