Girl power
Epicure Singapore|August 2024
Seoul's female bartenders liven up the city's drinking scene with their artistry and expertise.
JOCELYN TAN
Girl power

Haebin (Ellen) Choi, senior bartender at Villa Records Bar

What initially drew you to the world of bartending, and how did you get started in the industry?

While studying design, I wanted to express myself in different ways. I was contemplating how to share what I wanted to express, and what I loved. During that time, I discovered that beverages carry many emotions and moments. Whether it’s a cup of coffee, a glass of alcohol, or even a sip of water, there’s a lot of conversation and emotions involved. This fascinated me. I wondered what could bring me closest to all three, and that’s how I started bartending.

As a female bartender in a traditionally male-dominated industry, what challenges have you faced, and how have you overcome them?

Working late at night initially caused a lot of misunderstanding and concern among my family. Especially since I started this job as soon as I became an adult, I faced a lot of rejection.

However, looking back now, I think all these experiences gave me positive energy. Studying and preparing for competitions all night long without my family knowing taught me persistence. Now, I proudly show my results and work with pride.

Are there any misconceptions about bartending or being a female bartender that you would like to address?

Denne historien er fra August 2024-utgaven av Epicure Singapore.

Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.

Denne historien er fra August 2024-utgaven av Epicure Singapore.

Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.

FLERE HISTORIER FRA EPICURE SINGAPORESe alt
Winter afternoon tea
Epicure Singapore

Winter afternoon tea

Afternoon tea is always made ultra special in places like Japan. If you are travelling to Osaka, take a break from sightseeing and enjoy a special afternoon tea at the stylish UPSTAIRZ Lounge, Bar & Restaurant at Zentis Osaka.

time-read
1 min  |
February 2025 - April 2025
Little black book of Rome
Epicure Singapore

Little black book of Rome

Seeking for the best places to eat in Rome? We ask in-the-know locals to share their favourite culinary gems in one of the world's finest food cities.

time-read
6 mins  |
February 2025 - April 2025
Meat up for high spirits
Epicure Singapore

Meat up for high spirits

48 indulgent hours in Hong Kong (including a roast goose chase)

time-read
3 mins  |
February 2025 - April 2025
Green green grass
Epicure Singapore

Green green grass

The secret to Ireland's premium dairy products: sustainability, nature, and quality

time-read
5 mins  |
February 2025 - April 2025
Making vermouth cool again
Epicure Singapore

Making vermouth cool again

Roberto Bava owner of Cocchi is known for leading a movement to revive vermouth, transforming it from a product once considered extinct into a contemporary, trendy drink favoured by a new generation of bartenders.

time-read
4 mins  |
February 2025 - April 2025
Elegant tables
Epicure Singapore

Elegant tables

Kyoto boasts some of the finest dining restaurants in Japan, from kaiseki to sushi temples. Here are some elegant spots to enjoy a tranquil meal away from the crowds.

time-read
6 mins  |
February 2025 - April 2025
Next gen of health conscious drinking
Epicure Singapore

Next gen of health conscious drinking

It's a given. Gen Z prefers low ABV (alcohol by volume) or zero proof drinks, largely for health reasons. We find out how bars in Singapore are creatively adapting to this global trend.

time-read
8 mins  |
February 2025 - April 2025
Savouring the journey
Epicure Singapore

Savouring the journey

We go behind the scenes to find out more about the talented under 30 chefs who participated in the Asia finals of the S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy Competition 2024-25.

time-read
4 mins  |
February 2025 - April 2025
Vibrant food frontier
Epicure Singapore

Vibrant food frontier

A destination restaurant, an urban oasis, and “neutral ground” within frantic city life — these dining spots in Manila represent the diversity of the Philippines' booming culinary landscape.

time-read
4 mins  |
February 2025 - April 2025
From grain to glass
Epicure Singapore

From grain to glass

Makgeolli, Korean's beloved rice wine, may be steeped in history, but today's younger crowd is giving it new momentum. Discover four innovative bars taking this humble drink to bold new heights.

time-read
4 mins  |
February 2025 - April 2025