As far as culinary traditions go, Spain has plenty to offer. Known for being outgoing and sociable by nature, Spaniards have a deep affinity for centring joyous occasions around a table full of food. Many would agree that a celebratory feast is an integral part of Mediterranean culture. To experience this in Singapore, look to the 15 restaurants certified with ICEX’s ‘Restaurants from Spain’ label.
In Spain, making time to gather for meals is seen as a way to counter the hectic pace of life and monotonous daily routines. No occasion is too small to celebrate—from birthdays and anniversaries to a victory for your favourite football team. Friends are akin to family, and this connection often extends to mealtimes.
Family ties and social circles are sustained by frequent get-togethers and celebrations, both formal and spur of the moment. Without fail, at the core of each gathering is a delicious spread. All in all, celebrating around food is a way of life in Spain—a practice that keeps communities together and one considered essential for mental health.
The more the merrier
When it comes to Spanish celebrations, no group is too big. If you’re planning a festive dinner with a sizeable guest list, Spanish restaurant Binomio has several private dining rooms to offer—the largest of which can seat up to 33 people. It features an all-Spanish menu with an assortment of tapas and charcuterie boards to choose from. The Alkaff Mansion is a colonial building in Singapore known for its historic charm and European-style architecture. It is also home to a spacious and elegant Spanish restaurant, Una—an ideal location for events like weddings and receptions.
Make time for a toast
No celebration is complete without a few special words to commemorate the occasion—and wine only adds to the pleasure of mealtimes in Spain. Look to restaurant Gaig for a stellar selection of fine Spanish wine in Singapore. The menu features a great variety of red, white and sweet dessert wine, accompanied by Spanish sparkling wines. Each bottle is perfect for honouring a long-standing tradition in Spain of clinking glasses for a sentimental toast—hence why wine forms an indispensable section in ICEX’s ‘Restaurants from Spain’ certification.
Eat family-style
Communal eating is an essential part of Spanish dining and considered to be the foundation of friendship. Unlike formal meetings, celebrations in Spain invite family-style dishes to be placed in the center of the table for everyone to enjoy. Spanish cuisine lends itself well to this ritual—with dishes like meatballs, croquettes and plates of delicious jamón ibérico being easy to share. Spanish restaurant Pura Brasa embodies this idea by encouraging all diners to order a selection of items that can be dished out to the rest of the table. From cured cheese and pan con tomate to slow-cooked pork ribs, nothing on this all-Spanish menu is off limits for sharing.
To celebrate in true Spanish style in Singapore, learn more about ICEX’s ‘Restaurants from Spain’ label and discover the restaurants on the list.
