Splendid Meal at Pura Brasa Singapore

Post by Chiefeater Luke Soon

Taking up the largest retail space in Tanjong Pagar Centre is none other than Pura Brasa Singapore by Josper, a Spanish restaurant that aims to introduce authentic Spanish cuisine at affordable prices.

Initially, I thought Josper was the name of a high-end restaurant and this being its sister concept. But as it turns out, Josper actually refers to a brand of charcoal ovens — the best in the world actually.

Since 2017, Pura Brasa has been our go-to Spanish restaurant whenever we needed our fix of Jamon, Paella and Josper grilled meats. The food is consistently good and we always love the relaxed yet lively atmosphere that takes us back.

We were here about 6-7 years back, and with the re-introduction of some new friends, back here to sample some Spanish cooking.

1. Pardon peppers – this was succulent , seared perfectly and balanced ; one of the best I’ve had in a while (and my fav dish of the night). Yes – you know me, simplicity is elegance and the easier it is to cook, the harder it is to perfect. 8/10

2. Abalone – super juicy, and lightly flavoured with depth and layers. Perfect texture and bite 7.5/10

3. Clams – the pesto like aoli was the clincher. 7.5/10

4. Paella – the aroma hits your eyes before it hits your palate – the aromatics was inviting, and top notch flavouring precision by the new chef 8/10

5. Suckling pig – perfection, crisp, crunch and melts in your mouth simultaneously 8/10

6. Steak – I give it 6/10 but Chiefeater John who’s an ultra regular, was more brutal at 4/10
– these were the few must-haves that our patron Chiefeaters (ie those that eat here several times a week, ultra regulars); that and the dry aged, cured meats.

The only Spanish place that comes close on this red dot is Esquina at Jiak Chuan St, IMHO. That place we’ve been frequenting over the decades is more casual – but food-wise, I think PB pips it. Especially after the departure of the Catalan chef a few years back.

I’ve heard good things about their signature “Josper effect”—a high-temperature 400°C sear that locks in intense moisture while imparting a distinct, sophisticated smokiness to everything from meats to pizza; by the way the pizza we had albeit as a takeaway , was delectable – rather curious how much better it gets being consumed in situ. So many things to try, so little time 😜.

No wonder Pura Brasa Singapore is packed to the brim on most days, rain or shine. What an Ode to Spanish cuisine this is – Pura Brasa es un restaurante excepcional que captura a la perfección la esencia de la gastronomía española, elevándola a otro nivel gracias a su espectacular dominio del carbón y las brasas.

A very strong 7.5/10 overall, with a potential 8 if we get the next sitting right (which we will, with Chiefeater John and Elly being our patron Chiefeaters here..)

Business Hours

Monday to Friday
12:00 pm to 02:30 pm
04:30 pm to 11:00 pm

Saturday and Sunday
12:00 pm to 11:00 pm