KULTO, nestled in a historic unit along Amoy Street, is a new homely space serving Spanish food that reflects Chef-Owner José Alonso's philosophy of respecting traditions, seasonality of produce, and elevated precision. Beverages also play a huge part in the experience of his guests. Other than the usual Sangria, Chef Alonso's extensive list includes wines featuring the different terroir.
Chili Crab Croquette 4.5/5
We had a variety of Tapas, starting with Chili Crab Croquette ($12). They were simply delicious, definitely one of the more refined croquettes I have to date. The mixture had a good ratio of béchamel sauce, shredded jumbo crab meat, caramelised onion and paprika, resulting in a well-blended creamy texture without being overly rich. The accompanying housemade chilli crab sauce may seem tiny, but it did reinforce that chilli-crab nuance with much intensity.
Jamón Ibérico Bellota 4.5/5
I like the Jamón Ibérico Bellota (36-months) with Tomato Bread ($29) just as much too. The housemade tomato spread on the house-baked sourdough is made with grated roma tomato, minced garlic and olive oil. Refreshing on the palate, that made the crispy toast the perfect pairing for the sliced jamón ibérico, which was incredibly rich, mouth-filling and savoury.
Tuna Tartare & Shrimp Tullie 3/5
Tuna Tartare & Shrimp Tullie ($22) fell short a little. Though the diced fresh tuna loin was plump and well seasoned, the shrimp tuille was too oily. A simple toast to go with it would have been enough for me.
Ibérico Chorizo, Confit Potatoes & Soft Eggs 4.2/5
Ibérico Chorizo, Confit Potatoes & Soft Eggs ($22) was almost like a good old hangover dish - comforting warm and soft confit potato, oozy eggs and chunks of josper grilled smoky Ibérico chorizo.
Grilled Avocado, Homemade Pesto & "Pipirrana" 3.8/5
Compared with the above, the Grilled Avocado, Homemade Pesto & "Pipirrana" ($22) was a bit muted in terms of flavours.
Mushroom and Pork Sausage Paella 4.5
Squid Ink Paella 4.2/5
The paellas here are done specially on Josper Grill, and you have a choice of Seafood Paella, Squid Ink Paella, or Mushroom and Pork Sausage Paella. We had the Pork Sausage and Mushroom Paella and Squid Ink Paella ($38 for 2-3 pax/ $62 for 3-5 pax). I very much prefer the first, perhaps it was brighter and more vibrant in terms of flavour profile, and the charred edges were also more pronounced than the latter. A housemade master pork stock is used, which the bomba rice absorbs as it cooks, then french beans, sweet peas, pork sausage and mushroom are added. As for the Squid Ink Paella, a housemade master seafood stock is added instead, followed by french beans, sweet peas, mussels, asari clams and baby squid.
Cheese Cake 4/5
For dessert, we had a beautifully crafted Cheese Cake ($12) made with Manchego cheese blended with a few other soft kinds of cheese, served with a molten centre. Its creaminess was balanced by the burst of acidity from the dried freeze raspberries.
Sponge, Whisky-infused Chantilly Cream and Nikka Whiskey 4.8/5
My favourite dish of the evening was this slab of dessert made with a layer of sponge, Whisky-infused Chantilly Cream and egg yolk ganache. Served with a drizzle of Nikka Whiskey over the cake, the sponge underneath sopped up the whiskey was given a bitter-sweet profile, and every layer came together in harmony. So good.
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.
KULTO
87 Amoy Street
Singapore 069906
Tel: +65 96205626
Website
Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line), Telok Ayer (DT Line)
Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 12pm - 230pm, 530pm - 1030pm
Sat: 530pm - 10pm
(Closed on Sun)
Direction:
1) Alight at Telok Ayer MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to 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. Walk down Telok Ayer Street. Turn left onto Amoy Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]
