The Singapore outpost of Pura Brasa is a staple for the hungry post-work crowd in Tanjong Pagar. Focusing on flame-grilled Spanish cuisine, this casual outfit serves up everything from small-plate tapas to massive tomahawks; there’s also a more pan-European influence, with a number of pizzas and pasta dishes on offer as well.
As part of a recent refresh, a new menu has been unveiled at Pura Brasa, centring on the flavours imparted from the restaurant’s Josper grill. Unlike gas or electric grills, Josper grills combine charcoal with high heat in an enclosed environment; when used just right, these come together to create smoky dishes and generous char, without an acrid burnt taste.
Among the new Josper-kissed tapas at Pura Brasa is the Tasmanian abalone ($48++), which gets a turn in the smoker before going for a short stint on the grill. As one would expect, it’s beautifully browned at the edges, with a rich smokiness that perfumes the tender flesh.
There’s also the ibérico pork belly ($29++), which comes in a thick slab with pork jus and porcini mushrooms. It’s never easy to do such a fatty cut of pork without some level of cloyingness, but the crisp skin helps break through the richness just a tad. Still, we’d recommend leaving this one to share among a bigger group — it is tapas, after all.
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Our bigger plates start with a pancetta and kale pizza ($33++), where the salt-cured meat meets sour cream. The slivers of pork on top and the chewy crust below are a great combination, but the layers of dairy add an intense richness that threatens to overpower the other flavours. We find ourselves hesitant to go for a second slice, but diehard cheese lovers might enjoy it more than we do.
Moving back into the proteins, we have the dry-aged wagyu ($33++). The medium-rare cook here is slightly uneven, but slight variations are forgivable considering the cooking method. Besides, the meat remains incredibly tender; the beef’s juiciness is offset well by the charred crust. We also like the confit peppers and potato wedges on the side, which round out the dish.
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As things come to a close, we’re served a trio of injeolmi ice balls, which come by way of a collaboration with the popular South Korean brand Sobok. Chewy rice cakes are nestled in ice cream of various flavours and rolled in bean powder. We wonder how we landed in Seoul from Barcelona, but it is nonetheless a fun, sweet note to end the meal on.
The updated menu at Pura Brasa continues the restaurant’s focus on serving up Spanish classics with an eye on grilling; nothing quite jumps out with a bang, but sometimes that’s exactly what we need. The food remains, as it has for some time now, a solid Friday dinner option for those lazy to travel too far out of the city centre or those seeking somewhere casual enough to have a relaxed time with colleagues and friends.
Pura Brasa
5 Wallich Street, #01-16 Guoco Tower
Singapore 078883
Tel: +65 6386 9678
Email: [email protected]
Opening hours: Daily, 12pm – 11pm
