Le Moments Looks to Recapture Tiki Bungalow's Tropical Glory in Sanlitun
Tiki Bungalow, a favorite among those looking for tropical, mind-alteringly strong cocktails, may have sunk to obscure depths after its founders set sail for calmer seas but a promising new alternative has surfaced courtesy of Chen "Charlie" Yanwei.
Read: Dongcheng Cocktail Favorite Tiki Bungalow to Get an Ownership Shake-Up
A former Tiki Bungalow vet trained by original bartender and co-founder Phil Tory (who has since moved to Guangzhou), Chen decided to head up his own new tiki bar called Le Moments on Xindong Road. While it lacks the vibrant color and bustling in-crowd of expats that helped Tiki Bungalow make its name, this new spot has an equally fun motif and personality to spare, which is more than can be said about the once thriving Jiaodaokou bar where he once cut his teeth.
Let’s start with the Life Aquatic-esque decor. Huge, mural-like paintings of fish, sharks, and whales loom alongside customers tables, not to mention phony massive sea creatures dangling from the ceiling. The uncharted waters/enchanted lost island tiki vibe is furthered by dinosaur fossils adorning the walls in a VIP room, along with the jaws of a T-Rex dangling menacingly overhead.
In short: this is a darker sequel to its upbeat, deep jungle predecessor. That being said, Le Moments also has a sense of throwback tiki fun and inviting island flair thanks to its vibrant cocktail menu and all the more colorful Hawaiian shirt sporting staff. Le Moments just takes a different, edgier tack than the motif Tory and co. preferred at Jiaodaokou (silly big parrot mascot et al).
That means the menu here is a little more subdued than Tiki Bungalow’s. But how could it not be? After all, that older spot’s drink list was stacked with dozens of well-priced and lively classic cocktails from famous tiki bars around the world, pushed to thrillingly high ABV levels thanks to Tory’s passion and keen mixology skills.
Sure, Le Moments has some carryover from Chen’s time at Bungalow but the prices have taken a bit of a bump (not surprising given the destination), the menu is about half as long, and the pours are lighter. Of the lot, we recommend dousing your tastebuds with the Tropical Rainforest (RMB 75). Its mix of Aperol, gin, and fresh pineapple, orange, and lemon juices is fruity and just sweet enough without being cloying.
Another highlight: the Leilani vs. the Volcano (also RMB 75). Named after the active Kilauea volcano on Hawaii's Big Island and the community directly in its path, the cocktail's Malibu rum, fresh pineapple, and lime and guava juices are smooth, sweet, and cool enough to simmer the lava-belching summit in its title. For a stiffer alternative, try the RMB 75 Demerara Dry Float, which features dark rum, cherry liqueur, fresh lemon, and Valentine fruit.
In all, Bungalow Tiki casts a tall shadow that Le Moments doesn’t quite get from under, at least not yet. It's also unlikely to draw throngs of trendy expats like its predecessor. But the compellingly zany decor and flashy, refreshing cocktails put Le Moments in good stead to attract anyone wanting to revisit tiki classics on the Chaoyang side of town.
Le Moments
Daily 7pm-late. 1/F, 1-105, Bldg 3, 12 Xindong Road, Chaoyang District
朝阳区新东路12号院3号楼1层1-105
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Email: kylemullin@truerun.com
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Photos: Uni You, Tiki Bungalow
