Dreaming of tapas that dance on your palate and wines that whisper tales of distant vineyards? MoVida Original, Australia’s best-known hatted Spanish restaurant, is poised to unveil its first standalone outlet in Singapore on 1 Aug 2024, following a successful introduction at Surrey Hills Grocer One Holland Village in March 2024. After an initial glimpse of MoVida Original’s signature offerings, get ready to embark on a Spanish culinary adventure where each bite and sip promises a journey of passion and flavour, meticulously crafted to captivate your taste buds.
Originating from Melbourne, Australia, MoVida Original was established in 2003 and has since become a familiar name to many for its delectable tapas and sharing plates. Using Australian ingredients to create sumptuous and authentic Spanish flavours, the MoVida empire gained popularity for their modern take on cult classics and has now expanded across Australia, with five different concepts under its belt.
For its inaugural expansion outside of Australia into Singapore, Chef Adrian Clemmens, the former Head Chef and founding team member of MoVida Original, has been appointed to lead the culinary team. Chef Clemmens brings a wealth of culinary knowledge and expertise gained from extensive industry experience, starting as an apprentice Chef for five to six years, before ascending to the role of Head Chef in the United Kingdom and Vietnam. Now, Chef Clemmens will lead the MoVida Singapore team to bring the same high standards and distinctive personality of its Melbourne counterpart. Enjoy a blend of MoVida Original’s beloved dishes alongside new exclusive creations, as the Singapore outpost delivers the same delectable flavours that have solidified MoVida’s culinary legacy in the land down under.
Tapas takes centre stage at MoVida with some Singapore-exclusive dishes including the Abalon, S$16 (Farmed Abalone grilled over charcoal and finished in a rich butter emulsion), Croqueta de Langosta, S$12 (Lobster Croquettes with a crunchy coating and a luscious creamy centre, filled with tender bites of lobster) and Tartaleta, S$8 (a buttery and delicate tartlet filled with velvety chicken liver parfait and a hint of tangy verjuice).
For diners seeking a heartier serving, choose from an array of raciónes or main dishes like the cult classic Paella De Señorito, S$75 (Paella with bomba rice, with a medley of deshelled seafood, including calamari, fish and smoked prawns), Cecina, S$32 (Tender air-dried Wagyu Beef served alongside a light and earthy Truffle Potato foam, topped with a perfectly runny poached egg) and the Canalones, S$34 (Catalan-style Canalones filled with tender duck, porcini and Manchego cheese baked in a luscious and hearty nutmeg, brandy and truffle velouté).
To elevate the meal, MoVida Singapore offers a thoughtfully curated selection of exquisite wines. Choose from a selection of sparkling wines (Espumoso) such as Bufadors winery’s 2019 Celler ‘Les Voranes’ Brut Nature Cava Penedes or opt for a light white wine (Blanco) like the 2020 ‘Vaguera’ Dona Blanca Toro from Alvar de Dios winery. Rose (Roasdo) enthusiasts can also enjoy the sophisticated 2021 ‘Picaro’ Clarete Ribera del Duero from Dominio del Aguila. Red wine lovers will also appreciate the diverse selection, including the 2018 ‘El Lance’ Listán Negro Blend Tenerife from Suertes del Marques.