Carlitos translates to ‘Little Carlos’ in Spanish, which are words of endearment towards young people. No, that doesn’t mean only young people are allowed to eat here. Instead, it’s highlighting the youthful spirit of enjoying authentic, delicious Spanish food.

Everything, from the front porch to the interior, will remind you of the quaint alleyways in Spain — brimming with culture and vibrancy. Exposed bricks fill the walls, with street lights mounted on. However, there remains a sense of refinement as the seats are upholstered in leather.

As it describes itself as a tapas restaurant, Carlitos is all about serving up different types of tapas. 30, to be exact. It’s plenty, so here are some highlights (according to muah).

The Tortilla Donostia Slice (S$10) was a hit among my dining mates and it wasn’t hard to see why. Shaped like a cake, this omelette dish is made with organic eggs and filled with potatoes and shallots. While it’s definitely an interesting take, it was just a touch too salty for my taste.

The Pulpo La Coruña (S$20) has thinly sliced Spanish octopus marinated in smoked paprika and extra virgin olive oil. Tender and melt-in-your-mouth, it’s a perfect appetiser to kick off the meal.

Another personal favourite of mine is the Macarrones del Cardenal (S$16) — homemade penne tossed with secreto iberico sofrito and Manchego cream. Rich and indulgent, it’s definitely best shared to avoid feeling jelak.

Aside from tapas, Carlitos offers a range of main meat and seafood dishes. We were presented with the Fricandó Barcelona (S$30) and Arroz Caldoso de Gambas (S$28).

The former is a hearty stew of Black Angus beef ragu with porcini, served alongside maitake rice, while the latter is a twist on risotto, featuring brothy rice topped with Mediterranean red prawns and vongole veraci clams.

I especially enjoyed the Arroz Caldoso de Gambas as the seafood broth was incredibly rich and flavourful, with the prawn essence truly taking centre stage. But I might be a little biased since I’m a huge seafood lover.

Thankfully, I paced myself just right, leaving room for dessert — and what a good call that was! The desserts here were exceptionally well-crafted and absolutely worth it.

We started off with the Tarta de Queso (S$12), a basque burnt cheesecake tart topped with sangria sorbet on the side. Here’s a little insider secret: this dish was what kept Esquina thriving through COVID and it’s easy to see why!

The flaky crust was perfection and the cheese hit all the right notes — rich, buttery, smoky, with just the right hint of salt. Personally, I found it satisfying on its own but for a refreshing twist, pair it with the sorbet for a touch of zest.

Another dessert we tried was the Flan y Café (S$10), which is a must for coffee lovers. This Spanish caramel pudding is layered with cortado coffee, making it a sweet treat with a delightful caffeine kick.

All in all, I can easily see myself cozying up with family and friends at Carlitos. The ambiance is intimate and comfortable, with just the right touch of elegance that makes it a perfect spot for date nights too.

Do note that Carlitos is set to officially open on 8 November 2024.

Will this be your next dinner spot?

Carlitos – Casa De Comidas
Facebook | Instagram | Website
50 Joo Chiat Road, Singapore 427598
5.30pm–11pm (Wed & Thu), 11.30am–3.30pm, 5.30pm–11pm (Fri & Sat), 5.30pm–10.30pm (Sun), Closed on Mon & Tue

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Photos by Sheree Chua

The post Transport to the streets of Barcelona at this casual Spanish tapas restaurant in Joo Chiat, serving up over 30 types of tapas from S$9 appeared first on Confirm Good.

And, no food screams vibrant gatherings more than Mexican food. It’s universally loved by almost everyone and their dishes are served in small portions — perfect for sharing!

We mostly associate Joo Chiat as the hotspot for trendy cafes but this Mexican restaurant may just change that image. It’s also Muslim-owned, being opened by the same folks behind Wooly’s Bagels.

Finding Bored Tacos shouldn’t be difficult, thanks to their eye-catching retro-themed sign proudly displaying their name out front. The vintage aesthetic extends into the interior as well, with bright-coloured walls decked out in eccentric trinkets.

Keep in mind, the space is quite cosy with just about five tables available, so don’t expect large group seating. While it may not align with the usual communal dining experience of Mexican food, Bored Tacos clearly emphasises takeaway as a major part of their concept.

The menu served here is also kept streamlined, offering classics and a few unique concoctions. Bored Tacos has no GST or service charge, so the prices stated are what you’ll get (let’s cheers to that).

Choose from four types of Mexican fare: burritos, tacos, quesadillas, and burrito bowls. They’ve got sides to match too, with options like Loaded Nachos (S$13.50) and Chilaquiles (S$13.90) to round out your meal.

The Birria Beef Burrito (S$11.90), Beef Chilli Burrito (S$10.90), and Cajun Chicken Burrito (S$10.90) are the ideal go-tos when your inner Asian craves some rice to power through the day. Likewise, you can get the burrito bowls that come in Birria Beef (S$10.90), Lamb (S$10.90), and Cajun Chicken (S$9.90) options.

Of course, we can’t miss out on tacos. Highlights include Garlic Prawn Tacos (S$15 for two pieces, S$19 for three pieces) and Cajun Chicken Tacos (S$12 for two pieces, S$16 for three pieces).

For quesadillas, there are four toppings offered: Birria Beef (S$14), Beef Chilli Cheese (S$12.90), Cheese (S$10.50), and Cajun Chicken (S$12).

If a la carte isn’t enough, feel free to make it a set for an additional S$6.90. Your dish will come with a side of Mini Beef Chilli nachos and a cup of lemonade.

So, are you ready to dive into some taco-filled goodness?

Bored Tacos
Instagram
​​315 Joo Chiat Road, #01-01, Singapore 427566
11am–8pm (Daily)

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The post This retro-themed Muslim-owned Mexican restaurant in Joo Chiat sells affordable burritos, tacos, quesadillas and burrito bowls with no service charge and GST from just S$9.90 appeared first on Confirm Good.

Did I catch your attention yet?

Well, here’s another cafe to add to your list.

Nestled along Joo Chiat Road, 174 Bingo is a hole-in-the-wall rustic cafe to unwind over pastries, bread, and coffee alongside good company. 

This homely space is decorated cosily as if you’re actually stepping into someone else’s house — think vintage ornaments, wooden furnishings and raw, textured walls. 

Indulge in the highly raved Dear Tomas, Love Bread (S$10.50) AKA chicken pot pie. It boasts a buttery pastry encasing hearty potato and chicken filling seasoned with onions and pepper. 

With the crust being slightly saltier, it helps to prevent a cloying richness that other typical pies tend to have.  

Another crowd favourite has to be the Iranian Pistachio Tart (S$14) — made with pistachio frangipane (almond-flavoured filling), Iranian pistachio praline finished off with dollops of pistachio cream. 

This creamy and decadent dessert is definitely a must-try for hardcore pistachio fanatics. 

But, you can’t just stop there when there are so many other interesting desserts to try like the Memory of Osterbrogade (S$9). This cruffin-like pastry (a hybrid of a croissant and muffin) is filled with raspberry jam in a fluffy cinnamon-coated shell with a layer of vanilla cream on top. 

Alternatively, the rich, melt-in-your-mouth Olive Vanilla Tart (S$11) and sweet Cardamom Bun (S$6) looks just as good.

Of course they also have your conventional breakfast must-haves like Plain Croissants (S$4), Pain Suisse (S$6.50), and Garlic & Herb Knots (S$6). 

Nothing beats a flaky, buttery and airy croissant in my opinion. 

Afterwards, get your coffee run sorted with espresso-based drinks including the likes of Iced Black (S$5), Cold Brew (S$6.50), Chocolate (S$5.50) or non-caffeinated Seasonal Shrub Soda (S$7.50).

Here’s a tip: 174 Bingo doesn’t have an official menu (yet) so you have to head down earlier to get first dibs on their freshly baked pastries. 

Although, you might be lucky enough to catch some exclusive menu items whenever they are experimenting in the kitchen. 

Space-wise, there is quite a limited seating with a large communal-style table to share — just like an intimate get together with friends or family.

That being said, I’d highly suggest for you to take them away afterwards if you wanna leisurely enjoy them. 

Otherwise, you can always bring your own camping chairs as they have a pet-friendly space outdoors so your fur babies don’t feel left out.

Will your next cafe hopping be at 174 Bingo?

174 Bingo
Instagram 
174 Joo Chiat Road, Singapore 427445
8.30am–4.30pm (Wed to Sun), Closed on Mon & Tue 

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That’s when Peko Peko, a hidden stall tucked away in a coffeeshop in the Telok Kurau neighbourhood, just across the road from Parkway East Hospital, comes in handy.

Unlike the standard fare (teriyaki chicken bentos, anyone?) you typically find at casual Japanese hawker or food court stalls, it stands out from the rest by specialising in nimono, or simmered dishes.

The menu features a line-up of six hearty Japanese-style stews, which can be ordered as sets (from S$7.90) with furikake-topped Japanese rice on the side.

Not sure what to order? The crowd favourite 8 Hour Braised Pork Belly (S$9.90) sees thick slices of pork belly braised in a dashi stock till tender, flavourful, and melt-in-your mouth. It’s paired with daikon and shiitake mushrooms, and finished with a dab of mustard.

If you’re all about keeping things spicy, the Ebichiri Chilli Prawns (S$10.90) comprises juicy prawns in a rich and robust tomato-based sauce packed with fresh herbs and Japanese togarashi.

Alternatively, go for the heartwarming Cinnamon-Spiced Beef (S$11.90) or the Miso Salmon (S$11.90) with daikon, carrot, and shimeiji — the kind of dish you’d find in a Japanese home (made with love, of course).

There’s also the option of adding on Cold Zaru Soba (S$5.90) if that’s more up your alley, alongside cold appetisers like Japanese Potato Salad (S$3.90) and Wakame Cucumber Salad (S$3.90).

End the meal on an indulgent note with the Signature Burnt Cheesecake (S$5.90) or the Crème Brûlée Tart (S$6.90), which sees cheesecake mousse encased in a soft tart shell, topped with a layer of caramelised sugar.

Fun fact: “peko peko” or ペコペコ comes from the verb that means “to cave in” and is also used for the “growling” effect your stomach makes when you’re hungry — very fitting.

Will you be making the trip to Telok Kurau to seek solace in a stew or two?

Peko Peko
Facebook | Instagram
110 Telok Kurau Rd, Singapore 423799
11am–8pm (Mon to Sat), Closed on Sun

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