Tucked away on the peaceful and charming Greenwood Avenue, Barrio invites guests to celebrate the vibrant flavours of Spanish cuisine. The warm and convivial neighbourhood atmosphere enhances the experience, making it an ideal spot for both intimate meals and lively get-togethers.
Barrio’s special ‘Ceviche’ 4/5
We began our dinner with a selection of Tapas, and the first was Barrio’s special ‘Ceviche’ ($22), which features marinated seabass soaked in a zesty blend of citrus juices. Barrio’s version has more robust, punchy flavours than the usually lighter flavours of ceviche. There are also plenty of fresh ingredients, like diced onions, cilantro, and a hint of chilli. Very addictive crispy tortilla chips accompany the dish, which provides a satisfying crunch and a contrast to the marinated fish.
Barrio ‘Bikini’ Sandwich 4.5/5
We absolutely loved the Barrio ‘Bikini’ Sandwich ($20), which stars a winning combination of ingredients that come together very well – roast beef, cheese and black truffle. The tender slices of roast beef are succulent and packed with flavour, while the melted cheese provides a savoury creaminess that perfectly complements the beef.
Garlic Prawns 4.2/5
The Garlic Prawns ($30) captivated our senses as soon as the dish arrived at the table, filling the air with an irresistible aroma. Each large, juicy prawn is perfectly cooked and beautifully presented alongside a velvety, earthy hummus and a sprinkling of dried chilli. It is an interesting flavour combination that captures both the taste of land and sea. There’s also some crunchy toast to mop up the hummus and garlic sauce.
Fideuà 4.5/5
Our interest was piqued by the arrival of a huge pan of Fideuà ($55 for small, $75 for large), the less often seen sibling of Paella. Originating from the coastal region of Valencia, Fideuà is an interesting twist on the traditional rice dish, using short noodles instead. As we eagerly dug in, we discovered that the noodles had indeed soaked up the rich flavours of the broth and other ingredients like the pork sausage and mushrooms. Whether you prefer this or the rice version will probably depend on what texture you enjoy. We found that the noodle version was softer and easier to bite, whilst the rice version usually has a more chewy texture with some crispy, charred bits. Other options exist for the Paella and Fideuà, such as seafood, squid ink or vegetables.
¼ ‘Cochinillo’ Suckling Pig 3.5/5
Moving on to the main meat dish, we were presented with an impressive platter of ¼ ‘Cochinillo’ Suckling Pig ($89, good to share between 3-4 pax), a culinary centrepiece that requires approximately 45 minutes of preparation time upon order and is also served with Panadera potatoes and Padron Peppers. With succulent meat and a golden-brown crispy skin, there is little to fault regarding the execution of the dish or its texture, but we found the taste of the suckling pig to be quite strong, which was not to our taste preferences. Perhaps true pork lovers will enjoy this dish more than we did.
Churros with chocolate 4.8/5
Churros ($14) are always a delightful end to a Spanish meal, and Barrio’s version is everything I want in a churro. Each churro has a soft, slightly mochi-like centre, providing a satisfying chewiness that contrasts beautifully with the crisp, crunchy exterior. The churros are accompanied by the slightest sugar dusting and a rich, velvety chocolate dipping sauce that offers a decadent finish.
Barrio offers an unpretentious dining experience that captures the essence of community. The food is tasty, and the portions are generally good to share. Little wonder the restaurant was quite full when we visited, with groups of families and friends enjoying the evening and some delicious Spanish food.
Penned by Shermine. Through her pictures and stories, she shares her journey of savouring new flavours and experiences. Note: This is an invited tasting.
Barrio Spanish Restaurant
73 Hillcrest Road
Singapore 288945
Tel: +65 8328 7467
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Nearest MRT: Tan Kah Kee (DT Line)
Opening Hours:
Tue-Fri: 12pm – 230pm, 5pm – 1030pm
Sat-Sun: 1130am – 1030pm
Direction:
1) Alight at Tan Kah Kee MRT station. Take Exit A. Use the overhead bridge to Exit B. Walk straight to Hillcrest Road. Turn right onto Hillcrest Road. Walk down Hillcrest Road and make a left into Greenwood Avenue. Journey time about 15 minutes. [Map]