Sitting new in CHIJMES is Lumbre, a modern Spanish restaurant that features a contemporary menu of Spanish small plates and grilled dishes. In Spanish, Lumbre means fire, commonly associated with the "hearth of the home". It's especially apt as the menu centres around cooking with open fire and Josper charcoal grills, and their large open kitchen and stylish yet cosy interior exude an inviting warmth.
Homemade Foie Terrine, Cheese, Apple Purée and Pistachio 4.5/5
The Homemade Foie Terrine ($26) was an impressive start. The creamy terrine is topped with a Mexican cheese mouse, crushed pistachios and a mildly sweetened apple purée, served as a spread with slices of crunchy toasted bread.
Grilled Ibérico Chorizo with Mexican Cheese 4.2/5
Another starter on the menu is the Grilled Ibérico Chorizo with Mexican Cheese ($22) which features chorizo aged and smoked in-house.
Grilled Aged Beef Sliders 4.2/5
Sandwiched in between soft buns in the Grilled Aged Beef Sliders ($26) are black Angus ribeye patties that were dried and aged for 45 days. Simple marination of salt and pepper is used to retain the meat's original flavours.
Grilled White Asparagus, Bluefin Tuna Belly and Confit Green Peas 3.5/5
In the Grilled White Asparagus ($26), white asparagus from France are grilled and paired with thinly sliced Spanish bluefin tuna belly and confit green peas.
Charcoal Octopus & Ibérico Pork Belly with Chorizo Foam 4.5/5
The octopus for the Charcoal Octopus & Ibérico Pork Belly with Chorizo Foam ($38) is prepared by first slow-cooking in salt water before charcoal grilling with olive oil. The result is slices of fork-tender octopus that carry a light char, accompanied by pork belly chunks and a slightly spicy chorizo foam.
Seafood Wet Fideua ‘Arroz Caldoso’ with Calamari and Smoked Eel 4.8/5
One of our favourites was the Seafood Wet Fideua 'Arroz Caldoso' ($48). The pasta noodles thoroughly soaked up its tomato-pepper sauce and seafood stock base. It packed a lot of smoky and intensely rich seafood flavour in a mouthful, with well-charred smoked eel and cubes of calamari for more textural bites. It was a refreshing change from the usual bed of rice in paellas.
Lamb Rack with Pistachio Praline, Baby Tomatoes & Black Olives 4.5/5
Served with pistachio praline, baby tomatoes and black olives, the slightly fattier cut of Lamb Rack ($42) was cooked nicely tender and didn’t have a hint of gaminess. The pistachio praline adds a light nuttiness.
Beef Short Ribs with Smoked Cauliflower Purée and Broccoli 4/5
The Beef Short Ribs ($36) are tender and juicy and fall apart easily with a slight cutlery pull. It is paired with smoked cauliflower puree and broccoli to cut the richness.
Caramelised French Toast 4.2/5
Lumbre’s take on the seemingly simple french toast will surprise you. Their Caramelised French Toast ($16) boasts a fluffy texture, akin to a soft bread butter pudding, served with a scoop of rum and raisin ice cream.
Tiramisu 4/5
Although the menu only has a choice of three desserts, we recommend ending your meal with one. The Tiramisu ($16) is a classic done right with distinctly flavoured yet well-balanced layers.
Words by Jo. A girl who loves her Mala (麻辣) at Da La (大辣), discovering hidden food gems and a good cup of matcha latte. Note: This is an invited tasting.
Lumbre
Chijmes
30 Victoria Street
#01-20
Singapore 187996
Tel: +65 97228171
Website
Nearest MRT: City Hall (NS Line, EW Line), Bras Basah (CC Line)
Opening Hours:
Tues-Sat: 12pm - 230pm, 530pm - 1030pm
(Closed on Mon, Sun)
Direction:
1) Alight at City Hall MRT station. Take Exit A. Cut across Raffles City Shopping Centre to Bras Basah Road. At the junction of Bras Basah Road and North Bridge Road, cross the road to Chijmes. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]
2) Alight at Bras Basah MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk southwards towards Victoria Road. At the junction of Bras Basah Road and Victoria Road, cross the junction to Chijmes. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]