Tossing a few baby potatoes into tomato sauce peppered strongly in garlic does not patatas bravas make... Throwing a few apple and strawberries juliane into white wine, does not refreshing Sangria make...Sandwiching an egg omelette will a cocktail of vegetables does not a Spanish tortilla make... and the list goes on.
Browsing leisurely at the newly purported "Hungry-Go-Where" website-to-go for food recommendations in Singapore, we chanced upon Bungalow that has just recently opened at United Square along Thomson Road. Another Spanish concept restaurant which boasts a wide variety of Tapas and Spanish cuisine like Paella.
I can't decide if it is an unfortunate or fortunate business decision to bring Spanish Tapas to the local tables, catering to the Asian palette. For one thing, people who have gone to Spain and tasted the Real McCoy, will shy in disappointment from those served at this restaurant. And the whole idea of bringing in cuisines from around the world is to expose locals to foreign delights they were previously not privy to yah?!
I don't mean to sound overly pretentious, so, go see for yourselves, taste for yourselves, judge for yourselves. Readers who have been to Spain, restrain your antipathy:
I apologies for the blunt review to come. The first 2 words that came to mind when they served the patatas bravas were: lazy, zero effort. This dish firstly does not call for baby potatoes and the potatoes are typically pan fried. At least skin the potatoes! If done right, this is what it should authentically look like.
It honestly does not require a Michelin chef to do some basic research and execute this dish decently. Sadly, the bad first impression set the epitome of disappointment. The tortilla was served next. Albeit, an omelette is an omelette, in any language. But comparing the two images and any perceptive diner will note the difference. The key to the Spanish omelette is probably it's simplicity. Popularly paired either with potato or cheese, the tortilla is made chunky and gives this rustic homely feel. At Bungalow, though generous in their choice of ingredients I have to admit, just didn't qualify for an authentic Spanish omelette.
The rest of the tapas came in a frenzy and so did the surrendering of our critic. The sausages were alright, if not just a little salty. The lamb kebabs were probably the best dish of the night aside from the grilled foie gras which is anything but Spanish.
He recommended we try the Paella the next time as that has been acclaimed by most of their diners as most authentic.
Seeing as how sincere he was in salvaging the dining experience and we never write off a place at the first try, I'll say, we will have to give the Paella a try before we come to a final conclusion about Bungalow. But I'll have to also say, that will be a while.
Bungalow Tapas Bar & Grill
101 Thomson Road #01-14/15
United Square Singapore 307591
Tel: 6258 9442
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