Showing posts with label Jamon. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Jamon. Show all posts

Wednesday, September 3, 2025

Bancheria @ Concourse Skyline (Beach Road) - Where Banchan Meets Tapas, First Korean X Spanish Concept in Singapore

Chorizo Tteokbokki 1

Singapore has seen its fair share of fusion concepts, but Bancheria sets itself apart as the first Korean x Spanish dining experience. Cosy yet vibrant, the restaurant is a playful stage where tapas and banchan meet, creating bold, unexpected flavour pairings. Bancheria feels both familiar and adventurous, precisely the kind of place where you'll want to bring friends to eat, drink and explore.

Signature Bancheria Banchan Platter 1
Signature Bancheria Banchan Platter 4/5

Our meal began with the show-stopping Signature Bancheria Banchan Platter ($12 per guest), a colourful spread of nine in-house banchan. Seasonal and ever-changing, the platter promises a different mix with every visit. Highlights from our visit included the crunchy pickled mustard greens, Spanish tortilla, Jeju mandarin kimchi and spicy jamón cucumber. The platter is priced per head, must be ordered by the whole table and comes with up to three refills. This makes the perfect bite over drinks.

Bancheria Mozzeralla Balls with Kimchi Tomato Jam 1
Bancheria Mozzarella Balls with Kimchi Tomato Jam 4/5

Bancheria Paaprika Fried Chicken Wings 1
Bancheria Paaprika Fried Chicken Wings 4/5

If there's one thing Bancheria does well, it's fried food. We sampled two signature tapas: Mozzarella Balls with Kimchi Tomato Jam ($7 for 3 pcs) and Paprika Fried Chicken Wings ($12 for 2 pcs). The mozzarella balls are exactly what you'd expect - hot, stretchy cheese encased in a crisp shell, but the kimchi tomato jam takes them up a notch, cutting through the richness with a tangy-sweet bite. The chicken wings were a revelation with crispy skin and juicy meat. Totally unexpected for wings to taste this good.

Bancheria Jamon Fries with Broken Egg 1

Bancheria Jamon Fries with Broken Egg 2
Bancheria Jamon Fries with Broken Egg 3.8/5

The Bancheria Jamon Fries with Broken Egg ($18) is indulgence done right, starting with the fries themselves, which are crispy, golden and easily some of the best fries I've had in a while. The creamy broken egg ties everything together, coating each fry in a rich, velvety layer. A generous snowfall of shredded cheese adds nutty depth while the jamón brings a punch of savoury-salty flavour that keeps things exciting. This is a great alternative to the usual truffle fries.

Iberico Bulgogi & Pipparas Montadito 1
Iberico Bulgogi & Pipparas Montadito 4/5

Soy Crab Salad Montadito 1
Soy Crab Salad Montadito 3/5

Next came the Montaditos, open-faced bites served on crusty bread. The Iberico Bulgogi & Piparras ($8) was an instant favourite with tender, savoury bulgogi elevated by the kick of fresh piparras peppers. The Soy Crab Salad ($8) had generous chunks of crab, which I appreciated, though my dining partner found it a touch fishy. A squeeze of lime would have brightened the flavours and brought balance.

Chorizo Tteokbokki 2

Chorizo Tteokbokki 3
Chorizo Tteokbokki 5/5

For something heartier, the Chorizo Tteokbokki ($22) is a must-order. Chewy tteokbokki (Korean rice cakes) are coated in an addictive gochujang cream, layered with broken manchego and finished with aged sherry vinegar. The dish also hides pieces of Korean fish cake for extra texture and nostalgia. It's rich, bold and utterly satisfying that we cleaned the plate in minutes. It's no surprise this is Bancheria's bestseller; it's the dish we're already craving to return for.

Hotteok with Honey 1
Hotteok with Homemade Honey Selections 3.8/5

Churros 1
Churros with Plum & Cinnamon 3.8/5

Desserts at Bancheria are as playful as the savouries. The Hotteok ($5 per pc) arrives with a tasting flight of housemade honeys, each infused with unique flavours like orange peel, barley, corn, peppermint and even garlic. We loved the crispy pancake skin with its gooey brown sugar centre, especially paired with the orange peel honey.

The Churros ($4 per pc) are dusted with plum and cinnamon, an inventive twist that’s intriguing, though we still prefer the classic cinnamon-sugar (which is also available). A new Gochujang Chocolate Dip is in the works, which we’ll definitely be back to try. For cheesecake lovers, keep an eye out as Basque Burnt Cheesecake by Michelin-starred chef Albert Adrià will soon debut on the menu as well!

Solmija Cocktail
Solmija

House Sangria (Red)
House Sangria (Red)

Be sure to check out Bancheria's cocktails, priced at a very approachable $12. We tried the Solmija (gin, lemon, mint, omija, egg white), which is refreshing with a touch of herbaceous complexity and the House Sangria (Red), a fruit-infused wine topped with a foamy crown of red wine. Both were easy-drinking and perfect complements to the bold flavours of the food.

Restaurant

Bancheria is more than a fusion restaurant — it's a creative playground that makes you excited to see what's next. With a cosy, friendly vibe, pet-friendly outdoor seating and a menu that evolves with seasonal banchan and new creations, it's the kind of spot that rewards repeat visits. Just make sure to book ahead as tables are limited, especially on weekends.

PS: By popular demand, the full menu will be available all day on weekends starting 6 September 2025. Weekday lunch features lunch sets alongside selected tapas.

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


Bancheria
Concourse Skyline
302 Beach Road
#01-06
Singapore 199600
Tel: +65 8788 3337
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Nearest MRT: Nicoll Highway (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon, Wed-Sun: 1130am - 9pm
(Closed on Tue)

Direction:
1) Alight at Nicoll Highway MRT station. Take Exit A. Take the overhead bridge and walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Sunday, June 22, 2025

Oscar's @ Conrad Centennial Singapore - The Sea, Smoke & Spice New Themed Buffet Experience

Seafood on Ice 1

Known for its generous spreads and lively live stations, Oscar's at Conrad Singapore Marina Bay presents two new themed dinner experiences: The Sea, Smoke & Spice and Flavours of Yesteryear. Celebrating both the bold and the familiar, each theme invites diners to savour distinct culinary stories, from flame-kissed signatures to comforting heirloom recipes.

Seafood on Ice 2

We tried The Sea, Smoke & Spice theme buffet, and here's our review.

Seafood on Ice 5

Seafood on Ice 3

The evening begins with a refreshing taste of the sea. The Seafood Bar featuring freshly shucked Oysters, Slipper Lobsters, Mussels and Flower Crabs is not to be missed. We especially enjoyed the oysters that were sweet, plump, and incredibly fresh.

Jamon 2

A surprise highlight was the freshly sliced Jamón. We recommend pairing it with the sweet melon from the fruit section for a classic, satisfying combination.

Risotto 1

Risotto 2

Another standout for us was the Mushroom Risotto. Served with whipped Chantilly and sautéed mushrooms, it's finished in a dramatic Parmesan wheel. The al dente rice was creamy and well-seasoned, with rich, earthy mushroom notes that packed a punch.

Lamb Shoulder 2
Slow-Roasted Lamb Shoulder

Chermoula Fish Pot 2
Chermoula Fish Pot

For those who love deep, bold flavours, the Slow-Roasted Lamb Shoulder, infused with aromatic spices, was tender and juicy, with a savoury richness. The Chermoula Fish Pot featured flaky fish marinated in North African herbs and spices. Both dishes were flavourful, though potentially a little heavy for those with lighter palates.

Oven Roasted Striploin
Oven Roasted Marinated Angus Beef Striploin

Pulled Beef Sliders & Marinated Spanish Octopus
Pulled Beef Sliders and Marinated Spanish Octopus

The Oven-Roasted Marinated Angus Beef Striploin was a crowd-pleaser, especially when paired with the variety of sauces offered. We found the Pulled Beef Sliders to be a little dry, although the flavour came through well. The Marinated Spanish Octopus, served on a soft jacket potato with sour cream and olive oil, leaned salty. While the potato was beautifully cooked, crispy on the outside and soft within, we found it slightly overpowered the octopus.

Outdoor BBQ 1

Outdoor BBQ 4

Outdoor BBQ 3

The heart of the Sea, Smoke & Spice experience lies at the Live Charcoal BBQ. Smoky and sizzling from the grill:

• Sticky Australian Lamb Ribs
• Spice-rubbed Hanger Steak
• Kurobuta Pork Tomahawk
• Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms

Locally farmed Barramundi and Tara-marinated prawns grilled just right added a coastal flourish to the mix.

Tandoori 2

Right next to the BBQ, don’t miss the Sizzling Tandoori Delights. We loved the Tandoori Chicken and Seabass, and the Chukandari Paneer Tikka stood out for its bold seasoning. Pair everything with fresh naan bread for a complete experience.

Laksa 1

A must-have at Oscar’s: the Signature Seafood Laksa at the Live Noodles Station. Rich, creamy and comforting, served with tofu puff, prawns, fish cake and a quail egg.

Dessert - Strawberry 1
Fresh Strawberries

Dessert - Strawberry 2
Macarons

To end on a sweet note, the buffet's dessert selection is a dream come true for strawberry lovers. Fresh strawberries shine across shortcakes, praline tarts, mousse domes, and the signature Strawberry Romanoff. The fruit's tartness and aroma cut through the savoury dishes with perfect balance.

Dessert - Strawberry 5
Almond Strawberry Tart

Dessert - Strawberry 7
Strawberry Cheesecake

Dessert - Strawberry 1=4
Strawberry-Inspired Chocolate Bar

Other strawberry-inspired delights include:

• Almond Strawberry Tart
• Strawberry Cheesecake
• Strawberry-infused Chocolate Bar
• Strawberry Panna Cotta
• Macarons

Dessert - Strawberry 9
Strawberry Pannacotta

The Sea, Smoke & Spice dinner buffet is available from Wednesdays to Saturdays, 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM, and is priced at S$96++ per adult and S$48++ per child (aged 6 to 12). Reservations are highly recommended at https://www.sevenrooms.com/experiences/oscars

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


Oscar's
Conrad Centennial Hotel Singapore
2 Temasek Boulevard
Singapore 038982
Tel: +65 64327481
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Website
Nearest MRT: Promenade (CC Line, DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 6am - 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Promenade MRT station. Take Exit B. Continue walking along Temasek Avenue to destination Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

Friday, May 16, 2025

MoVida @ Raffles City - Affordable San Sebastian-Inspired Lunch Set from $29

Restaurant 1

Movida introduces a wallet-friendly San Sebastian-inspired lunch set, starting from just $29 – an attractive deal given its prime city centre location. Available daily from 12pm to 3pm, the set lets diners choose from 2 Tapas + 1 Main for $29, 4 Tapas + 1 Main for $35, or 5 Tapas + 1 Main for $40. Perfect for foodies looking to sample a spread of dishes in one sitting, this offering brings variety and value to the table.

We went with the 4 Tapas + 1 Main option, and since there were two of us, we managed to sample a total of 8 tapas. It gave us an excellent overview of the selection available.

Crab Crumpet and Duck Rillete in Crumpet 1
Crab Crumpet 4/5 and Home-made Duck Rillette in Crumpet 4/5

The Crab Crumpet (+$2) was a delightful one-biter. It is light, fresh and elegantly paired with saffron emulsion and finger lime. Meanwhile, the Home-made Duck Rillette in Crumpet was richer and more flavourful, featuring confit duck, pipparas, gherkin and a touch of oriental mustard for contrast.

Tuna Tartare with Grilled Avocado 1
Tuna Tartare with Grilled Avocado 4/5

Tarteleta 1
Tarteleta 4.2/5

Two tapas stood out in particular. The Tuna Tartare paired well with roasted avocado and a bright citrus dressing, a refreshing and well-balanced dish. The Tarteleta (+$2), a brik pastry tart filled with chicken liver parfait and verjuice, surprised us. Despite usually avoiding liver, this tartlet delivered a burst of flavour that was both rich and nuanced.

Anchoa 1
Anchoa 3.8/5

Pan con Tomate & Jamón 1
Pan con Tomate & Jamón 3.5/5

The Anchoa (+$2) – a Cantabrian artisan anchovy with smoked tomato sorbet – impressed with its quality and pleasant saltiness. However, as we shared it, the portion felt a little too small to savour fully. The Pan con Tomate & Jamón was classic but unremarkable, with a faint 'bad oil' aftertaste on the bread that distracted from the otherwise fresh components.

Croqueta 1
Croqueta Del Dia 4/5

Octopus with Panchetta 1
Octopus with Panchetta 3/5

The Croqueta del Día, made with Manchego cheese, was a comforting and well-loved classic. Ask the staff about the daily flavour. On the other hand, the Octopus with Pancetta was a miss – the pancetta overpowered the octopus entirely, which got lost in the bite.

Gambas al Ajilio 1
Gambas al Ajilio 3.5/5

Paella del Día 1
Paella del Día 4/5

For mains, we tried the Gambas al Ajillo and Paella del Día. The gambas were fresh and crunchy but let down by burnt garlic, which left a bitter finish. The portion also felt a little small as a main, though the preceding tapas helped to fill us up. The highlight was the Paella, a squid ink version with calamari and fish. It is bold, briny, and well-executed.

Flan 1
Flan 3.8/5

Churros con Chocolate 1
Churros con Chocolate 3.8/5

For an additional $8, you can opt for dessert. Our pick is always the Churros, served with a chocolate sauce, but it was a bit too diluted for our liking. While the texture was crunchy, we missed the chewy centre we're accustomed to. The Flan, a creamy Spanish-style caramel custard, was pleasantly spiced and complemented by pestinos pastries that reminded us of masala chai. The third option available is a Spanish-style Rice Pudding.

Lychee and Aperol Spritz 1
Lychee Blossom and Aperol Spritz

Top up $4 for non-alcoholic beverages like Lychee Blossom or Shirley Temple, or $8 for alcoholic options such as Kalimotxo or Aperol Spritz. These make great pairings to round off your lunch.

Movida's new lunch set offers a solid, value-for-money experience that encourages exploration of Spanish flavours. While there were hits and a few misses, the variety and affordability make this a worthwhile option for a satisfying midday indulgence in the heart of the city.

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


MoVida
Raffles City
252 North Bridge Road
#03-43
Singapore 179103
Tel: +65 83808509
Facebook
Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: City Hall (EW, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 12pm - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at City Hall MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]