Singapore is a melting pot of cultures and along with it comes a wide variety of cuisines from all over the world. That's what I like about living in Singapore - we can try cuisine from other parts of the world without having to fly all the way there. But those who DO fly to those countries and have sampled the cuisine in those foreign lands also know that what's served in Singapore often tastes quite different from the origin country's, especially when it has been adjusted to suit local tastes, or is a fusion of different cuisines.
That's why I think what ICEX Spain is doing is quite brilliant. Basically, it is part of the Spanish government that promotes Spanish businesses overseas, much like our Enterprise Development Board does in helping local businesses grow overseas. They've started this Restaurants From Spain certification programme in 2021 to promote authentic Spanish restaurants worldwide, and in Singapore 16 restaurants have been awarded the certificate of authenticity in July 2023. I learned that this certificate is renewed yearly IF the restaurant passes the strict evaluation process to ensure that everything's authentic.
Therefore, if you are looking for authentic Spanish restaurants in Singapore, here's 8 of the 16 (read part 2 here) restaurants that has been awarded the certificate by the Ambassador of Spain himself!
1. Asador
51 Joo Chiat Place, Singapore 427775
A Spanish restaurant inspired by traditional Spanish cooking methods, the Joo Chiat restaurant named after the spit/skewer, Asador uses ancestral wood-fire cooking styles with a custom Castilian horno (oven) and Basque-style parrilla (grill). It is helmed by Chef Javier Vicente Rejas, born in Valencia and Chef Houssein.
Open daily: Mon to Thurs 5.30pm -12am
Fri to Sun: 12.00pm – 2pm |5.30pm – 12am
Google 4.3 stars, 304 reviews | Reservations
2. Binomio
20 Craig Rd, #01-02 Craig Place, Singapore 089692
I've visited Binomio before but did not blog about it. This place is quite refined (think white table cloth!), with a combination of classic tapas and unique creations by Executive Chef Gonzalo Landin. I also found out that the menu here changes at least 4 times a year based on what's seasonal, so diners can always get the freshest and most innovative dishes.
Mon - Fri: 12pm - 1.45pm, 5.30pm - 10pm
Sat: 5.30pm - 10pm only
Closed on Sundays
Google 4.4 stars, 841 reviews | Reservations
3. Esquina
16 Jiak Chuan Road, Singapore 089267
An oldie but goodie, Esquina's been around for some time but manages to retain their authentic status while serving up unique Spanish dishes that is well-suited to Singaporeans' palate and communal eating style. Led by Barcelona-born Head Chef Carlos Montobbio, Esquina is no doubt one of the top picks for an authentic and elevated Spanish meal with friends and family.
Lunch: Tuesday to Saturday: 12pm – 2.30pm
Dinner: Tuesday to Thursday: 6pm – 10.30pm, Friday & Saturday: 6pm – 11pm
Closed on Sunday & Monday
Google 4.3 stars, 785 reviews | Reservations
4. FOC Restaurant
40 Hongkong St, Singapore 059679
FOC does not mean Free Of Charge, but "fire" in Catalan and they started at Hong Kong Street (near the famous bar) in 2014 to bring about Catalan elements and cuisine to our island. The restaurant with a open kitchen is quite a behemoth compared to everything around the area, seating 78 people. I've actually also been here and sat at their 14-seat counter but did not blog about it! The tapas are both classics and innovative creations by Michelin-starred Chef Nandu Jubany and Chef Juanjo Carrillo.
Tuesdays to Sundays 12pm to 11.30pm (12am on Fri/Sat)
Closed on Mondays
Google 4.5 stars, 1059 reviews | Reservations
5. FOC Sentosa
110 Tanjong Beach Walk, 098943 Sentosa Singapore
An extension of FOC, FOC Sentosa saw more typical design elements inside but the added advantage of being by the seaside at Palawan Beach! It is also Mediterranean-focused, inspired by Barcelona's beach culture to bring about relaxed grills and large format spreads. The cuisine is also overseen by by Michelin star Chef Nandu Jubany, Alma Mater of FOC Group, and FOC Group Executive Chef Juanjo Carrillo.
Wednesdays to Sundays 11.30am to 10.30pm (11pm on Fri/Sat)
Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays
Google 4.2 stars, 1387 reviews | Reservations
6. Gaig
16 Stanley Street, Singapore 068735
The only restaurant in Singapore based in Barcelona since 1869, Gaig restaurant headed by Chef Carles Gaig has been a long-standing ambassador of Spanish cuisine in Singapore. I had loved Barcelona for their food when I visited and am so glad to know there's a slice of that beautiful city right here in Singapore! Apparently their star dish, the Catalan Gaig cannelloni with truffle cream (not pictured), uses the same family recipe since its inception in 1869.
Mondays to Saturdays Lunch: 12pm - 2pm
Dinner: 6pm - 10pm
Closed on Sundays
Google 4.3 stars, 365 reviews | Reservations
7. KULTO
87 Amoy St, Singapore 069906
Google 4.4 stars, 443 reviews | Reservations
8. Lumbre (new in 2023!)
20 Craig Rd, #01-02 Craig Place, Singapore 089692
Named after the word for fire and warmth in Spanish, Lumbre is the new certified Spanish restaurant in town (right in CHIJMES!) and brings about the best of worlds and cooks the food either on an open wood-fire grill or Josper charcoal oven. Headed by Chef Jordi Jou, I think Lumbre will be a great place to have alfresco gatherings over food and drinks at the vibey Chijmes.
Open daily 12-2.30pm, 5.30-10.30pm
Google 4.3 stars, 107 reviews | Reservations
Stay tuned for Part 2 to discover the other 8 certified restaurants from Spain and also check out the special events and promos in ICEX's "Eat Spain Drink Spain" campaign for 2023!
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