Showing posts with label .Station: Maxwell. Show all posts
Showing posts with label .Station: Maxwell. Show all posts

Wednesday, April 30, 2025

Pulsii French Bistro @ Tras Street - Where French Finesse Meets Japanese Precision

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Formerly known as Pulsii Woodfire Restaurant, the establishment has now rebranded itself as Pulsii French Bistro, ushering in a new era of refined French cuisine imbued with the subtle artistry of Japanese technique. Helmed by Chef Daisuke Yoshikawa, whose culinary pedigree includes experience in Michelin-starred Japanese kitchens, the restaurant now offers an elegant lineup of small plates and mains that showcase his signature precision and flair.

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Chef Canape's - 3 Kinds 4.2/5

Dinner commenced on a high note with the Chef Canape's – 3 Kinds ($20). This delightful trio of bite-sized creations includes a red prawn tartlet topped with ikura, a foie gras croquette, and a cheese-filled canelé. Each offered a unique interplay of texture and flavour, creating an enticing preview of what's to come.

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Brandade Croquettes, Chicken Liver Mousse, Uni Seaweed Brioche 4.2/5

We continued with an elegant trio of small bites, each delivering a distinct expression of flavour and craftsmanship. The Brandade Croquette ($4) was delicately crisp on the outside, breaking apart to reveal a warm, creamy interior of salted cod and potato, a comforting blend elevated by subtle seasoning. The Chicken Liver Mousse ($8) was decadently smooth and rich, its earthy intensity tempered by a hint of sweetness, spread luxuriously atop a crisp toast. Completing the trio was the Uni Seaweed Brioche ($15), a decadent bite where briny, buttery sea urchin melted into the warm, pillowy brioche, subtly perfumed by seaweed. Together, these bites formed a symphony of textures and flavours, refined and deeply satisfying.

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Yuzu Cervelle De Canut 4.2/5

The Yuzu Cervelle De Canut ($29) was a fun, multi-sensory dish that surprised and delighted. Silky tuna sashimi paired with a bright yuzu cheese dip and topped with caviar created layers of freshness, acidity, and umami. The crispy potato gaufrettes served on the side allowed you to assemble your perfect bite, which is both playful and sophisticated.

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Grilled Yellowtail 4.8/5

One of the standout dishes of the night was the Grilled Yellowtail ($26). Thick slices of yellowtail were perfectly grilled for a light smoky char, then finished with burnt mandarin orange and watermelon radish for acidity and crunch. Resting on a vibrant shungiku puree, the dish was a masterclass in balance that is rich yet refreshing.

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Grilled Lamb Tenderloin 3.8/5

The Grilled Lamb Tenderloin ($25), served medium rare, came paired with spring onion puree, anchovy, and Kanzuri chilli oil. While the lamb was tender, the flavour lacked the natural gaminess that lamb lovers might expect. The chilli oil pairing, while creative, felt discordant and didn't quite lift the dish.

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Magret Duck Breast 4.2/5

The Magret Duck Breast ($55) fared better, with its juicy, tender slices and rich duck fat under crisped skin delivering on flavour. Paired with a miso balsamic sauce and maitake mushrooms, this dish struck a more satisfying balance of depth and umami.

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Rack of Iberico Pork 200g 4/5

Closing off the savoury courses was the Rack of Iberico Pork ($40), a generous cut served atop creamy mashed potato and crispy fried corn. The pork was succulent and well-cooked, though the dish could have benefited from a more assertive, tangy sauce to fully elevate the meat's natural sweetness.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Pulsii French Bistro
55 Tras Street
Singapore 078994
Tel: +65 9689 8407
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Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line), Maxwell (TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Sat: 12pm - 3pm, 6pm - 12midnight
(Closed on Sun)

Direction:
1) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to Tras Street. Turn right onto Tras Street. Walk down Tras Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Maxwell MRT station. Take Exit 2. Turn left and walk down Tanjong Pagar Road. Turn left onto Tras Street. Walk down Tras Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Wednesday, April 23, 2025

Wild Blaze @ Tras Street - Newly Launched $38++ Lunch Set At a Premium Dining Experience

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Located along the bustling street of Tras Street, Wild Blaze is a premium steakhouse that has been quietly making waves since its opening nine months ago. This elegant establishment is helmed by Chef Nic Wong, who spent 12 years as the executive chef at Brasserie Gavroche before taking over the space. At Wild Blaze, the dining experience extends beyond perfectly cooked steaks – it's about craftsmanship, attention to detail, and an all-around elevated experience.

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The restaurant exudes sophistication, with plush interiors, warm lighting and exceptional service. Their newly launched $38++ lunch set offers incredible value despite the fine-dining ambience. With quality ingredients, hearty portions, and thoughtful presentation, it's a steal!

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Foccacia Bread with Sundried Tomato Butter
Focaccia with Sundried Tomato Butter 4/5

Each set begins with a serving of their homemade Focaccia paired with Sun-Dried Tomato Butter — a combination so delicious that it's hard to stop at just one slice. The butter is rich, tangy, and aromatic, elevating the freshly baked bread effortlessly.

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Chef Nic presented us with four out of the five appetiser choices (the fifth being a Beetroot Salad with Goat Cheese). Here's what we tasted:

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Clam Chowder 4.2/5

This comforting bowl of Clam Chowder was rich without being overly heavy. Brimming with ingredients, the soup was creamy, flavourful and satisfying.

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Salmon Tartare 4/5

A visual delight, the Salmon Tartare (+$4) was fresh and well-balanced, with crème fraîche, chives and cucumber pickles adding a nice zing. It paired beautifully with their house focaccia – we recommend saving a piece (or asking for more) to mop up the goodness.

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Fried Calamari 3/5

While we appreciated the use of fresh squid, the Fried Calamari was slightly over-fried, resulting in a tougher texture. The seasoning was spot on, and the chorizo aioli added a nice kick, but the chewiness slightly overshadowed the dish.

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Melon Ham 3.8/5

A classic combination of sweet Melon and savoury Ham. While the flavours worked, the portion felt a bit lean – just three slices of ham to a generous heap of melon. Still, it was a refreshing start to the meal.

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We sampled three of the five main options. Grilled Miso Salmon and Beef Bourguignon Bone Marrow Pie were not featured.

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Fettuccine Crab Pasta 4.2/5

The Fettuccine Crab Pasta was a delightful surprise. The tomato-based sauce, subtly spiced, reminded us of our local dish - chilli crab. Generous shreds of crab clung to every al dente strand of pasta, delivering a flavourful, comforting bite. It grew on us quickly – not a strand was left behind!

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Vintage Ribeye 4.2/5

Another thing Chef Nic takes pride in, other than great cooking, is ageing meats. Their ageing room is visible to all guests, where premium cuts of meat undergo a meticulous transformation, enhancing their natural flavours and creating unparalleled depth. This process is overseen by Chef Nic Wong, who travelled to Italy to earn his certification from the prestigious Stagionello Academy. His mastery of ageing techniques elevates every steak to a true work of art.

For just $10 more, you can upgrade to their Vintage Ribeye – a must-try. The steak was beautifully seared, well-seasoned and cooked to our preferred medium doneness. It had a familiar depth of flavour reminiscent of Cantonese roast pork on our first bite, which was both surprising and enjoyable. Served with bearnaise sauce and the in-house fries, which were crisp and addictive – no frozen alternatives here! Tip: Request for the mini chopper instead of the regular steak knife for cute photos.

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Duck Parmentier 3.8/5

The Duck Parmentier felt like a French twist on shepherd's pie, featuring shredded duck beneath a layer of mashed potatoes. While flavourful and comforting, it leaned a bit heavy and dry after several bites. It works better as a sharing dish than being a main dish.

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Apple Pie 3.8/5

To end the meal, we tried both dessert options. Served with Madagascar vanilla ice cream, the Apple Pie featured apple slices that retained their crunch. Not too sweet and fragrant from real vanilla beans, it's a lovely ending for those who enjoy a fruity dessert.

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Crème Brûlée 4.5/5

This is a clear winner in our books. Creamy, silky, and with just the right level of sweetness, the Crème Brûlée was rich and satisfying, with a perfectly torched caramel top. It was a standout finish to the meal.

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Wild Blaze’s $38++ set lunch offers tremendous value for a premium dining experience. With its sophisticated setting, warm hospitality and Chef Nic’s thoughtful menu, it’s a treat for both steak lovers and those seeking quality European fare. There’s also a well-curated wine selection for those who wish to pair their meal with a glass (or two).

For private occasions, the restaurant features an intimate dining room that seats up to 12 guests. The minimum spend for lunch is $2,000, and for dinner, it is $4,000 — ideal for celebrations or corporate gatherings.

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


Wild Blaze
66 Tras Street
Singapore 079005
Tel: +65 9371 3900
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Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line), Maxwell (TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 230pm, 6pm - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to Tras Street. Turn right onto Tras Street. Walk down Tras Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Maxwell MRT station. Take Exit 2. Turn left and walk down Tanjong Pagar Road. Turn left onto Tras Street. Walk down Tras Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Saturday, April 12, 2025

Maggie's @ Keong Saik Road - The Rebellious Sister of Marcy that Serves Up Boundary-Pushing Chinese Cuisine

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Meet Maggie'sMarcy's mei mei, a.k.a. darling little sister. If Marcy's is all elegance and polish, Maggie's is the rebellious one who rolls up her sleeves, throws caution to the wind, and serves up a daring, boundary-pushing adventure for your taste buds.

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Maggie's blends the old with the new, East with West, bold with refined. An "Almost Chinese" bistro that plays by no one's rules, Maggie's celebrates flavour that doesn't bow to tradition. Instead, it dances on the edge, leading a high-energy, flavour revolution that leaves you craving more. Led by Chef Ryan Nile Choo, the menu at Maggie's is kept concise, meant to be enjoyed in a sharing style, and will be refreshed every quarter. The current iteration of the menu is rather adventurous, featuring dishes such as cod milt, quail, and lamb tartare.

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First, the space is absolutely stunning. The low ceilings and vibey red lighting set the perfect mood, blending vintage 'grandma chic' with a touch of '70s glamour. It's a space that feels both nostalgic and effortlessly cool, like stepping into a time capsule where vintage elegance meets modern edge. There are lots of little thoughtful details in the décor, so take the time to soak it all in.

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"Golden Gun" Cigars 4.5/5

The first dish we tried was the "Golden Gun" Cigars ($18 for 2 pc). These feature bigeye tuna crudo mixed with olive leaves (kana chai) and wrapped in a crispy, golden skin like a spring roll. It's finished with a dusting of tomato powder and served on a bed of crème fraiche and spring onions. I loved how the olive leaves added a unique subtle, earthy note to the dish.

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Golden Prawn Croque-Madame 4.8/5

Next up was the Golden Prawn Croque-Madame ($25), and wow, what an excellent flavour combination! A Tiger Prawn "Mojo" prawn paste infused with Sichuan green peppercorns for that signature mala kick is sandwiched between two thin, crispy slices of homemade focaccia. There's also a fried egg on top, and it's all tied together with a refreshing passionfruit hollandaise that adds a burst of tangy creaminess to balance out the slight mala heat.

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Fufu e Pepe 4.2/5

The Fufu e Pepe ($26) was the polarising dish of the evening. Inspired by the classic Caccio e Pepe, hand-pulled La Mian is coated with a sauce made with fermented bean curd and tossed with guanciale pecorino and Jinhua ham. The flavours are deep and intense, with the Jinhua ham adding a smoky richness as well. Some might consider this dish way too pungent to enjoy. However, for those who relish adventurous, complex tastes, this is a dish worth trying.

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Roasted Pomfret 4.2/5

The Roasted Pomfret ($36 half, $58 whole) can be ordered as a half or full portion and is cooked with green peppercorn salsa verde and extra virgin olive oil. The fish is fresh and delicious, with a subtle mala spiciness that adds an additional layer of flavour. However, do note that the fish isn't fully de-boned, and the dim lighting can make it tricky to navigate, so take your time to work your way through this dish.

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Maggie’s 8 Treasures 4/5

For dessert, we enjoyed Maggie's 8 Treasures ($16), a combination of glutinous rice, red date gelato, red bean cloud, longans, jujubes, and peanut brittle. I liked the date ice cream and peanut brittle, but I found the glutinous rice element too heavy for dessert; it felt like a lot to digest at the end of the meal.

Maggie's is a promising newcomer to Keong Saik Road. It offers diners an innovative and exciting experience paired with a beautifully designed ambience. It's very suitable for a date or girl's night out. As they continue to refresh the menu for future runs, I hope they keep some of the standout dishes from this iteration, like the prawn croque madame, which is unforgettable!

Penned by Shermine. Through her pictures and stories, she shares her journey of savouring new flavours and experiences. Note: This is an invited tasting.


Maggie's
1 Keong Saik Road
#01-04
Singapore 089109
Tel: +65 9622 6679
Facebook
Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: Outram Park (EW, NE, TE Line), Maxwell (TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Thu, Sun: 530pm - 1030pm
Fri-Sat: 530pm - 1130pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Outram Park MRT station. Take Exit 4. Walk straight towards Kreta Ayer Road. Turn right onto Keong Siak Road. Walk down Keong Siak Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Maxwell MRT station. Take Exit 3. Walk straight down Neil Road to Keong Saik Road. Turn right onto Keong Saik Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 mintues. [Map]

Monday, April 7, 2025

Bonjour by Ma Cuisine @ Craig Road - Breakfast With A Parisian Vibe

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The much-beloved Michelin-starred Ma Cuisine has introduced Bonjour by Ma Cuisine, capturing a Parisian bistro's casual and relaxed charm. Sharing the same space at Craig Road, the menu is crafted with classic French breakfast and lunch favourites, reimagined with a modern touch.

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Poireaux Vinaigrette 4/5

For appetisers, we tried the Poireaux Vinaigrette ($15.80) and a Lyonnaise speciality, Quenelle De Brochet Sauce Nantua ($20.80). The first is a traditional French dish featuring leeks slow-cooked to tender perfection, drizzled with a tangy mustard vinaigrette, and topped with delicate mimosa egg crumbles. I love leeks, and this dish didn't disappoint — their almost creamy texture was beautifully complemented by the bright acidity of the vinaigrette and the richness of the egg crumbles, with crispy mini bread crumbles adding a satisfying contrast.

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Quenelle De Brochet Sauce Nantua 5/5

The Quenelle De Brochet ($20.80) pays homage to Lyon's culinary heritage. It is similar to our fish paste but with a much softer, almost creamy texture and a subtly milky taste. The accompanying sauce, Nantua — a luxurious crayfish butter sauce enriched with cream and Cognac — adds depth of flavour while further enhancing the dish's rich, velvety mouthfeel.

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Croque Madame Truffé 4/5

For a more breakfast-leaning option, the bistro's Croque Madame Truffé ($28.80) takes indulgence to the next level. Extra-crispy, thin and buttery sourdough encases truffle, Comté cheese, and ham. But what truly stole the show for me was the beautifully and meticulously executed sunny-side-up egg — its golden yolk glistening in a deep orangey hue, beckoning to be unveiled.

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Linguine au Parmesan 4.5/5

Another much-raved-about dish is the handmade Linguine au Parmesan ($14.90). Tossed in a sauce made with 24-month-aged Parmigiano Reggiano, the handmade tagliatelle was cooked to the perfect doneness, allowing it to uphold the richness of the sauce while remaining surprisingly light on the palate. Personally, I would have enjoyed it even more with a crack of coarse black pepper.

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Coquelet Français Rôti 4.5/5

The Coquelet Français Rôti ($19.90), a rustic French spring roast chicken seasoned with herbes de Provence, garlic, and butter, was simple but well executed. It offered crisped skin and succulent, flavourful meat.

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Trou Normand 4/5

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Crème Caramel 5/5

We tried the Trou Normand ($12.60) and Crème Caramel ($9.80) for desserts. The first was a scoop of apple sorbet with a shot of Calvados Château du Breuil 15 YO, delivering a boozy and refreshing kick that awakened my senses. The latter was a comforting classic, featuring a smooth, decadent custard dressed in bittersweet caramelised sugar.

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To round off the experience, sip on a glass of wine or indulge in classic French apéritifs such as Kir Royal and Mimosa.

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Photos and words by Si An. A girl who is allured by travelling, loves the feel of freedom, smell of the rain and the aroma of fine coffee and food. Note: This is an invited tasting.


Bonjour Ma Cuisine
39 Craig Road
Singapore 089677
Tel: +65 9627 1058
Facebook
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Website
Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line), Maxwell (TE Line), Outram Park (EW, NE, TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 8am - 230pm
(Closed on Sat & Sun)

Direction:
1) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Walk to Tanjong Pagar Road. Cross the road. Walk to Craig Road. Turn left and walk down Craig Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Outram Park MRT station. Take Exit 4. Walk to Duxton Plain Park. Turn right and walk to Neil Road. Cross the road using the underpass. Take the staircase and walk to Craig Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

3) Aloght at Maxwell MRT station. Take Exit 3. Walk down Neil Road. Cross the road at the junction of Craig Road and Neil Road. Turn left onto Craig Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Thursday, March 6, 2025

Nomada @ Keong Saik - Where Tradition Meets Bold Perspective, Where Every Flavour Tells A Story

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A recent addition to the lively Keong Saik restaurant scene, Nómada has quickly become a buzzworthy spot, even drawing a full house on a weekday evening when we visited. Chef Gonzalo Landin, formerly of Binomio and Set of Six, brings his global culinary expertise to the table, serving Spanish cuisine with a modern, innovative twist.

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The décor at Nómada showcases rustic Spanish charm with a sleek, contemporary elegance, featuring warm lighting and earthy tones. For private events, there's also a curtained-off area towards the back of the restaurant for a more intimate setting.

Upon reviewing the menu, it's clear that Chef Landin doesn't shy away from incorporating adventurous ingredients, making Nómada an exciting choice even for the seasoned foodie. If you're game to try something a little different, there's chicken liver, ox tongue and even pig ears on the menu! But don't worry if that's not for you — the à la carte format ensures everyone can choose something you'll enjoy.

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Homemade Flatbread with Za’atar 4/5

We started our dinner with the Homemade Flatbread with Za'atar ($16), a starter featuring Za'atar — a traditional Middle Eastern spice blend. This aromatic mix typically combines dried oregano, thyme, sumac, and toasted sesame seeds. The flatbread was soft and pillowy, topped with goat cheese and rocket.

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Grilled Oyster with Spicy Sobrasada 3/5

Next, we were served Grilled Oyster with Spicy Sobrasada (2pcs, $16), which had a vibrant presentation thanks to the sobrasada. This soft spread, made from cured pork sausage and seasoned with paprika and other spices, brings a smoky flavour to the dish. However, the combination of the spicy sobrasada and the oyster didn't particularly complement each other.

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Squids, Lemon & Parsley Sauce with Squid Ink Emulsion 4.2/5

I much preferred the Squid with Lemon & Parsley Sauce and Squid Ink Emulsion ($26), where the lemon and parsley sauce really stood out. Zesty and fresh, it was so delicious that I found myself going back for more. The squid itself was sufficiently tender with a slight chewiness, the subtle taste of the squid allowing the brightness of the sauce to shine through.

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Braised Short Ribs on the Bone with Cauliflower 4/5

The Braised Short Ribs on the Bone with Cauliflower ($38) was a comforting dish that delivered hearty, savoury flavours. The short ribs were cooked very well, with a fork-tender texture. However, the dish gets a bit heavy and slightly oily after a while, so it's best to share it.

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Iberico Pork Chop, Apple Cider Gels and Hipsy Cabbage 4.5/5

Between the beef and pork dishes we tried, we unanimously agreed that the Iberico Pork Chop, Apple Cider Gels and Hipsy Cabbage ($38) was our preferred choice. The pork chop was juicy and tender, with a hint of pink in the centre. We also loved the apple cider gel's subtle sweetness and tanginess, which added a lovely balance to the taste of the pork. The apple cider gel is also something interesting and different from the apple sauce you usually get with pork chops.

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Iberico Pluma Rice 4.8/5

I was very impressed with the Iberico Pluma Rice ($68), a paella dish served in a large, shallow pan. The rice was rich and savoury, having absorbed the full depth of the broth and seasonings. The texture of the rice was slightly chewy, offering a substantial mouthfeel and delightfully crispy bits at the bottom and sides. Cooked with Iberico Pluma, a tender cut of pork, this dish satisfied my paella cravings.

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Custard & Nutmeg Tart with Salted Caramel Ice Cream 4/5

At first glance, I mistook this for a cheesecake, and perhaps it was inspired by the cheesecake and given a little twist. The Custard & Nutmeg Tart, paired with Salted Caramel Ice Cream ($16), featured a velvety custard filling, subtly spiced with nutmeg, whilst the salted caramel ice cream lent this dessert a sweet and salty creaminess.

Nómada's menu is different from traditional Spanish restaurants, with a style sure to appeal to those who enjoy bold, intense flavours. The restaurant features an open-concept kitchen, allowing diners to watch the chefs at work, though it also means you might leave with a slight smokiness on your clothes.

Penned by Shermine. Through her pictures and stories, she shares her journey of savouring new flavours and experiences. Note: This is an invited tasting.


Nomada
1 Keong Saik Road
#01-05
Singapore 089109
Tel: +65 8209 7809
Facebook
Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: Outram Park (DT, EW, TE Line), Maxwell (TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 12pm - 230pm, 530pm - 1030pm
Sat: 530pm - 1030pm
(Closed on Sun)

Direction:
1) Alight at Outram Park MRT station. Take Exit 4. Walk straight towards Kreta Ayer Road. Turn right onto Keong Siak Road. Walk down Keong Siak Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Maxwell MRT station. Take Exit 3. Walk straight down Neil Road to Keong Saik Road. Turn right onto Keong Saik Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 mintues. [Map]