Carlitos @ Joo Chiat Road - New Authentic Neighbourhood Tapas Bar

Joo Chiat has welcomed a taste of Spain with Carlitos, a neighbourhood tapas bar helmed by Chef Carlos Montobbio. The restaurant offers over 30 types of tapas inspired by Chef Carlos' personal food memories across Spanish cities. From timeless classics to innovative creations, Carlitos captures the essence of Spanish gastronomy in a vibrant, relaxed setting.

Gilda Pintxo 4/5

We began our dinner with the Gilda Pintxo ($10), a skewer of smoked sardines paired with pickles and green olives. For those who might shy away from the bold flavour of sardines, the pickles and olives cleverly balance the dish, adding a tangy brightness that complements the smokiness.

Pulpo La Coruna (Spanish Octopus) 4.5/5

The Pulpo La Coruna ($20) was a crowd-pleaser. Tender Spanish octopus, perfectly cooked, is enhanced by a sprinkle of paprika, adding a mildly sweet, smoky, and slightly spicy touch that elevates the dish.

Tortilla Donostia Slice 4.8/5

One of the standouts was the Tortilla Donostia Slice ($10). This Spanish omelette, made with organic eggs, confit shallots, and potatoes, is enhanced with extra virgin olive oil. The highlight? The runny egg centre adds a delightful texture contrast to the dish.

Patatas Bravas Bonanova 4.5/5

The Patatas Bravas Bonanova ($10) is a classic with a twist featuring deep-fried agria potatoes topped with garlic aioli, spicy tomato sauce, and chilli oil. The crispy potatoes pair beautifully with the bold and flavourful sauces, making this a must-order for potato lovers.

Txipirones Bilbao 4.5/5

The Txipirones Bilbao ($20) showcases squid in two forms — grilled and deep-fried — served alongside squid rice in a robust, flavourful broth. The combination of textures and the deep umami flavours of the squid makes this dish a standout for seafood enthusiasts.

Alcachofa Brasa 4/5

The Alcachofa Brasa ($18), grilled artichokes, is charred over fire to bring out its natural earthy and nutty flavours. The smokiness from the grilling enhances the dish, making it a delightful, rustic option.

Macarrones del Cardenal 4.5/5

The Macarrones del Cardenal ($16) is a hearty pasta dish from Barcelona. Homemade penne pasta is coated in secreto ibérico sofrito and Manchego cream, resulting in a comforting, indulgent bite filled with bold Spanish flavours.

Bunuelos de Pamplona 4.2/5

The Bunuelos de Pamplona ($14) are codfish fritters paired with ajoarriero sofrito and saffron oil. Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, the fritters pack the delicate savoriness of codfish, with the saffron oil adding a touch of luxury.

Sobrassada 4.2/5

Bikini 4.2/5

Carlitos also offers Molletes - toasted flatbread sandwiches. The Sobrassada ($10) features pork sausages, burrata, and honey, creating a sweet and savoury medley. The Bikini ($12) is a decadent combination of Iberico ham, brie cheese, and truffle duxelle — a favourite for those seeking rich flavours.

Arroz Caldoso de Gambas 4.5/5

A comforting pot of Spanish stew, the Arroz Caldoso de Gambas ($28) features Mediterranean red prawns poached with vongole veraci clams in a broth enriched with rice. The dish is hearty, flavourful, and perfect for sharing.

Fricando Barcelona 4.5/5

The Fricandó Barcelona ($30) is a rich, thick ragu made with Black Angus beef and fragranced with porcini mushrooms. Paired with maitake rice, it’s a comforting, earthy dish for meat lovers.

Flan y Cafe 4/5

Dessert began with the Flan y Café ($12), a silky Spanish caramel pudding served with Corlado coffee. The creamy flan and aromatic coffee create a delightful end to the meal.

Tarta de Queso 4.5/5

Lastly, we had the Tarta de Queso ($12), a Basque burnt cheesecake tart paired with sangria sorbet. This was the dessert that kept Chef Carlos's restaurant afloat during COVID, and it's easy to see why. The fruity tang of the sorbet perfectly balances the rich, creamy cheesecake.

Carlitos is a welcome addition to Joo Chiat, offering authentic Spanish flavours in a cosy, unpretentious setting. From tapas to stews and desserts, the menu reflects Chef Carlos' culinary journey and love for Spanish cuisine. Whether you're a fan of classic tapas or looking for something unique, Carlitos delivers an authentic slice of Spain right in the heart of Singapore.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Carlitos
350 Joo Chiat Road
Singapore 427598
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Nearest MRT: Dakota (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Wed-Thu: 530pm - 11pm
Fri-Sat: 1130am - 330pm, 530pm - 11pm
Sun: 1130am - 330pm, 530pm - 1030pm
(Closed on Mon and Tue)

Direction:
1) Alight at Dakota MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to bus stop at block 99 (Stop ID 81181). Take bus number 16. Alight 4 stops later. Cross the road, turn right and walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

Kulto @ Amoy Street - Bringing Vibrant Spanish Flavours to Singapore

Kulto, located along Amoy Street, has garnered a loyal following for its authentic Spanish fare, surviving even the challenges of COVID-19 in Singapore's highly competitive food scene. Having heard much about the restaurant, I had the opportunity to visit recently and try a selection of their dishes. It was a meal that transported my taste buds to Spain, right in the heart of Singapore.

Jamon Iberico Croquettes and Truffle Mushroom Croquettes 4/5

We started with the Jamon Iberico Croquettes and Truffle Mushroom Croquettes, and they set the tone for the rest of the evening. Deep-fried to a perfect golden brown, each croquette boasted a crisp exterior while the inside was irresistibly creamy and pillowy. The savoury Jamon Iberico and earthy truffle mushroom filling made for delightful bites — simple yet packed with flavour.

Iberico Pork Belly with Piquillo Peppers & Caramelized Onion Pintxos 4/5

Next, we tried the Iberico Pork Belly with Piquillo Peppers & Caramelized Onion Pintxos. A slab of chargrilled Iberico pork belly was served atop a piece of toasted bread, and the pork itself was rich and flavourful. The caramelized onions added a perfect sweetness, cutting through the richness of the pork and creating a balanced and satisfying bite.

Salmon Tartare, Crispy Avocado & Almond Cream 4.5/5

A standout dish of the evening was the Salmon Tartare, Crispy Avocado & Almond Cream ($26). At first, the combination seemed unusual, but it turned out to be a unique pairing that worked surprisingly well. The freshness of the salmon paired beautifully with the creamy avocado, while the almond cream brought everything together with its rich, nutty flavour. It is a harmonious and inventive dish that I'd happily order again.

Roasted Cauliflower with Garlic Chilli Sauce, Hummus & Hazelnuts 4.8/5

I'm a fan of roasted cauliflower, having tried an excellent rendition at Kulto's sister restaurant. When I saw the Roasted Cauliflower ($24) on Kulto's menu, it was a must-order for me. This version did not disappoint — the spicy kick from the garlic chilli sauce elevated the charred and crunchy cauliflower. The creamy hummus and the delightful crunch of hazelnuts further enhanced the dish, adding multiple layers of texture and flavour.

Iberico Pork Rib Eye with Celeriac Puree & Broccolini 250g 4.5/5

For the main protein, we opted for the Iberico Pork Rib Eye with Celeriac Puree & Broccolini ($38). The pork rib eye was perfectly cooked, with a beautiful char on the outside, yet tender and juicy on the inside. The accompanying celeriac puree was smooth and earthy, complementing the pork, while the broccolini added a touch of freshness to round off the dish. It is a hearty and satisfying choice for those who enjoy robust flavours.

Squid Ink Paella 4.5/5

A highlight of Kulto's menu is their Squid Ink Paella, which comes in two sizes ($55 for a small portion, $75 for a larger one). Looking around the dining room, it was clear this dish was a crowd favourite, with many tables opting for it. The squid ink-infused rice was rich with the briny essence of the sea, and the dish was loaded with seafood, including seabass, mussels, clams, and squid. Every bite bursts with flavour, making it a must-try if you're a paella fan.

Kulto Cheesecake 5/5

To wrap up the meal, we indulged in the Kulto Cheesecake ($16). This dessert was a showstopper. Creamy and cheesy with a beautifully caramelized top, it had just the right amount of richness. The biscuity base added a satisfying crunch, while the accompanying raspberry ice cream helped cut through the cheesecake's richness. It was the perfect way to end the meal and is a definite must-have for any visit to Kulto.

Kulto impresses with its vibrant and flavourful Spanish fare, offering a variety of dishes that showcase the best of Spanish cuisine with a modern twist. The restaurant's cosy and laid-back ambience adds to the overall dining experience, making it a great spot to enjoy with friends and family. Whether you're in the mood for a rich Squid Ink Paella or looking to end your meal on a sweet note with their creamy Kulto Cheesecake, this Amoy Street gem delivers in every way.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Kulto
87 Amoy Street
Singapore 069906
Tel: +65 96205626
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Nearest MRT: Telok Ayer (DT Line), Tanjong Pagar (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Sat: 12pm - 230pm, 530pm - 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Telok Ayer MRT station. Take Exit A. Turn left and walk down Cross Street towards Amoy Street. Turn left onto Amoy Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit G. Follow the covered walkway to the junction of Mccallum Street, Telok Ayer and Amoy Street. Turn left at the junction onto Amoy Street. Continue on Amoy Street to the end of the road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

TXA Pintxo Bar @ The Alkaff Mansion - Bringing Basque Culture And Lifestyle To The Greenery Hilltop

1-Group has taken over the space at The Alkaff Mansion, restored and relaunched it with Basque-centred TXA Pintxo Bar on the ground floor and UNA on the second floor, bringing Basque culture and lifestyle to the greenery hilltop. It also houses the all-day flora cafe Wildseed Cafe. The purpose of my visit is to check out TXA Pintxo Bar. The first bar in Singapore dedicated to the unique Basque pintxo experience.

Aceituna Rellena De Vermouth 3.5/5

Our pintxo experience started with the Olive ($2.90) stuffed with vermouth jelly and orange zest and topped with fennel flower. Olive on itself can be sour, so the stuffed vermouth jelly provided the balance with its sweetness.

Crudiente de Jamon 4/5

The Iberico Cracker is sandwiched with smoked cod roe sauce. It is presented like a bikini sandwich. It may look simple, but it is packed with texture and flavour. The crispiness of the Iberico ham is a winner for me.

Boquerones con piperrada 4/5

Next, we had the Boquerones con piperrada ($3.90). Sitting atop the toasted bread is the picquillo cream, pickled anchovies and sauteed green and red bell pepper. The sweetness of the picquillo (a typical Spanish red pepper) is enhanced by the acidity of the tangy anchovies.

Pintxo Igeldo 4/5

The Pintxo Igeldo ($6.90) in a glance may look similar to the Boquerones con piperrada. A closer look you will notice that the toasted bread is made up of confit tomato, tuna, anchovies and piparra. The different ingredients come across complex but harmonious in flavours.

Crema de Roquefort Con Manzana Y Nueces 4.5/5

Initially, I was hesitant to try the Crema de Roquefort Con Manzana Y Nueces ($4.90) because I am not a fan of blue cheese. After much encouragement from my fellow diners, this turned out to be my favourite for the night. The pintxo is not as piquant as I thought. In fact, the sweetness of the apple jam cuts the acquire taste, and the walnut gives it a nutty finish. In short, it turned out to be a heavenly combination. A must order.

Pimiento Del Padron Con 4.5/5

The Fried Padron Pepper and Maldon Salt is another dish which I enjoyed. The Padron pepper named after the city it is from is not spicy at all. In fact, it is tough to find one that is spicy. You can add on Jamon Iberico de Bellota for an addition $3 for 5 gram.

Croquetas de Jamon Iberico 3.5/5

Many will be familiar with croquette, and it comes in every Spanish restaurant, in different forms and varieties. The Croquetas de Jamon Iberico ($14 for 4pc) deep fried to golden brown comes with a crispy breadcrumb exterior and soft interior with cured serrano ham.

Piquillos Rellenos de Brandada 3.8/5

The piquillo pepper is used again in the Piquillos Rellenos de Brandada ($4). It is stuffed with salted Atlantic codfish (bacalao) and paired with piquillo emulsion. The piquillo emulsion plays a vital role in holding the dish together, for the flavours to come together in harmony.

Txangurro a la Donostiarra 4/5

The Txangurro a la Donostiarra ($14) uses fresh crab meat and cook in sofrito base. Flour and seafood stock is then added before the mixture is poured into the empty crab shell. It is then topped with breadcrumb and butter and grilled. The appearance reminds me of a similar-looking Chinese dish, but the taste profile is very different. I thought it tasted like having french onion soup with crab meat, probably from the caramelised onion in the sofrito base.

Black Rabas "A Fuego Negro" 4.2/5

The Black Rabas "A Fuego Negro" ($22 for 5pc) is a traditional dish presented in a contemporary style. Squid and squid ink are blended together with other ingredients and fish stock. It is then formed into a donut shape using a mould and frozen. To serve, it is coated with flour, egg, tempura batter and deep fried. Pick up the squid ink donut with your hand and bite into a crispy exterior. The inside is soft with bits of diced squid.

Pulpo a la Parrilla con Pure de Nabo 4/5

Grilled to a perfect tender with hint of smokiness is the Pulpo a la Parrilla con Pure de Nabo ($8). It is paired with turnip cream, honey and picada oil. A well-thought dish with each components coming together for the delicious plate.

Carrillera estofada al vino tinto con espuma de patata 4.2/5

The Beef Cheek ($8) is stewed in red wine and paired with potato foam, caramelised apple cubes, parsley and garlic oil. The melted in the mouth beef cheek comes with a sweet winery flavour which goes well with the smooth potato foam. The caramelised apple cubes also help to cut through the richness. Another well-executed dish on the menu.

Buñuelos de Viento 3/5

The Buñuelos de Viento ($7.90) is little Spanish donuts that that an airy interior. The dough which is made from flour and eggs is deep fried and then dusted with icing sugar.

Tarta de Queso "LA VIÑA" 4.2/5

The Tarta de Queso "LA VIÑA" ($4.90) is a burnt cheesecake inspired from the popular La Vina in San Sebastian. It comes with a molten creamy centre and a caramelised flavoured crust. In a way or another, there is no need to fly all the way to Spain to know why the cheesecake is so famous.

If you are one that can't decide with choices, then you can go for the Pintxos Experience ($55++), in which the Basque Chefs will decide and prepare the different pintxos for you. Look forward to 10-12 savoury pintxos and 2 sweets. I find it somewhat similar to Japanese omakase experience, in which you leave it to the chef and served 'al momento'.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


TXA Pintxo Bar
The Alkaff Mansion
10 Telok Blangah Green
Singapore 109178
Tel: +65 67730070
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Nearest MRT: Telok Blangah (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Sun: 5pm - 11pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Telok Blangah MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to bus stop opposite Telok Blangah MRT station (Stop ID 14169). Take bus number 176. Alight 2 stops later. Walk down Henderson Road. Turn left onto Telok Blangah Green. Walk to destination. Journey time about 20 minutes. [Map]