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]

MoVida @ Raffles City - Australia’s Hatted Spanish Restaurant, MoVida Original Opens Outlet in Singapore

Raffles City has recently undergone a refresh of its F&B offerings with the opening of several new restaurants, including Mensho Tokyo, Casa Vostra, Wo Wo Dian, and more. One of the notable additions is MoVida, a beloved tapas restaurant from Melbourne that is widely credited with starting the tapas craze there. The Singapore outlet promises to deliver the same energy with a menu that mixes signature tapas with some exclusive local items.

Burrata 4.5/5

We started the meal with the Burrata ($18.80), served with asadillo salad and crispy pan coca. The burrata was exceptionally creamy and fresh, with the tangy salad and crispy bread providing the perfect contrast in texture and flavour. It's an excellent way to kick off the meal.

Jamon Iberico 5/5

Another standout was the Jamon Iberico ($30), featuring Blázquez 100% Jamon Iberico de Bellota, aged 36 months, served with pan Catalan. The jamon itself was rich, savoury, and delicious on its own. But when paired with the fresh, garlicky pan con tomate, it created a beautifully balanced bite.

Abalon 3.5/5

An exclusive to the Singapore outlet, the Abalon ($16) featured slow-cooked abalone grilled over charcoal and topped with lardo and butter emulsion. Each bite of the abalone was tender and bouncy, with the rich, buttery emulsion bringing out the delicate flavours of the abalone.

Ancho 4.5/5

The Ancho ($8) was another delightful dish. A Cantabrian artisan anchovy was served on a thin, crispy crouton paired with smoked tomato sorbet. The contrast of sweet and savoury flavours with the coolness of the sorbet made for an unexpected and refreshing tapas experience.

Cangrejo 4.5/5

A personal favourite, the Cangrejo ($9) featured sweet de-shelled spanner crab on a warm crumpet, paired with a saffron emulsion and finger lime. The balance of flavours in this dish was spot-on, with the citrusy tang of the finger lime lifting the sweetness of the crab.

Bomba 4.2/5

The Bomba ($8) was a crispy Catalan potato bomb filled with chorizo and mojo picon with a Canary Island dressing. The golden-brown exterior gave way to a flavorful filling, and the bold flavours of the dressing made each bite an explosion of spice and umami.

Croqueta 4.2/5

Another Singapore exclusive, the Croqueta ($9), was filled with a creamy mixture of leek and lobster, encased in a crispy, light shell. The piquillo pepper added a slight sweetness that complemented the luxurious and indulgent filling.

Pincho 3.5/5

The Pincho ($20), featuring 150-day aged Angus beef skirt grilled over charcoal, was paired with a sweet onion and sherry sauce. While the flavour of the beef was robust, I found the texture to be a bit too tough for my liking.

Patatas Bravas 3.8/5

After hearing several recommendations, I had high expectations for the Patatas Bravas ($17). The potatoes themselves were perfectly crispy, but the accompanying Singapore-style chilli crab sauce, while an interesting local twist, didn't quite hit the mark for me. The garlicky flavour didn't quite meld with the potatoes as well as I had hoped.

Cecina 4.8/5

The Cecina ($32) is a must-try dish featuring air-dried Wagyu beef served alongside truffle potato foam and a poached egg. The combination of melt-in-your-mouth beef and creamy potato was decadent, with the egg adding a richness that brought everything together beautifully.

Pancetta 4/5

The Pancetta ($34), featuring roasted crispy skin pork belly, was another popular item on the menu. The crackling skin was perfectly crisp, while the tender meat was balanced by the cumin mint carrots, which helped cut through the richness of the pork.

Arroz Con Leche 4.2/5

For dessert, we had the Arroz Con Leche, a Spanish-style rice pudding spiced with cinnamon and paired with roasted pineapple. The dish was topped with rose rice ice cream and a crispy rice cracker, creating a delightful mix of textures and flavours and providing a sweet, creamy finish to the meal.

Overall, MoVida offers a refined and exciting take on Spanish tapas, with a few interesting twists exclusive to Singapore. It's a great addition to Raffles City’s evolving dining scene.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


MoVida
Raffles City
252 North Bridge Road
#03-43
Singapore 179103
Tel: +65 83808509
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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]

Verandah Rooftop Rotisserie @ Momentus Hotel Alexandra - A Spanish-inspired Festive Buffet Dinner

Verandah Rooftop Rotisserie at Momentus Hotel Alexandra celebrates this yuletide season with you with a Spanish-inspired Christmas Feast. Alongside festive favourites with a dinner buffet, this feast occurs every Friday and Saturday, including public holidays from 15 to 31 December 2023.

The highlight for me is definitely the free-flow of Jamon Iberico de Bellota, carved straight off from the ham's leg. Rich and savoury with a luscious mouthfeel, it's perfect with aperitivo of Sangria de Bienvenida that's being offered.

Puntillitas Fritas Baby Squid Fritters with Aioli

Albondigas Spiced Spanish Meatballs

Gambas al Ajillo Garlic Prawns

Pimentos de Padron Fried Green Peppers

Croquetas de Jamon Serrano Spanish Ham

Ala carte free-flowing tapas are served upon order - Albondigas Spiced Spanish Meatballs, Gambas al Ajillo Garlic Prawns, Pimentos de Padron Fried Green Peppers, Puntillitas Fritas Baby Squid Fritters with Aioli and Croquetas de Jamon Serrano Spanish Ham. The moriesh Puntillitas Fritas Baby Squid Fritters is a must-try!

Cochinillo Spanish Roast Suckling Pig

If you drop by on 24 and 31 December 2023, the Live Action Station will also offer a whole Cochinillo Spanish Roast Suckling Pig. Crispy skin with tender meat and the rarity of being offered on a buffet will make your trip here worthwhile.

Crackling Porchetta with Truffle & Herb Stuffing

75°C Slow-roasted Whole Lamb Leg, Australian Wagyu Tomahawk

In addition to the regular roasts, the Live Action Station is packed with even more mouthwatering items - Crackling Porchetta with Truffle & Herb Stuffing, 75°C Slow-roasted Whole Lamb Leg and a classic Grain Mustard & Honey-Glazed Gammon Ham.

Their signature Spit-Roasted Rotisserie Chicken and the Australian Wagyu Tomahawk are still available. From 1 to 31 December 2023, receive a complimentary salad and fruit cake when you order any two festive roasts.

Seafood on Ice

Cured Salmon Terrine

Seafood on Ice is also more beefed up with Boston Lobster, Pacific Oysters, Poached Sea Prawns and Sea Whelk. The cold larder counter includes a specially crafted Cured Salmon Terrine alongside the regular Charcuterie Board and Antipasti.

Hand-stretched Wood-fired Sourdough Pizzas

The Hand-stretched Wood-fired Sourdough Pizzas also have Spanish-inspired flavours, such as Ham & Manchego Cheese and Chorizo Diablo.

Live Bouchot Mussels in White Wine Saffron Sauce

Beer Braised Beef Brisket

Valencian Seafood Paella

The Hot Mains offers comforting and hearty dishes such as Live Bouchot Mussels in White Wine Saffron Sauce and Beer Braised Beef Brisket, which pair well with the Valencian Seafood Paella.

Spanish Crema Catalana

Churros

The desserts didn't quite delight as much as the mains, although Spanish specialities are being offered, such as Turron de Jijona and Spanish Crema Catalana, which are very much on the sweeter side. The Churros is the one to go for.

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.


Verandah Rooftop Rotisserie
Momentus Hotel Alexandra
Level 7
323 Alexandra Road
Singapore 159972
Tel: +65 6828 8880
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Nearest MRT: Queenstown (EW Line), Redhill (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Breakfast Buffet (Daily): 630am - 1030am
Weekday Semi-buffet Lunch (Monday - Friday): 12 noon - 230pm
A La Carte Lunch and Dinner (Daily): 12 noon - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Queenstown MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to bus stop at Queenstown MRT station (Stop ID 11149). Take bus number 195. Alight 2 stops later. Walk towards Ikea, At Ikea, continuing walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Redhill MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to bus stop opposite Redhill MRT station (Stop ID 10201). Take bus number 33 or 120. Alight 4 stops later. Walk towards Ikea, At Ikea, continuing walk to destination. . Journey time 10 minutes. [Map]

The Salted Plum @ Circular Road (Boat Quay) - Homely Taiwanese Tapas Concept for $5 and $10 Per Dish

I have visited Five Ten when it was a pop-up at South Bridge Road and I was impressed with the Taiwanese tapas concept. I am glad that they have now found a permanent home at Circular Road. The team has also renamed it as The Salted Plum, a fitting name to the new restaurant as it makes reference to a common ingredient used in Taiwanese cuisine.

Taiwanese Sausages Patties 4.2/5

The Salted Plum has continued the concept of offering the dishes at $5 and $10. One of the many dishes we ordered is the Taiwanese Sausages Patties ($10). It has been grilled to a nice smoky charred on the exterior on top of the succulent patty.

Burnt Chilli Chicken 4/5

Another beautifully grilled dish is the Burnt Chilli Chicken ($10). Nicely charred on the exterior, the chicken thigh was tender and juicy. The menu description says it is cooked with loads of chilli but it was not spicy at all. Saying that, the chicken thigh pairs excellent with the accompanying chilli dipping sauce.

Brussels Sprouts with Shiitake Mushroom 3.5/5

The Brussels Sprouts with Shiitake Mushroom ($5) is stir-fried to a delectable crunch. There is also a bit of heat from the chilli padi.

Oyster Steamed Egg 3.5/5

Steamed egg probably is a common dish served on the dining table at home. Over here, it has been given a uplift with the used of dashi to heighten the flavour on top of its smooth texture. You can also find baby oysters in the Oyster Steamed Egg ($10) topped with chopped spring onions.

Grilled Squid 3.8/5

One of the dishes I remembered having at Five Ten is the Grilled Squid ($10). The squid is glazed with housemade five-spice BBQ marination and grilled to a nice tender bite.

Braised Pig Intestines with Fresh Garlic 4/5

If you think that The Salted Plum is only good at grilling, then you are wrong. Their braised items are even better. If you are afraid of having pig intestines, then you should try the Braised Pig Intestines with Fresh Garlic ($10). The large intestines are not gamey and well infused with the braising sauce.

Braised Pork Belly 4.5/5

Not to be missed is the Braised Pork Belly ($10) in special haus saus. The pork belly which has absorbed the flavourful braising sauce, literally melts in the mouth. This goes perfect with a bowl of Shiny Rice ($0.50). The rice here is also extra fragrant as it is drizzled with lard and garlic oil.

Besides the variety of dishes at The Salted Plum, it also offers 7 different type of rice bowls at only $10 for lunch. This caters for the office workers that just want to have a quick lunch.


The Salted Plum
10 Circular Road
Singapore 049366
Tel: +65 62600155
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Nearest MRT: Clarke Quay (NE Line), Raffles Place (EW Line, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Sat: 12pm - 230pm, 6pm - 930pm
(Closed on Sun)

Direction
1) Alight at Clarke Quay MRT station. Take Exit E. Cross the road. Walk to Carpenter Street. Walk to the end of Carpenter Street to South Bridge Road. Cross the Road. Walk to junction of South Bridge Road and Circular Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight At Raffles Place MRT station. Take Exit G. Walk to Circular Road. Walk down Circular Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]