UPDATE- December 2013- FoodBar DaDa has closed.
Contemporary Singapore tapas bar- combining traditional and modern Spanish tapas cooking
June 12th, 2013
One of the early entrants in the recent wave of tapas-themed restaurant openings in Singapore was FoodBar DaDa which served its first clients back in March 2012. The team behind FoodBar DaDa have cleverly converted a compact space in the heart of the burgeoning dining precinct of Robertson Quay into a discretely secluded haven of modern Spanish tapas cuisine that has enjoyed constant popularity and considerable critical acclaim from its first day.
Behind an intentionally nondescript facade, the dimly lit interior exudes an industrial chic with decor that is strong on character, with simple functional furniture, and combinations of industrial steel and reclaimed timber surfaces. Taking its name and inspiration from the disruptive “Dada” art/anti-art movement of the European avant-garde in the early 20th century- the cuisine at FoodBar DaDa is firmly grounded on the ingredients and recipes of traditional Catalan tapas dining, but overlaid with modern cooking and plating techniques to create an unmistakably contemporary, yet authentic tapas experience. The culinary team at FoodBar DaDa is headed by Catalan native, Chef Jordi Norguera Pey, who gained invaluable experience cooking in the kitchens of several Michelin-starred restaurants in Barcelona. With an exuberant approach to cooking, and to the background of an eclectic soundtrack ranging from 70’s disco tunes to jazz, funk and Motown, Chef Jordi and his team enthusiastically engage with diners and infuse the intimate dining space with energy and personality.
Diners at Foodbar DaDa order from a concise menu that comprises ten dishes under the category DaDa Classics- including Spanish ham 5 year with bread and tomato; Black Mediterranean rice; Fresh Cod fish with tomato chutney; and Josper beef 150gms. Another assemblage of ten dishes are grouped under DaDa Specials– these are the modern interpretations of Chef Jordi- highlighted by examples such as DaDa mushrooms “revuelto” with black truffle oil; Duck burger with strawberry ketchup; Scallop with bread crumbs, girolle and soy caviar; and Grilled foie-gras with marinated shitake & green apple. Dessert selection is uncomplicated- with a choice from two classic dishes- Josper chocolate soufflé, vanilla and passion fruit; or Torrija.
The beverage selection features well-priced Spanish wines by the glass and bottle; several sparkling wine options- cava and prosecco; the house sangria (red or white) ; plus Estrella beers and a handful of signature cocktails.
FoodBar Da Da opens Monday to Saturday for dinner only from 6:00 pm. Additional seating is available at tables outside the entrance- either for outdoor dining, or taking a drink whilst waiting for a seat inside. Bookings for counter seats are accepted.
The FoodBar DaDa interior
A huge circular mirror mounted on the wall opposite the kitchen adds a surreal “looking glass” element to the interior. The wall itself has a quirky covering comprised of old newspaper pages.
The compact main counter facing into the kitchen is made from industrial steel, with seating on simple metal framed bar stools.
Settings at the main dining counter- understated and functional.
Head Chef Jordi watching over his Josper oven.
The chefs: (L – R) Jordi Noguera Pey, Angus Chow & Roberto Cambrel Pimenta
Highlights from the kitchen
Watermelon gazpacho and charcoal olive oil ice cream- selection from DaDa Classics
Asparagus with Iberico Ham- selection from DaDa Specials
Grilled Octopus “a la gallega” – octopus infused with paprika served on potato- from the DaDa Classics
Josper lamb with potato curry- lamb chop grilled in Josper oven- selected from DaDa Specials
Torrija- traditional Spanish sweet of bread soaked in milk, fried and sprinkled with sugar.
FoodBar DaDa – modern Spanish tapas bar, Singapore
Address: 60 Robertson Quay, The Quayside, #01-12, Singapore, Singapore 238252
MRT station: Clarke Quay NE5
Reservations: +65. 6735 7738
Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/FoodBarDaDa
Opening Hours:
Monday to Saturday 6:00 pm ~ 12:0 am
Sunday Closed
