We went to check out Movida Singapore for a friend’s birthday celebration and it was pretty crowded for a weekday evening. The fragrance of the food lingered in the air as we waited for our table to be ready and we couldn’t wait to start our dinner

OSTRA $32 (half dozen)

Freshly shucked oyster

The oysters were fresh and had a taste of sweet and saltiness in them. Though I would prefer my oysters to be bigger

TARTAR $12 each

David Blackmore 9+ wagyu tartare with crème fraiche on almond cracker

Definitely wasn’t what we were expecting but I thought the tartare was decent but nothing outstanding

ABALÓN $16 each

Slow-cooked abalone finished over charcoal with Iberico pork lardo and butter emulsion

I actually had very hopes for the abalone but I felt it was a tad overcooked. I thought the flavours were balanced but sadly the abalone was disappointing

PULPO $16 each

Spanish octopus cooked over coals with pork sobrasada sauce and potato

I was expecting an octopus leg. This was presented rather differently. I have to say, there was nothing memorable about this dish

CECINA $32

Air-cured Wagyu beef, truffle potato foam and poached egg

The wagyu slices with potato foam soaked in a runny yolk was delicious. It was actually the best tapas of the night

PAELLA DE SEÑORITO $75

Gentleman’s paella, bomba rice cooked with saffron, calamari, barramundi and smoked prawns

The paella was disappointing. The rice on the side was rather tough but it gets better towards the centre. My favourite was the cut prawns. It was succulent, crunchy and sweet and left you wanting for more

CHURROS CON CHOCOLATE $12

Spanish doughnuts with chocolate sauce

Ending off with some churros and a portion of a very drinkable chocolate sauce. The churros were dusted evenly with sugar and actually went well together with the chocolate sauce

To say this was a very average meal was an understatement. Perhaps the concept was meant to be different but yet the flavours and the execution of the food fell a little short. And for the price point you are paying, there’s definitely much more to consider

MoVida Singapore

Raffles City Shopping Centre

252 North Bridge Rd, #03-43, Singapore 179103