Cendra Tapas Bar and Grill @ Gemmill Lane - Modern Catalan Flavours in a Cosy Hideout

Tucked away along Gemmill Lane, Cendra Tapas Bar and Grill is a cosy, modern Spanish-Catalan restaurant helmed by Chef-Owner Xavi Palau. Hailing from Barcelona, Chef Xavi brings a thoughtful mix of tradition and innovation, backed by his experience as former Executive Sous Chef at FOC. At Cendra, his personal interpretation of Catalan cuisine shines through in comforting, flavour-driven plates.

Crystal Bread with Tomatoes 4.8/5

We kick-started the meal with the Crystal Bread with Tomatoes ($12), further elevated with Iberico Ham ($36 for 50g). The sweet tomato spread layered over the crisp toast combined beautifully with the intensely flavoured Iberico ham. Each bite brought back fond memories of Barcelona, in which simple ingredients were treated with respect and allowed to shine.

Canadian Oysters N2 4/5

The Canadian Oysters N2 with Gin Fizz Foam ($8) offered a refreshing counterpoint. Briny and creamy, the oyster was lifted by the bright, zesty gin fizz foam, giving the classic raw oyster a playful twist.

"Ensaladilla Rusa", Smoked Mackerel on Crisp Toast 4.8/5

The Ensaladilla Rusa with Smoked Mackerel on Crisp Toast ($22 for 2pc) was one of the standout tapas. The classic, creamy Spanish potato salad paired harmoniously with smoked mackerel. It was simple yet incredibly satisfying. This dish is a reminder of how straightforward components can come together to create something truly memorable.

Cod Fish Fritters 4.2/5

The Cod Fish Fritter ($10 for 2pc) is another Spanish classic done well. Encased in a paper-thin, golden crust that gently shatters, the interior reveals a light, airy, mousse-like texture brought about by the whipped batter. The flavours unfold gradually, from the crisp, lightly toasted exterior to the tender, mildly briny cod within. A squeeze of lemon or a swipe of aioli brightens and completes this comforting bite.

Roasted Leek, Romesco, Hazelnuts 4.2/5

The Roasted Leek ($16) is grilled just enough to achieve a slight char, imparting a hint of smokiness while preserving its sweetness. Paired with romesco (a traditional Catalan sauce celebrated for its nutty, smoky richness) and hazelnuts, the dish offers a lovely balance of textures and flavours.

Spanish Octopus with Iberico Chorizo Foam 4.5/5

Another highlight was the Spanish Octopus with Iberico Chorizo Foam ($30). The octopus was cooked to a beautifully tender consistency, complemented by the rich, savoury Iberico chorizo foam that added depth and umami to every bite.

Pork Butifarra Rice "a la Llauna" 4.5/5

Unlike typical Spanish restaurants, Cendra does not serve paella. Instead, it introduces diners to A La Llauna, a traditional Catalan technique where rice is baked in a shallow metal tray. The Pork Butifarra Rice "a la Llauna" ($40) comes laden with a tomato-based sauce infused with butifarra sausage, pork ribs, and mushrooms. Smoky, savoury, and deeply comforting, each spoonful evokes the warmth of home-style Catalan cooking, refined just enough for the modern table.

Chocolate Soufflé with Stracciatella Ice Cream 4.2/5

We ended the meal with the Chocolate Soufflé with Stracciatella Ice Cream ($18), a flourless soufflé made with Costa Rica 70% chocolate. Soft, fluffy, and intensely chocolatey, it's a dessert that will undoubtedly delight chocolate lovers.

Cendra Tapas Bar and Grill stands out for its honest, flavour-driven approach to Catalan cuisine. While the menu keeps things tight and focused, each dish reflects Chef Xavi's depth of experience and personal connection to his heritage. Whether you're here for small plates, comforting baked rice, or simply to explore Catalan flavours beyond the usual paella, Cendra offers a warm and satisfying dining experience worth seeking out on Gemmill Lane.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Cendra Tapas Bar and Grill
5 Gemmill Lane
#01-01
Singapore 069261
Tel: +65 96634084
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Nearest MRT: Telok Ayer (DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Sun-Mon, Wed-Fri: 12pm - 230pm, 6pm - 11pm
Sat: 6pm - 11pm
(Closed on Tue)

Direction:
Alight at Telok Ayer MRT station. Take Exit A. Turn left and walk down Cross Street. Turn left onto Club Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 6 minutes. [Map]

Udon Shin @ Takashimaya - Tokyo’s Udon Specialist Opens First Overseas Outpost in Singapore

Fans of udon will be pleased to welcome Udon Shin, a renowned udon specialist from Tokyo boasting 14 years of experience. Its new outlet at Takashimaya marks the brand’s first international debut, bringing its beloved handmade noodles out of Japan for the very first time.

Since 2011, Udon Shin has drawn long queues at its Shibuya store, thanks to its fresh, chewy udon made entirely in-house. The brand stands by its “Four Fresh” philosophy - freshly kneaded, freshly cut, freshly boiled, and freshly fried.

Every bowl features noodles crafted daily for that signature firm, stretchy bite, while all tempura items are fried to order.

The Singapore menu offers a wide selection, from simple hot or cold udon to tempura sets, unique flavour combinations, and even customisable build-your-own bowls.

A few interesting creations that caught our attention include the Butter Shoyu Tamago Udon ($12), Tempura Cheese Butter Udon ($26) and Yuzu Wagyu Kake Udon ($42).

The space is casual and cosy, complete with an open kitchen where diners can watch the entire udon-making process from dough to bowl.

Carbonara Udon 4.2/5

The Carbonara Udon ($24) is Udon Shin’s viral signature, and though we were initially unsure about how the combination would turn out, it worked surprisingly well. The base is udon cooked in dashi, topped with a rich mix of parmesan cheese, butter, spring onions, pepper and a raw egg.

Once stirred together, each chewy strand becomes coated with a creamy, buttery sauce that stays savoury without being too heavy. The indulgent thick bacon tempura was another standout, being crisp and non-greasy.

Premium Tempura Kake Udon 4.2/5

Next was the Premium Tempura Kake Udon ($34), featuring hot udon soup paired with an assortment of tempura: two shrimps, four types of vegetables, fish and squid.

The udon once again delivered the perfect chew, while the broth offered deep umami, though it may definitely lean more salty for some. Among the tempura pieces, the tender salmon and large juicy prawns were my favourites.

Tempura Zaru Udon 4.2/5

Cold udon lovers should try the Tempura Zaru Udon ($28), which comes with two shrimps and four vegetable tempura pieces. Served on a bamboo tray with chilled dashi dipping sauce, the udon felt extra bouncy and refreshing when eaten cold. The tempura was fried just right once again.

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.


Udon Shin
Takashimaya Shopping Centre
#B2-32
391 Orchard Road
Singapore 238873
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Nearest MRT: Orchard (NE, TE Line), Somerset (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit 4. Follow the walkway through Wisma Atria to Takashimaya. Continue walking straight at Ngee Ann City until destination. Journey about 8 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Somerset MRT station. Take Exit B to Orchard Road. Head west or turn left onto Orchard Road against the flow of traffic. Walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]