Now reopened in its Orchard Road location, FOC PIM PAM’s recent refurbishment sees the restaurant trading in its bright, colourful caricatures for a more modern chic interior, reminiscent of its Hong Kong Street outlet. We like the addition of a new alfresco bar area that allows for happy hour drinks outdoors, but it’s the sneak preview of a private room, with beautifully sandblasted walls and tasteful furnishings, that excites the party planner in us. The rest of the space has also been split into two sections — a laidback tapas bar and a cosier dining area. In short, the Spanish joint is now geared towards an all-night dining experience — from gin and tonic aperitifs and tapas to dinner and dessert after.
From the tapas section, we tried and loved the refreshing Cherry Gazpacho ($8) featuring a fragrant olive oil ice cream, as well as the incredibly rich and decadent FOC Pig Tripe Stew with Chickpeas ($12) served with house baked tomato focaccia. But what really stands out at FOC PIM PAM’s reopening has to be the now well-stocked shelves, showcasing specially imported canned seafood from Spain. Carefully handpicked by chef-owner Jordi, there are selections of top-grade cockles, tuna belly and razor clams that boast fresh, briny flavours. Choose to order a can to have in-house or take one home to savour — we hear chef enjoys his canned seafood by the pool, with a glass of sherry.
You’ll also be glad to know that their showstopper of a sharing dish, the Suckling Pig ($130), remains on the menu, along with its elaborate tableside service. But the next time you’re back for this, order it with the new, ultra flavourful Iberico Secreto Pork & Mushroom Paella ($33), cooked in a skillet with butcher’s cut pork — a secret, tender cut around the legs, typically saved for the butcher’s use.
Check out what the community says about the now refreshed FOC PIM PAM here!
