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]

Hevel @ Keong Saik Road - Honest Modern European Cuisine, with a Focus on Communal Joy, Seasonal Integrity, Wrapped in Heartfelt Hospitality.

Dinner at Hevel offers a very polished experience from start to finish. The culinary team, led by Chef Stefan Liau, have crafted a memorable Chef's menu that showcases a thoughtful blend of familiar, comforting flavours alongside unexpected, playful pairings.

Priced at $138++ per person, the menu consists of six courses featuring eleven dishes, each carefully designed to whisk diners away on a culinary journey. The atmosphere exudes sophistication from the moment you sit down and sets the mood for a cosy dinner date or a gathering with close friends.

Cashew Cream, Kelp, and Banana Tart 4.5/5

Our first snack was a Cashew Cream, Kelp, and Banana Tart. It may sound like an unusual combination, but it comes together beautifully. The fermented cashew cream is rich and creamy, with sweet, slightly nutty, and savoury notes.

Foie Gras 4.5/5

The second snack features delicate Foie Gras marinated in fragrant ginger flower, creating a luxurious and aromatic experience. The foie gras is silky and rich, with a velvety texture that melts in your mouth. The ginger flower adds a unique floral note, balancing the richness of the foie gras.

Victorian Lamb Tartare 4.2/5

The third snack is a Victorian Lamb Tartare, a treat showcasing finely diced, tender lamb that is seasoned to perfection with a hint of spice. It is topped with caviar and placed atop a crispy potato hash.

Custard 4.8/5

Next up is the Custard, which has chawanmushi paired with a creamy sauce. While the previous three snacks are more playful in flavour, this dish falls into the realm of comfort food. The custard is beautifully fragrant with the use of thyme and chives. Accompanying it is a smooth buttermilk sauce, tender scallops, crispy sunchoke chips, and a touch of caviar.

Crudo 4/5

The next four dishes were presented together to provide a communal experience. It's a good idea that allows diners to interact, taste more dishes, as well as decide some of the sequence of their meal.

We enjoyed Kingfish prepared in two distinct styles. The first was Crudo, where a tangy verjus and fragrant dill complemented the fresh, delicate fish. The addition of zesty grapefruit slices added a bright, citrusy kick that balanced the dish perfectly.

Tartare 4.2/5

The second preparation was a Tartare of smoked Kingfish with smoked mussels. This dish was served in a charming and crispy little candied tart, which provided a delightful contrast in sweetness and crunch.

Rye Soft Roll 3.8/5

We also had a Rye Soft Roll, which was served delightfully warm. While rye doesn't make for a pillowy soft roll, the earthy flavour of rye went really well with the unique Sakura Smoked Butter. You will definitely taste the smokiness of the butter, which is very enjoyable. We also used the bread to mop up some of the other sauces from the other three dishes.

Octopus 4.5

The last of the communal dishes was an Octopus dish served with Piquillo peppers and the interesting salsify, which is a root vegetable belonging to the dandelion family. It is also known as the Oyster plant because it offers a mineral-like flavour when cooked. The octopus is well prepared and tender, and the sauce adds a vibrant touch that enhances the dish.

Black Cod 4/5

After the four communal dishes comes a choice of main course - Black Cod or Maple Leaf Duck ($14++ supplement required).

The Black Cod is first seared in a pan and then finished in the oven, resulting in a slightly smoky exterior and crispy skin, while the buttery, flaky flesh inside stays moist and succulent. It's a delightful, classic choice if you're in the mood for seafood.

Maple Leaf Duck 4.5/5

However, the Maple Leaf Duck would be my pick for the main course. The duck was remarkably tender and juicy, the skin was nice and crisp. Accompanying the duck was a velvety parsnip purée, adding a creamy, earthy element.

Roasted Grains 4.5/5

For the final savoury dish, we were presented with a hearty bowl of Roasted Grains, in this case, barley, which offered a nutty flavour and a pleasing chewy texture. The dish was both comforting and indulgent, topped with tender, shredded confit duck leg. The sauce, crafted from white onion and cream, was really delicious and fragrant, and the dish was also topped with truffle and sage. One of the best aspects of this dish is that you can request a second serving if you still have room in your stomach. This generous option ensures that you leave completely satisfied.

Smoked Hay 2.8/5

The final dish on this tasting menu was the Smoked Hay dessert. However, I wasn't particularly fond of this flavour combination. While it's quite impressive that it manages to capture the flavour of smoked hay, after a rich meal, I was looking for something sweeter or more refreshing to round out the experience.

Hevel also offers a thoughtfully curated wine pairing programme priced at $98++ and a cocktail pairing option for $78++. The wine pairing we tried features an exquisite selection sourced from handpicked small-batch producers, showcasing a range of unique and high-quality wines. This selection highlights the artistry of these boutique wineries and emphasises a celebration of fortified wines, which add depth and complexity to the dining experience.

Overall, Hevel is an excellent choice for those wanting to enjoy quality cuisine in a stylish and vibrant setting.

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


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

Opening Hours:
Tue-Thu: 6pm - 1030pm
Fri-Sat: 6pm - 11pm
(Closed on Mon-Tue)

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]

Lucine by LUNA @ Somerset - Popular Cafe With Intricate Entremets Now Serve Hot Savouries

Lucine by LUNA, the new cafe opened by the popular homegrown patisserie LUNA, has made its debut at 111 Somerset, offering an expanded menu that includes exclusive hot savouries and unique flavoured lattes.

Much like their flagship on Amoy Street, Lucine continues to serve the intricately crafted cakes and pastries that have made LUNA a favourite among dessert lovers and cafe-goers.

Tiramisu Latte 4.2/5

The Tiramisu Latte ($8.50) is a standout on the drink menu, which pleasantly surprised us with its balanced sweetness. Unlike many overly sweet-flavoured lattes, this one was creamy and came with a ladyfinger for dipping into the latte.

Black Sesame Latte 4/5

We also tried the Black Sesame Latte ($8.50) but felt that the black sesame flavour could have been more pronounced.

Eggplant Salad 4/5

On the savoury side, we started with the Eggplant Salad ($12.90). The highlight of this dish was the panko-crusted eggplant fritters, which were crunchy and well-seasoned. The base of mixed lettuce, baby spinach, hard-boiled egg, cherry tomatoes and onions was dressed with roasted red capsicum dressing.

All Day Breakfast 2.8/5

The All Day Breakfast (from $8.90) was a customisable option that started with scrambled eggs, toasted sourdough, and salad greens. Unfortunately, it didn't impress us as much as we had hoped, as the sourdough was thin, and the scrambled eggs lacked creaminess. We also had add-ons of Tater Tots ($2), Creamed Spinach ($3.90) and Sauteed Garlic Mushrooms ($3.90) as sides, but they fell short of expectations.

Spam & Cheese 4.2/5

We were more impressed by the Spam & Cheese Sandwich ($10.90), which featured thick-cut chicken spam and cheddar, served between toasted brioche. The crisp crust on the fried spam and a tangy sriracha mayo added just the right amount of tangy heat. Each sandwich is accompanied by a side of mixed greens.

Pistachio Roulade 4.5/5

Of course, LUNA's handcrafted entremets were the highlight of the visit. The Pistachio Roulade ($8.80) was a personal favourite, featuring a soft pistachio chiffon sponge layered with nutty pistachio cream and a tangy raspberry compote.

Blossom 4.2/5

The Blossom ($8.50) is an excellent choice for something more refreshing. This dessert offers subtle sweetness and a floral fragrance, combining strawberry elderflower yoghurt mousse, strawberry curd and compote, rose sponge, and feuilletine crunch.

Citrus Tart 4.2/5

If you're in the mood for a bright and tangy dessert, the Citrus Tart ($8.50) won't disappoint. With its tangy lime curd, orange confit, and vanilla sponge all nestled in a vanilla tart shell and topped with chantilly cream, it provided a well-balanced and zesty finish to our meal.

Photos and 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.


Lucine by LUNA
TripleOne Somerset
111 Somerset Road
#01-06
Singapore 238164
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Nearest MRT: Somerset (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Thu: 9.30am - 6.30pm
Sat-Sun: 9.30am - 9pm
Sun: 9.30am - 7.30pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Somerset MRT station. Take Exit A. Turn right and walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

The Line @ Shangri-La Singapore - Modern Vietnamese Pop-Up By LILY.S Till 29 Sept With 30% Off Buffet

LILY.S, a modern Vietnamese restaurant, has taken over one of the buffet stations at The Line, Shangri-La, until 29 September. Every Thursday to Sunday, guests can enjoy a rotating menu of Vietnamese dishes in addition to the usual international buffet spread.

A special promotion also offers diners 30% off when paying with GRAB Dine-Out, making the buffet price start at $68++ per adult before the discount.

During our dinner visit, we sampled traditional Vietnamese dishes such as Hanoi Buncha and Vietnamese Beef Pho, the latter being freshly prepared at a live station.

A selection of skewers and fried items were also available, with the crunchy Yam & Carrot Roll and the pan-fried Meat Patties standing out as our picks.

Moving to the international buffet, we particularly enjoyed the fresh sashimi options, including salmon, scallops, and amaebi. However, the shellfish offerings paled in comparison in both their freshness and sweetness.

The Carving Station was particularly popular among the hot stations, serving up Roasted Australian 100-day Grain-fed Angus Prime Rib with Red Wine Jus.

Other hot stations included a variety of Western Mains, Asian Dishes, an Indian Station, and a Noodle Station.

My dining companion and I were both impressed by the line-up of Desserts. They offer a wide range of items and deliver on taste.

We highly recommend saving room for their ice creams and sorbets, which are rich in flavours without being too sweet.

Standout options included the creamy Durian and Strawberry ice cream, especially when paired with the freshly made Mochi Waffle.

Other dessert options included the Mini Fruit Tartlet, Uji Matcha Tiramisu, Raspberry Coconut Mousse, and a delightful selection of nonya kueh, such as Ondeh Ondeh, Rainbow Lapis, Ubi Bingka, and Kueh Salat.

Photos and 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.


The Line Restaurant
22 Orange Grove Road
Singapore 258350
Tel: +65 6213 4398
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Nearest MRT: Stevens MRT (DT, TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 12pm - 2.30pm, 6pm - 9.30pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit 4. Walk towards Wheellock Place via ION. Exit Wheellock Place and turn left towards Liat Tower. Cross the road at the traffic light junction and turn left towards Royal Thai Embassy. Walk down to the end of Orchard Road. Turn right onto Orange Grove Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 23 minutes.[Map]