To founder Kavan Spruyt, the drink that best encapsulates the spirit of Rasa Space is Lapsang Souchong Negroni. Created by master mixologist Louis Tan, formerly of Burnt Ends, the cocktail puts a spin on the traditional negroni, with lapsang souchong tea bringing layers of smoke, tannin and earthiness. “It’s a perfect example of East meeting West, reflecting our ethos,” explains Spruyt.
Rasa Space comprises two distinct rooms: the Hall, a chic cocktail bar and lounge designed for conversations and connection, and the Floor, a club room with a world-class hand-assembled sound system from UK brand TPI. That said, its programming goes beyond what one would typically expect from a nightlife destination. Instead, a focus on community and creativity means that you’ll find a wide array of events filling the space at any time of day—from family-friendly Sunday markets and Butoh community classes to listening sessions by local musicians and, recently, Vogue Singapore’s Vogue Underground party. A fantastic cocktail menu developed by Tan not only includes delicious tipples that playfully incorporate Southeast Asian flavours, but also a thoughtful curation of non-alcoholic wines, cocktails and shakes.
Created with the intention of celebrating our Southeast Asian roots, the nightlife space gets its name from the Sanskrit word rasa, which means essence or flavour. “It reflects how we approach everything, from sensory design to emotional resonance,” muses Spruyt. “The concept revolves around collaborations in food, music, arts and culture—from hosting artists’ markets to partnering with chefs and curators. Our programming is designed to foster exchange, whether through casual conversations at the bar or discovering new local makers.”
It’s markedly different from what comes to mind when most imagine a nightlife destination, but it is precisely this that makes Rasa Space stand out. Here, Spruyt shares more about how nightlife in Singapore has evolved in recent years and how Rasa Space offers us a glimpse at what it can look like in the future.
Rasa Space is not just a nightlife venue but also a community and creative hub. What was the thought process behind making it as such?
The idea was to offer a layered experience that welcomes you in for food and drinks but invites you to stay for the energy. We saw an opportunity to create a venue where culture and community can thrive alongside nightlife, and remove the stigma that nightlife is generally hedonistic.
“The future of nightlife is about finding spaces that reflect your identity and values”
Tell us a bit about the inspiration behind the design of the space.
The design of Rasa Space is meant to feel warm and lived in—a counterpoint to the sleek, high-gloss aesthetic you often see in Singapore. There’s often a misconception that underground music venues must be dark and dingy, but my roots come from places like Zouk on Jiak Kim Street, Rex Club in Paris, Panorama Bar in Berlin, and many other renowned clubs that excelled in both interior design and sound. We requested for Studio Karhard, which designed venues such as Berghain and K41, to build a space that could be functional yet well designed with a proper light and sound system. We also carefully selected our sound system, choosing the TPI system for its warm tone, proving that you don’t need to blast music to enjoy it fully.
How do you think the ways people choose to engage with or experience nightlife in Singapore have evolved?
People are more intentional now. They’re not just looking for a loud room with flashing lights. They want atmosphere, storytelling and a sense of purpose. Experiences that feel inclusive, mindful and rooted in culture are being valued more. There’s also a noticeable shift towards hybrid spaces, where you can meet a friend over coffee, come back for dinner and stay on for music.
Why is it valuable to you to have a drinks menu that offers zero-proof beverages?
Inclusivity is a core value for us. We want everyone, regardless of whether they drink alcohol, to feel seen and celebrated at Rasa. Offering zero-proof cocktails isn’t an afterthought; they’re crafted with the same care and creativity as the rest of the menu. Whether you’re sober-curious, taking a break or just not drinking that day, you should still be able to have something that feels festive and special in hand.
What do you envision the future of nightlife in Singapore to be like and does Rasa Space align with that?
We see the future of nightlife being more multidimensional—blending art, music, food and community into one ecosystem. It’s about finding spaces that reflect your identity and values. We want to be an anchor where people feel inspired, connected and free—whether they’re dancing, discovering a new artist or sipping a zero-proof spritz in the afternoon sun.
Discover Rasa Space here.
