[FIRST LOOK] Flask is Back!

The Taiwanese speakeasy that got famous for its secret Coke machine entrance is back. After closing their original location over a year ago they’ve found a perfect new venue on Xiangyang Lu.

Okay so just in case you forgot (or never heard of it), here’s what that old entrance looked like:

The entrance to the original Flask on Shaanxi Nan Lu, which closed in 2016. Photo source: huhmagazine.co

[SPOLIER ALERT] There’s no Coke machine entrance at the new Flask, but the entrance is slightly hidden (we’ll let you find out how when you visit). There are no signs for ‘Flask’ anywhere, to get in you must first go through their front shop- a hip little coffee/sandwich/shot bar they call ‘Tiger Bites.’

So we should probably start there. Here’s what Tiger Bites looks like:

Tiger Bites is pretty damn cool and well worth a visit regardless of whether or not you’re going to Flask. Apart from looking chic and having a secret Flask entrance, they also have Taiwanese-style snacks and sandwiches that are good and reasonably priced. Here’s what some of those look like:

TIGER BITES FOOD

Chinese Style- Morning Bites, Fried Radish Cake, Pickled Beetroot, Parsley, Fried Shallot, Bacon Bites, Sweet Chili Sauce. RMB 20.

Tiger Bites Pig- braised Pork Belly, Sesame Powder, Chinese Sauerkraut, Parsley. RMB 26.

Tiger Bites Pig @ Cuban- Roasted Pork Shoulder, Smoked Ham, Pickle Slices, Pickled Cabbage, Purple Cabbage, Cheese, Yellow Mustard. RMB 32

And as we mentioned, they have a bunch of shots. Good shots though. Here’s what those look like:

TIGER BITES SHOTS

Tiger Drinks Plum- Smoked Plum, Black Plum, Haw Flake, and Sour Plum Infused Brandy, Black Tea. RMB 42

 Tiger Drinks Bamboo Charcol- Coffee Infused Vodka, Bamboo Charcoal Absinth, Asian Pear Slices. RMB 55

Tiger Drinks Vanilla- Honey, Egg Yolk, and Vanilla Infused Brandy, Coconut Foam. RMB 58

Tiger Drinks Cherry- Cherry Infused Brandy, Lime Cordial, Black Raspberry Liqueur, Yoghurt, Peach. RMB 38

Tiger Drinks Betal Nut- Tequila, Lime Slice, Coffee Powder, Granulated Sugar. RMB 35

Tiger Drinks Milk- Bourbon Whiskey, Black Raspberry Liqueur, Baily’s Irish Cream. RMB 48

So just to be totally clear, Tiger Bites opens at 8am, offering a solid selection of coffee drinks and Taiwanese food. Once 7pm hits they still offer all of that AND their shot menu.

So onto Flask… 

We said we weren't going to tell you how to get in, we lied. This is how you get in...

COCKTAILS

Flask- Bourbon Whiskey, Campari, Dolin Sweet Vermouth, Chewing Tobacco Smoke. RMB 105.

Paper Plane- Bourbon Whiskey, Aperol, Amaro Montenegro Liqueur, Lemon Juice, Simple Syurp. RMB 95.

Unami- Porcini and Dried Tangerine Infused Whiskey, Cointreau, Cold Brewed Coffee, House Made Falernum, Baked Tomato. RMB 98

Flying Dutchman- Dried Tangerine Infused Beefeater Gin, Lemon Juice, Simple Syrup. RMB 85

Martinez- Old Tom Gin, Dolin Sweet Vermouth, Maraschino Cherry Liqueur, Orange Bitters. RMB 98

The Last Word- The Botanist Gin, Green Chartreuse Herbal Liqueur, Maraschino Cherry Liqueur, Lime Juice. RMB 95

Delicious Sour- Brandy, Peach Liquor, Lime Juice, Simple Syrup, Egg White. RMB 88

Scorpion- Mount Gay Black Barrel Rum, Fireball Cinnamon Whisky, Lemon Juice, Orgeat Almond Syrup, Pineapple Juice, Peychaud’s Bitters. RMB 95

MOCKTAILS

Tropical Retreat- Mango Puree, PassionfruitPuree, Coconut Cream, Yoghurt, Milk, Pandan Syrup. RMB 72

Botanist- Pear Juice, Lemon Juice, Botanical Syrup, Dill Foam, Backed Pear Slice. RMB 78

FLASK FOOD

You can get all the food from Tiger Bites in Flask, but they also have some other menu items available. For example…

Braised Platter- Pig Ears, Beef Shank, Beef Tripe, Quail Egg, Kelp, Bean Curd, Pickled Cabbage, Picked Cucumber. RMB 68

Garlic Sausage. RMB 65

Tiger Fries- Braised pork, Chinese Sauerkraut, Garlic, Sriracha Ketchup. RMB 55

Kimchi Fries- Roasted Pork Shoulder, Kimchi, Pickled Radish, Pickled Garlic, Sriracha Mayo. RMB 55

Sweet Potato Fries. RMB 50

Tiger Bites

Address: 108 North Xiangyang Lu (near Huaihai Lu)

Hours: Daily 8am-2am

Coffee : 8am - 7pm 

Tiger Shots : 7pm - 2 am

Flask

Address: 108 North Xiangyang Lu (near Huaihai Lu)

Hours: Daily 7pm-2am (4am on weekends)

WE ARE HIRING

We are looking for people who love life, food and travel to join our team! Currently, we are recruiting for the following positions:

Nightlife Editor

Food & Wine Editor

Wellness & Fitness Editor

Proofreader

Marketing

Sales

Interns

Ideal candidates are talented, energetic and creative people who can work in a fast-paced environment, and Chinese skills are a plus. 

Want to take on a challenge?

Please send your cover letter and CV to: 

[e-mail]

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