Come catch the latest tapas wave with this selection of eateries in town as your guide
The food trend in Singapore comes in waves and, lately, I noticed a renewed influx of small plates and tapas joints popping up.
As far as can be seen, the cuisine is not necessarily traditional Spanish but also goes modern at some of the eateries.
TRADITIONAL
Catalunya
Catalunya not only has authentic tapas, but the joint is also approved by molecular cuisine extraordinaire Ferran Adria himself. The Spherical Olive ($3 each), a specialty from Adria’s famed elBulli is also included in its tapas selection.
We also like the Bikini ($20), a flat jamon and cheese toast and the Croquetas de Jamon ($15), the authenticity of which takes us back to Spain. Other fancier dishes such as their Octopus a Feira ($24), octopus and pork belly smothered in signature elBulli potato foam.
The Fullerton Pavilion, 82 Collyer Quay, Singapore 049327, Tel: 6534 0886
Vida Vino
Opened last September, Vida Vino’s take on Spanish tapas is offered on its Iberico Selection Platter ($20), an assorted cold cuts platter with Iberico ham, pork and chorizo.
It also has the tapas staple Spanish Tortilla ($10), an egg omelette filled with potatoes and Bravas Fries ($8), the outlet’s version of the famed patatas bravas.
29 Keong Saik Road, Singapore 089136,Tel: 6222 1963
Sabio
Named after King Alfonso X of Spain who popularised the tapas dish, Sabio (Spanish for ‘wise’), continues this tradition with its dishes. The Mejillones ole Triana ($14), or mussels in tomato sauce, is one of the many tasty tapas on the menu.
We particularly like the Albondigas en Salsa Espanola con Tomate ($12), a beef meatball in a spicy tomato sauce.
5 Duxton Hill, Singapore 089591, Tel: 6690 7562
MODERN
&Sons
Italian small plates, anyone? &SONS ‘tapas’ has a wide range of Italian cheeses and is the only place in
Singapore that makes its own salami and cured meats on site.
Its homemade artisanal pasta such as Spaghetti Sea Urchin Carbonara ($16) and Pumpkin Tortelli, Capers and Almonds ($8) are popular with customers who seek something more filling. For lighter bites, the Prawn Cioppino, Capers ($12) and Veal Ossobuco, Orzutto ($19) are good options as well.
China Square Central, 20 Cross Street, #01-19, Singapore 048422, Tel: 6221 3937
Bam! tapas-sake Bar
Sake and tapas complement each other so well at BAM! Chef Pepe Moncayo creates dishes such as Pasta a la plancha with Prawns and Sake butter ($24) and the BAM! Gyoza ($12), a large dumpling filled with chestnuts and foie gras.
BAM! also does a Roast Suckling Pig ($78 for two to three people) with a satisfying crunch to it. Don’t be shocked when the waiter tells you to place the Joselito Ham ($25) into the MAR range of sake, exclusive to BAM!
The sake tenderises the meat further and brings out the taste of the ham even more. Fans of dessert sake can also try a bottle of Katsuyama-gen ($380), which reminds one of a less acidic moscato. Talk about a unique twist to the typical tapas.
38 Tras Street, Singapore 078977, Tel: 6226 0500
East 8
East 8 certainly has brought a touch of New York tapas with an Asian flair to Singapore. The Kimchi Fuji Apple Salad with rocket, bacon and gruyere ($12) and the Soy Yuzu Infused Torched Sliced Argentine Tenderloin ($20) are good representations of East 8’s menu.
Its desserts, such as the Rich Chocolate Pot with Macerated Mixed Berries ($12), also entice the taste buds.
Grand Park City Hall Hotel, 10 Coleman Street, #01-21/22, Singapore 179809, Tel: 6338 8289
By Cheryl Chia
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