(Invited Tasting)
Situated on Amoy Street, @kulto.sg is co-owned by Executive @chef_alonso who was previously at Santi in MBS, Restaurant Andre and Binomio. So although the vibe is smart-casual, it is crystal clear there is a lot of finesse in their Spanish cuisine because everything we had was really very delicious.
@bang90 the Manager welcomed us with a glass of Spanish red - it was delightfully fruity and easy-to-drink, and one of the many labels the restaurant imports from Spain themselves. In fact, they make up about 80% of the wine list. If you want to buy a few to take home, just browse at the mini retail corner right by the entrance.
I decided to order a few tapas before moving on to the bigger dishes and they were excellent. First, a half-portion (usual is 4 pcs for $14) of Crab Croquettes with their housemade special chilli crab sauce. Very crunchy on the outside, the generous filling was a divine crab and bechamel mix that packed a spicy punch.
The second #tapas, which happens to be a new addition to the menu, was an impeccably-balanced creation of Japanese Uni, Ikura and Ensaladilla (Spanish potato salad) on crunchy toast ($24 for 4pcs).
Also new, the Iberico Pork Carpaccio ($20) had an Asian touch by way of soya sauce in the vinaigrette dressing and topping of crunchy “wonton” skin. They worked surprisingly well.
I like my vegetables so I asked for a half portion of the Roasted Australian Cauliflower. It was still very large though and I thought the tahini, toasted hazelnuts and touch of chilli brought out its juicy, naturally sweet best.
We had our minds well and truly blown by the calamari. Somehow I thought we would be getting the usual crunchy-fried Calamari but oh my goodness (and I don’t mean any disrespect to that style) but it was nothing like it. From the perfect length of time on the charcoal grill to the accompanying squid ink aioli and roasted garlic purée, everything about Kulto’s Spanish squid contributed to its magnificence. A must-order! ($22)
While I watched Sous Chef @w.e.i.99 prepare their popular Squid Ink Paella for us, Chef Alonso shared that their stoves are from Spain and they are designed specifically for paella. He went on to say that they strive to use as much ingredients and produce from Europe as possible to ensure their food is more authentic. @huatkaliao and I enjoyed every bite of the umami maximus of that pan of rice decked out in mussels, clams, squid and aioli ($38).
For our meat, I took Bang’s recommendation and picked the Charcoal-grilled Iberico Pluma ($32). Smoky, tender and juicy, the fat-laced pork had the loveliest earthy company of porcini mushrooms in sautéed and purée forms. Not a typical pairing but it worked like a dream.
I LOVED my choice of dessert - the Whisky Cake ($14). Bang splashed on some Nikka (a whisky produced in Japan) upon serving it, and thus elevated the extremely fresh tasting vanilla-perfumed sponge and chantilly cream cake to otherworldliness. Coupled with the crunchiness from the toasted almond slices scattered all over, I was on cloud nine with every spoonful. This is a MUST-ORDER when you visit. Having said that, I was told the Kulto Cheesecake ($12) made with Manchego cheese is a hot favourite with customers too so if you have tummy space, do go for both.
