Spanish Restaurants in Singapore

Spanish restaurants in Singapore: what to know

Spanish restaurants in Singapore range from relaxed tapas spots to smart dining rooms. The ones on this page sit in the city centre, close to offices and hotels. Spanish food is built on simple, good-quality ingredients. Think olive oil, garlic, paprika, seafood and slow-cured ham. Meals are often shared, with plates placed in the middle of the table.

What to order at a Spanish restaurant

Tapas and small plates

Tapas are small plates meant for sharing. Order three or four per person to start. Common choices include:

• Croquetas: fried croquettes with a creamy filling, often ham or seafood.
• Patatas bravas: fried potatoes with a spicy tomato sauce and garlic mayonnaise.
• Gambas al ajillo: prawns cooked in olive oil with garlic and chilli.
• Pulpo: tender octopus, often served with paprika and potatoes.
• Jamón: thin slices of cured ham. Jamón ibérico comes from a breed of black pig.
• Tortilla española: a thick omelette made with potatoes and onion.

Larger dishes

Paella is a rice dish from Valencia, cooked in a wide, shallow pan. It may come with seafood, chicken or rabbit. The crisp rice at the bottom of the pan is called socarrat. Many people think it is the best part. Paella takes a while to cook, so order it early. Grilled meats and whole fish are also common main courses.

Dessert

Try churros, which are fried dough sticks dipped in thick hot chocolate. Crema catalana is a custard with a crisp burnt-sugar top. Basque burnt cheesecake, with its dark, caramelised top, is now popular around the world.

Basque cooking and pintxos

The Basque Country is a region that spans northern Spain and south-west France. It is famous for its food. Basque cooks are known for grilling meat and fish over charcoal or wood. They also make pintxos, small snacks often served on a slice of bread. Basque Kitchen by Aitor, in the Marina Bay and CBD area, takes its name from this style of cooking. Kulto is another Spanish restaurant in the same part of town.

Where to find Spanish food in Singapore

Both restaurants on this page are in the Marina Bay & CBD area. This makes them easy to pair with an evening walk by the bay. Before or after dinner, see Merlion Park or the gardens at Gardens by the Bay. Our guide Things to Do in Marina Bay: Sights, Walks and Food has more ideas.

Similar cuisines

If you enjoy Spanish food, you may also like Lolla, a Mediterranean restaurant in the same area. Greek and Italian restaurants also share a love of olive oil, seafood and sharing plates.

Tips for eating Spanish food in Singapore

• Book ahead. City-centre restaurants fill up for dinner, especially towards the weekend.
• Share everything. Spanish meals work best with a group, so you can try more plates.
• Check for pork. Ham and chorizo, a spicy pork sausage, appear in many dishes. Ask staff if you avoid pork.
• Halal needs. If you need halal food, look for the MUIS halal certificate. MUIS is the Islamic Religious Council of Singapore.
• Set a budget. Small plates add up quickly. Prices change, so check the menu online first.
• Drink responsibly. Spanish restaurants often serve wine and sherry. The legal drinking age in Singapore is 18.

FAQs about Spanish restaurants in Singapore

What is the difference between tapas and pintxos?

Both are small dishes. Tapas are served on small plates and shared. Pintxos come from the Basque Country and are often served on bread, sometimes held together with a small stick.

How many tapas should I order?

Start with three or four small plates per person. You can always order more once you see the portion sizes.

Do Spanish restaurants in Singapore serve paella?

Many do, but menus change. Check the latest menu before you go, and order paella early because it takes time to cook.

Where should I stay near these restaurants?

Both are in Marina Bay and the CBD. See Hotels in Marina Bay & CBD if you want to stay nearby.