Esquina @ Teck Lim Road - A Nostalgic Tapas Journey Through Its Greatest Hits

Celebrating a milestone in Singapore’s dining scene, ESQUINA at Jiak Chuan Road marks its 15th anniversary with a nostalgic yet forward-looking menu that brings back beloved tapas from its archives. Helmed by Chef Carlos Montobbio, the restaurant revisits crowd favourites from past years, refreshing the lineup monthly from May to December 2026. Priced from $15 per portion, these limited-time dishes capture the spirit of ESQUINA — vibrant, produce-driven, and quietly inventive. Adding to the celebratory mood, diners who order six anniversary tapas specials receive a complimentary carafe of Spanish house wine — a thoughtful touch that encourages communal indulgence.

Cadoret Oyster (2013) 4.8/5

A beautifully composed opener, the Cadoret Oyster delivers a punchy medley of flavours. The briny sweetness of the Perle Noire oysters is uplifted by a bright Vietnamese dressing, while Lebanese cucumber and coriander cress lend freshness. It’s a bold yet balanced bite — a fitting tribute to the dish that left a lasting impression on Chef Carlos himself.

Smoked Sardine “Gilda” (2026) 4.5/5

A new addition to the anniversary lineup, the Smoked Sardine “Gilda” reinterprets a classic pintxo with finesse. The delicately cured and cold-smoked sardine boasts a silky, melt-in-the-mouth texture, complemented by the acidity of olives, pickled onions, and piparras. Clean, elegant, and deeply satisfying.

Foie Gras (2013) 4.2/5

Rich and indulgent, the Foie Gras is elevated with a clever interplay of textures and flavours. The buttery liver sits atop a flaky puff pastry, balanced by a leek and sherry vinegar jam that cuts through the richness with a sweet-sour brightness. Each bite is luxurious yet surprisingly well-rounded.

Momotaro Tomato (2026) 4.8/5

The Momotaro Tomato dish is a masterclass in layering flavours. Sweet, juicy Momotaro tomatoes rest on a velvety salmorejo, enriched with olive oil and garlic. The addition of Manchego ice cream introduces a nutty, savoury dimension, while burnt chive oil ties everything together with a subtle smokiness. Refreshing yet complex.

Ofunato Bay Scallops (2019) 4/5

A refined land-and-sea composition, the Ofunato Bay Scallops are perfectly seared, retaining their natural sweetness. Paired with earthy Jerusalem artichoke and accented with burnt onion, the dish gains depth and contrast. The crowning touch of Ibérico lardo melts over the scallops, adding a rich, savoury finish.

Carabinero “al ajillo” (2023) 4.5/5

A luxurious upgrade of the classic garlic prawn, the Carabinero “al ajillo” showcases the prized Carabinero prawn in all its glory. Bathed in aromatic garlic-chilli oil, the prawn is intensely sweet and juicy. The resulting oil, stained with prawn essence, is irresistible when mopped up with bread.

Sweet Potato (2018) 4.8/5

One of ESQUINA’s most sought-after dishes, the baked Sweet Potato is anything but ordinary. Slow-cooked over charcoal, it develops a deep caramelised sweetness, enhanced by ají amarillo heat, a smoked quail egg, and crunchy puffed quinoa. Comforting yet layered.

Mini Uni Paella (2018) 5/5

The Mini Uni Paella is a standout dish that steals the spotlight. The Bomba rice is intensely flavoured with lobster stock, each grain perfectly al dente. Topped with Gambero Rosso, Mongo Ika, and a generous portion of Bafun uni, the dish delivers a powerful umami explosion — decadent, rich, and utterly unforgettable.

Iberico Pork Jowl (2016) 4.2/5

Slow-cooked and finished with a crisp sear, the Iberico Pork Jowl is melt-in-the-mouth tender with a caramelised crust. Chipotle mayo adds smoky warmth, while pickled pear cuts through the richness with bright acidity. A sprinkle of shichimi togarashi rounds it off with aromatic spice.

Tarta al Whisky (2026) 4.2/5

The Tarta al Whisky is a modern reinterpretation of a classic Spanish dessert; this deconstructed version layers whisky parfait, praline, vanilla ice cream, and yema. The interplay of warm and cold elements creates a dynamic, multi-textured finale.

Crostini with Chocolate Mousse 4.2/5

Simple yet satisfying, the Crostini with Chocolate Mousse features a rich chocolate mousse elevated with sea salt and olive oil, adding depth and fragrance. The crostini provides a crisp contrast, rounding off the meal on a comforting note.

ESQUINA’s 15th anniversary menu is more than just a retrospective — it’s a celebration of its culinary journey, evolution, and enduring appeal. By revisiting past favourites while introducing new interpretations, Chef Carlos Montobbio crafts a dining experience that feels both nostalgic and exciting. Whether you’re a longtime regular or a first-time visitor, this rotating lineup offers plenty of reasons to return — before each dish disappears once again from the counter.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Esquina
16 Jiak Chuan Road
Singapore 089267
Tel: +65 62221616
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Nearest MRT: Outram Park (EW Line, NE Line), Maxwell (TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Thu: 1130am - 1030pm Fri-Sat: 1130am - 11pm
(Closed on Sun & Mon)

Direction:
1) Alight at Outram Park MRT station. Take Exit 4. Walk straight down New Bridge Road. Turn right onto Kreta Ayer Road. Turn right again onto Keong Saik Road. Walk down Keong Saik Road. Turn left onto Teck Lim Road. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 8 minutes.[Map]

2) Alight at Maxwell MRT station. Take Exit 3. Walk down Neil Road. Turn right onto Teck Lim Road. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 5 minutes. [Map]

Akashi Japanese Restaurant @ Paragon - Buy 1 Get 2 Temaki Deal

Akashi’s popular Twilight Hour promotion runs from Monday to Friday, from 2.30pm onwards, offering a Buy 1 Get 2 deal on all signature temaki (excluding Uni Temaki). Beyond the promotion, we also sampled several of the restaurant’s signature dishes to see whether they were worth a return visit.

Temaki 5/5

We sampled six freshly made Temaki varieties — Spicy Sake, California, Chef’s Special (featuring Tuna and Uni), Salmon & Tamago, Negitoro, and Beef Steak served with a raw egg dipping sauce. Prices start from an affordable $6 and go up to $48 for the premium Uni Temaki. What impressed us most was the generous amount of fillings packed into every handroll. Unlike many temaki, where the ingredients disappear halfway through, these remained generously filled right down to the final bite.

It was honestly one of the most satisfying temaki experiences we’ve had. That said, don’t expect three handrolls to leave you completely full. With a rice-to-filling ratio of roughly 30:70, the emphasis here is clearly on quality ingredients rather than carb-heavy portions.

Nasu Awaseyaki 4.8/5

Nasu Awaseyaki ($20) features Japanese eggplant topped with homemade miso. What stood out immediately was the texture. Instead of the soft, melt-in-your-mouth consistency typically associated with eggplant, this version offered a pleasant bite and slight crunch. Encased in a light tempura-style coating, the eggplant remained juicy within, while the savoury miso topping added depth and umami. Interestingly, the combination somehow reminded us of fried bananas! It was unexpected, yet surprisingly enjoyable.

Wakadori 4.5/5

Wakadori ($18) is a pan-seared chicken dish glazed with teriyaki sauce. The chicken was executed beautifully, with crisp, golden skin giving way to tender and juicy meat. We approached this dish with modest expectations, as teriyaki sauces can often lean overly sweet. Thankfully, Akashi strikes a more balanced savoury-sweet profile. As we continued eating, the flavour became strangely familiar, reminiscent of marmite chicken but subtler and more refined. This is the kind of dish that practically begs for a bowl of steamed rice.

Kani Ramen 4.5/5

Kani Ramen ($18) is a stir-fried ramen dish topped with fresh crab meat. The flavour profile was lighter and more nuanced than expected. There was a gentle tanginess running through the dish, which initially led us to believe vinegar was involved. We later learned that the acidity actually came from Japanese sake, lending the noodles a subtle brightness without overpowering the crab’s sweetness. Portion-wise, it was just right, satisfying without feeling heavy or cloying, making it an easy dish to finish.

While the Buy 1 Get 2 Temaki promotion is undoubtedly the headline attraction, Akashi’s signature dishes proved equally capable of holding their own. The standout for us was undoubtedly the temaki, thanks to the freshness of the ingredients and the generous fillings packed into every roll.

If you’re looking for a casual Japanese dining spot that delivers quality ingredients, well-executed dishes and excellent value during off-peak hours, Akashi’s Twilight Hour promotion is certainly worth checking out.

Photos and words by Jaslyn. An avid cook who lives to eat and travel for food. Note: This is an invited tasting.


Akashi Japanese Restaurant
Pargaon
290 Orchard Road
#B1-01/02
Singapore 238859
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Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS, TE Line), Somerset (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 10pm

Direction:
1. Alight at Somerset MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to ground level. Turn left onto Orchard Road. Walk down Orchard Road. At the traffic junction of Orchard Road and Orchard Link, cross the road. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 10 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit 2 or 3. Proceed to the road level. Walk down Orchard Road until the junction of Orchard Road and Orchard Link. Cross the road and walk to Paragon. Journey time is about 12 minutes. [Map]