Spanish Tapas in Singapore

by | Dec 15, 2025 | Uncategorized | 0 comments

Restaurant Reviews & Ambience

Al Forno Tapas & Wine Bar

Ambience: This venue offers a warm, rustic Italian-Spanish fusion atmosphere with intimate lighting and wooden accents. The wine bar setting creates a relaxed, sophisticated environment perfect for after-work drinks or romantic evenings.

Signature Elements: The Italian-Spanish crossover gives this spot unique character, blending Mediterranean warmth with contemporary styling.

Bam Restaurant (Tras Street)

Ambience: Located in the trendy Tras Street area, Bam features a modern, minimalist aesthetic with Japanese influences. The fusion concept extends from the menu to the décor, creating an intriguing East-meets-West atmosphere.

Unique Concept: The pairing of Spanish tapas with sake represents an adventurous culinary philosophy that appeals to experimental diners.

My Little Spanish Place

Ambience: A cozy neighborhood gem in Bukit Timah with authentic Spanish charm. The intimate setting feels like a family-run tavern in Barcelona, with warm colors, rustic furnishings, and a welcoming local vibe.

Character: Over a decade of service has given this spot a loyal following and genuine neighborhood restaurant feel.

Tapas Club

Ambience: With three outlets across Singapore (VivoCity, Jewel Changi Airport), Tapas Club offers a more casual, accessible dining experience. The atmosphere is lively and family-friendly, perfect for group gatherings and celebrations.

Accessibility: The multiple locations and mall settings make it convenient for shoppers and travelers.

Featured Dishes & Analysis

Classic Tapas Selections

Gambas al Ajillo (Garlic Prawns)

  • Essence: Succulent prawns swimming in bubbling garlic-infused olive oil with a hint of chili heat
  • Flavor Profile: Rich, aromatic, with the perfect balance of sweetness from prawns and pungency from garlic
  • Eccentricity: The dish arrives sizzling hot, meant to be soaked up with crusty bread

Spanish Omelette (Tortilla Española)

  • Essence: A thick, hearty egg cake layered with potatoes and onions
  • Flavor Profile: Comforting, savory, with creamy potato texture contrasting the firm egg exterior
  • Serving Style: Typically served at room temperature in wedges

Paella Varieties

  • Ink Squid Paella: Dramatic black rice colored with squid ink, offering briny ocean flavors
  • Chicken & Chorizo Paella: Traditional combination with smoky Spanish sausage and tender chicken
  • Essence: The socarrat (crispy bottom layer) is the prized element of any good paella

Fusion Innovations

Iberico Pork Gyoza (Bam Restaurant)

  • Eccentricity: Japanese dumpling technique meets premium Spanish pork
  • Analysis: This fusion represents the creative boundary-pushing that defines modern tapas culture

Sakura Ebi Spanish Fritters (Bam Restaurant)

  • Innovation: Delicate Japanese shrimp incorporated into traditional Spanish fritter technique
  • Texture: Crispy exterior with tender, flavorful interior

Arancini Di Riso (Al Forno)

  • Italian Touch: Risotto rice balls with Spanish tapas presentation
  • Accompaniment: Served with chili mayo for added kick

Recipe & Cooking Instructions

Gambas al Ajillo (Garlic Prawns)

Serves 2-3 as tapas

Ingredients:

  • 300g fresh prawns, peeled and deveined
  • 6 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
  • 100ml extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 dried red chilies, crushed
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • Fresh parsley, chopped
  • Sea salt
  • Crusty bread for serving

Cooking Instructions:

  1. Preparation: Pat prawns completely dry with paper towels. Season lightly with salt.
  2. Heat the Oil: In a small earthenware dish or cast-iron skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat until it shimmers but doesn’t smoke (about 160°C).
  3. Infuse Flavors: Add sliced garlic and crushed chilies. Cook gently for 1-2 minutes until garlic turns golden and fragrant. Watch carefully—burnt garlic tastes bitter.
  4. Cook Prawns: Increase heat to medium-high. Add prawns in a single layer. They’ll sizzle immediately. Cook for 1-2 minutes per side until pink and just cooked through.
  5. Season: Sprinkle with smoked paprika and fresh parsley. Stir gently.
  6. Serve: Bring the dish directly to the table while still bubbling. Serve with crusty bread to soak up the precious garlic oil.

Chef’s Tips:

  • Don’t overcook prawns—they become rubbery after 3-4 minutes total
  • Quality olive oil is essential; it’s the base of the dish
  • Serve immediately for the best sizzling presentation

Spanish Omelette (Tortilla Española)

Serves 4-6

Ingredients:

  • 6 large eggs
  • 4 medium potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
  • 1 large onion, thinly sliced
  • 250ml olive oil (for cooking potatoes)
  • Salt

Cooking Instructions:

  1. Cook Potatoes: Heat olive oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Add potato slices and onions. Cook gently for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until potatoes are tender but not browned. They should be soft enough to break with a wooden spoon.
  2. Drain: Remove potatoes and onions with a slotted spoon, draining excess oil (save this flavorful oil for other cooking).
  3. Beat Eggs: In a large bowl, beat eggs with a pinch of salt. Add the drained potato mixture and mix gently. Let sit for 5 minutes.
  4. First Cooking: Heat 2 tablespoons of the reserved oil in a 20cm non-stick pan over medium heat. Pour in the egg mixture, spreading evenly. Cook for 3-4 minutes, shaking the pan occasionally to prevent sticking.
  5. Flip: Place a large plate over the pan. In one confident motion, flip the pan so the omelette falls onto the plate. Slide it back into the pan, cooked side up.
  6. Finish: Cook for another 3-4 minutes until just set but still slightly creamy in the center.
  7. Rest: Slide onto a serving plate and let rest for 10 minutes before slicing.

Perfection Tips:

  • The ideal tortilla is slightly runny in the center
  • Use a non-stick pan for easier flipping
  • Practice the flip with an empty pan first if nervous

Menu Analysis & Dish Eccentricities

Traditional vs. Fusion Approaches

Traditional Strengths (My Little Spanish Place, Tapas Club):

  • Focus on authentic Spanish flavors and techniques
  • Seafood-forward menus highlighting Mediterranean ingredients
  • Classic preparations that honor Spanish culinary heritage

Fusion Innovations (Bam Restaurant, Al Forno):

  • Creative boundary-pushing that appeals to adventurous diners
  • Integration of Asian ingredients and techniques
  • Sake pairings instead of traditional Spanish wines (Bam’s signature approach)

Portion Philosophy

Tapas dining is inherently social and exploratory:

  • Small plates encourage ordering multiple dishes
  • Sharing format creates communal dining experience
  • Variety allows diners to taste many flavors in one meal
  • Pacing means you can order progressively, adjusting to appetite

Price Positioning

These establishments occupy the “affordable” category by:

  • Offering small portions that keep individual dish prices low
  • Providing lunch specials and set menus
  • Balancing premium ingredients (Iberico pork) with accessible options (chicken skewers)

Flavor Profiles & Culinary Facets

Core Spanish Flavors

Garlic: The foundation of Spanish cooking, used liberally but with finesse Olive Oil: Not just cooking fat but a flavor component itself Smoked Paprika: Adds depth and subtle smokiness Saffron: Luxurious threads that give paella its golden hue and earthy aroma Sherry Vinegar: Bright acidity that balances rich dishes

Texture Contrasts

Spanish tapas excel at textural variety:

  • Crispy: Fritters, croquettes with golden crusts
  • Creamy: Alioli, potato fillings, soft cheese
  • Tender: Slow-cooked meats, fresh seafood
  • Crunchy: Toasted almonds, bread crumbs

Temperature Play

  • Hot dishes arrive sizzling (gambas al ajillo)
  • Room temperature items showcase pure flavors (Spanish omelette)
  • Cold preparations refresh the palate (gazpacho, if available)

Beverage Pairings

Traditional Options

Sangria: Fruity wine punch that complements spicy and savory tapas Spanish Wines: Rioja, Albariño, and Tempranillo varieties Sherry: Dry fino pairs beautifully with salty tapas

Innovative Pairings

Sake (Bam Restaurant): Clean, subtle sake doesn’t overpower delicate flavors Cocktails: Modern interpretations of Spanish classics Digestives: After-dinner drinks to conclude the meal

Delivery Options & Practical Information

Delivery Considerations

While specific delivery availability varies by restaurant:

Best Dishes for Delivery:

  • Paellas (travels well in proper containers)
  • Braised dishes (chorizo in wine, meatballs)
  • Cured meats and cheeses

Less Ideal for Delivery:

  • Gambas al ajillo (loses the sizzling presentation)
  • Crispy items (fritters, croquettes may soften)
  • Spanish omelette (best at specific temperature)

Ordering Strategy

For delivery or takeout:

  1. Order paella as the centerpiece
  2. Add 2-3 tapas per person
  3. Request bread separately to maintain freshness
  4. Reheat gently in oven rather than microwave

Platform Availability

Check these delivery platforms:

  • GrabFood
  • Foodpanda
  • Deliveroo

Pro Tip: Call restaurants directly for pickup to save on delivery fees and ensure food quality.

Final Verdict

Best For…

Al Forno: Wine lovers and Italian-Spanish fusion enthusiasts Bam Restaurant: Adventurous diners seeking unique flavor combinations My Little Spanish Place: Authentic Spanish experience in neighborhood setting Tapas Club: Families, groups, and convenient mall dining

Essential Ordering Guide

For Two People:

  • 1 seafood paella (to share)
  • 2-3 hot tapas (gambas, croquettes)
  • 1 cold/room temp dish (Spanish omelette)
  • Bread
  • Sangria or wine

For Four People:

  • 1 large paella or 2 different varieties
  • 5-6 tapas (mix of seafood, meat, vegetarian)
  • Spanish omelette
  • Bread
  • Pitcher of sangria

The Essence of Spanish Tapas

At its heart, tapas dining represents:

  • Conviviality: Sharing food creates bonds
  • Exploration: Variety encourages culinary adventure
  • Leisure: No rush, enjoy multiple courses over conversation
  • Balance: Small portions allow indulgence without excess
  • Quality: Each small plate receives full attention to flavor and presentation

These four Singapore establishments capture different facets of this Spanish tradition, from authentic neighborhood spots to innovative fusion concepts, making the flavors of Spain accessible without boarding a plane.