HazelDiary

Singapore’s Keong Saik Road has long been a vibrant dining hotspot, and the latest addition, Nómada. Helmed by Chef Gonzalo Landin, previously the Executive Chef at Binomio, Nómada brings a fresh and modern take on Spanish cuisine. Located in the space formerly occupied by COL, the restaurant boasts a contemporary yet rustic charm, making it an inviting spot for intimate date nights or group gatherings.

Read more: [SG EATS] Nómada at Keong Saik Road – A Contemporary Spanish Restaurant by Ex-Binomio Chef

The restaurant’s open-concept kitchen allows diners to catch a glimpse of the chefs in action, enhancing the immersive dining experience. For those looking for a private affair, there’s a curtained-off section towards the back of the restaurant. It is perfect for intimate gatherings.

Chef Landin’s menu features a mix of bold, adventurous flavours and classic Spanish influences, making Nómada a great choice for both traditionalists and experimental foodies. Diners can expect sharing plates categorized into starters, mains, and desserts. Notably, the menu includes unconventional ingredients like chicken liver, ox tongue, and pig ears, appealing to those looking for something out of the ordinary.

We started with Peruvian Seabass Ceviche served with a generous portion of nacho chips. The refreshing citrusy tang of the ceviche paired well with the crisp nachos, creating a great balance of textures.

Another highlight was the Beef Tartare & Bone Marrow accompanied by thin, crispy bread. The combination of the rich, buttery marrow and well-seasoned tartare made this dish an indulgent treat.

Next, we had the Braised Leeks with Brown Smoked Butter. The leeks glazed in a velvety butter sauce. This dish carried a wonderful depth of flavour that made for a delightful vegetarian-friendly option. This happens to be a surprise element for us and did not expect this to be so good.

Another excellent choice was the Braised Short Ribs (200g) with Cauliflower .The succulent, fall-apart texture of the short ribs, paired with the creamy cauliflower, made it a satisfying dish for beef lovers.

The star of the night was undoubtedly the Iberico Pluma Rice , a paella-style dish served in a large, shallow pan. The rice was deeply infused with the umami-rich broth, offering a slight chewiness and crispy socarrat at the bottom. Lastly, topped with Iberico Pluma, a tender cut of pork. This dish is highly recommended for those who love Spanish rice dishes.

Nómada presents a solid contemporary take on Spanish cuisine, making it a great spot for those looking to experience Spanish flavors with a modern twist. While the dishes were well-executed, diners seeking traditional Spanish flavours might find the menu leaning towards a more innovative approach. The open-concept kitchen adds to the charm, though you might leave with a hint of smokiness on your clothes.

Address: Nomada
1 Keong Saik Road#01-05
Singapore 089109
Tel: +65 8209 7809
Opening Hours 
Monday to Saturday: 12:00pm to 2:30pm; 5:30pm to 10:30pm
Closed on Sunday
Website: https://nomadarestaurant.sg/

Follow me on Facebook and Instagram and Tiktok for insta updates

Carlitos, the newest gem in the vibrant Joo Chiat dining scene. The restaurant offers a casual yet thoughtfully curated Spanish tapas experience. This exciting new venture is the result of a collaboration between renowned chefs Carlos Montobbio of Esquina and Antonio Miscellaneo of La Bottega, alongside the Ebb & Flow Group and Unlisted Collection. The name “Carlitos,” meaning “Little Carlos” in Spanish, reflects the warm and welcoming atmosphere of the restaurant. Stepping inside, the decor transports you to the lively streets of Barcelona, with cozy bar seating, casual dining tables, and a private room perfect for larger gatherings. Chef Carlos Montobbio brings a wealth of experience, having worked at prestigious three-Michelin-starred El Celler de Can Roca and two-Michelin-starred Zuberoa, while Chef Antonio, known for popular spots like La Bottega and Casa Nostra, continues to bring his culinary vision to life in Singapore.

Read more: [SG EATS] Carlitos at Joo Chiat – Casual Spanish Tapas Restaurant by Esquina Chef Carlos and La Bottega Chef Antonio

The relaxed and inviting atmosphere at Carlitos makes it the perfect spot for both intimate meals and group get-togethers. With a private dining room accommodating up to 12 guests (with a minimum spend of S$1800++), Carlitos offers versatile settings for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy date or a lively gathering. The vibrant décor, combined with its familiar Joo Chiat location, creates a warm, homey feel, bringing a taste of Spain to Singapore. Every detail, from the layout to the design, has been personally crafted by chefs Carlos and Antonio themselves, without the involvement of an interior designer. This showcases their dedication to creating an authentic Spanish experience.

At Carlitos, you’ll find over 30 varieties of tapas, each inspired by Chef Carlos’s personal memories of Spanish tapas bars. With prices starting from S$8, every dish showcases the chef’s careful focus on flavour, texture, and traditional Spanish cooking methods. Here’s a look at what we tried during our tasting session.

Patatas Bravas Bonanova (S$10)

A must-try, this take on patatas bravas is inspired by Chef Carlos’s favorite spot in Barcelona. The agria potatoes are steamed, poached, and fried to a crispy golden perfection. Then drizzled with garlicky aioli, spicy tomato sauce, and smoky paprika oil. It was so delicious, that we had to order a second serving!

Tortilla Donostia Slice (S$10)

This fresh tortilla is made with organic eggs, confit shallots, and potatoes. It offers a soft, savory bite with a rich texture elevated by the addition of extra virgin olive oil. A true comfort food, this simple yet satisfying dish.

Pulpo La Coruña (S$20)

This dish features thinly sliced Spanish octopus, seasoned with smoked paprika and extra virgin olive oil. While the flavor might be a bit salty for some, it remains a delicious and satisfying option overall.

Txipirones Bilbao (S$18)

Grilled squid paired with crispy baby squid and squid & shallot orzo, offering a perfect balance of robust flavors and satisfying textures.

Macarrones del Cardenal (S$16)

This hearty tapas dish features homemade penne pasta, enriched with secreto iberico sofrito and Manchego cream. Each bite offers a comforting, creamy texture, making it a traditional and satisfying Spanish favorite.

Alcachofa Brasa (S$18)

This artichoke-based dish is paired with saffron polenta and seasoned with garlic and parsley giving it a balanced profile.

Buñuelos de Pamplona (S$12)

Crispy codfish fritters served with ajoarriero sofrito, infused with fragrant saffron oil.

Gilda Pintxo (S$12)

This pintxo delivers a smoky, savory bite with a combination of sardines, pickles, and green olives, offering an authentic taste of Spain in every mouthful. While the sardines may not be for everyone, the overall combination comes together beautifully.

Mini Toasted Sandwiches
The menu also offers mini toasted sandwiches, ideal for a light snack. The price is per piece, and the photos represent tasting portions.

Sobrassada (S$10)

This sandwich with pork sausage, burrata, and honey is crispy and delightfully light.

Bikini (S$12)

An elevated classic, this toasted sandwich combines Ibérico ham, brie cheese, and truffle duxelle, delivering rich, layered flavors. Definitely a must-try when you’re here!

Xup-Xup Specialties
In addition to the tapas, the “Xup-Xup” section presents a selection of meat and seafood options:

Arroz Caldoso de Gambas (S$28)

A brothy rice topped with Mediterranean red prawns and vongole veraci clams, showcasing seafood flavors in every bite.

Fricandó Barcelona (S$30)

 This hearty Black Angus beef ragu with porcini mushrooms is served with maitake rice, reminiscent of a comforting Japanese beef don.

For dessert, we end on a sweet note with Carlitos’ desserts.

Tarta de Queso (S$12)

This Basque burnt cheesecake with a unique Sangria sorbet is rich and creamy with a balanced flavor profile.

Flan y Café (S$10)

Spanish caramel pudding paired with Cortado coffee, perfect for those with a sweet tooth.

Carlitos brings a charming Spanish touch to Joo Chiat, filling the neighborhood’s need for high-quality tapas. From timeless patatas bravas to satisfying mains, the menu is carefully designed to transport diners straight to Spain. Even my dining companion remarked that the atmosphere felt just like being back in Barcelona, reminiscing about his trip to Spain a few months ago.

Follow me on Facebook and Instagram and Tiktok for insta updates

TINTO Spanish Restaurant located at Dempsey Hill opens its door on 9 May. This latest restaurant is Chefs Daniel and Tamara Chavez, husband-and-wife first Spanish restaurant as a couple. TINTO is inspired from the Spanish name for red wine, vino tinto. Expect to indulge for soul-warming tapas, paellas, fideuas, Spanish wines, and so much more. Read More

Pura Brasa is a Spanish restaurant chain has been in Singapore for years. The restaurant is located at Guoco Tower (formely known as Tanjong Pagar Centre) serves a variety of Josper-grilled Spanish dishes in a friendly, modern and laidback setting. The restaurant has curated a new weekend brunch menu, which is available every weekend from 12:00PM – 4:00PM. Read More

Scissors Paper Stove is located within a 5-10minutes walk from NEX Mall. This newly opened restaurant offers Spanish tapas with Asian twist. I was invited for a food tasting session sometime back with foodie friends to check out the place. Read More

A culinary celebration of all things Spanish is happening from 31 May – 02 June 2018. Festival-goers can look forward to a line up of Michelin-starred theme dinners by Chef Yayo Daporta and Chef Rafael Centeno, as well as indulge in selections of tapas and paella delights curated by renowned chefs. Read More

Dehesa has recently launched their new Power Lunch Sets Menu and I was invited down for the tasting session. Dehesa located along North Canal Road is a casual Spanish restaurant helmed by Chef-Owner Jean-Philippe Patruno. He is previously Executive Chef of Una at Rochester Park. The restaurant is an open concept kitchen where diners get to watch chefs in action. Read More

My Little Spanish Places is first founded in March 2010 and located in Bukit Timah neighbourhood. It has expanded to new outlet located at Boat Quay few months back. The Spanish restaurant is helmed by two chefs with strong Spanish heritage, Maria Sevillano from Salamanca, Spain and Edward Esmero from Philipines. I was honored to be one of the invited to enjoy an evening at their new outlet at Boat Quay. Read More

The team at My Little Spanish Place is all set to welcome Japanese Pastry Chef Emily Mori from Tokyo, Japan for their first guest chef dinner at their third outlet, My Little Spanish Place Boat Quay. The One-Day event on 8 October (Thursday) offers a 4-course dinner that includes a dessert platter with 6 types of desserts created by two pastry chefs. The dinner is priced at S$78++ per head. Read More