Restaurant Espoir Unveils Singapore’s 1st Halal Tapas Buffet

Known for its unique marriage of modern European culinary techniques perfumed with the rich aromas of Malayan cuisine, Muslim-Owned Restaurant Espoir has added an a la carte tapas buffet to its line-up – the first of its kind in Singapore. These dainty small plates, paella offerings and desserts are heightened by the region’s spices and creamy coconut milk, a menu concocted by Chef Nelson, who brings with him almost three decades of experience, including a stint at the Singapore outpost of the world-renowned Tapas from Barcelona.

This array of “bottomless” tapas launches on 17 January 2025, and is available on Fridays at 6.30pm; on Saturdays at 11am, 1.30pm and 6.30pm; and on Sundays at 11am and 1.30pm. It is priced at $98++ per adult and $15++ per child aged 6 to 12 years old. Children below 6 dine for free. From 17 January to 28 February, Espoir will be offering an exclusive 1-for-1 deal for the newly introduced Tapas buffet.

Tapas Extraordinaire Chef Nelson

Singapore-born Chef Nelson has been honing his culinary skills since the 80s, starting his training at SHATEC. His illustrious career in refined French gastronomy began at the renowned Les Amis, and includes mentorship under the award-winning Chef Patrick Heuberger, chef-owner of Atout. Chef Nelson has also trained in France itself, where he spent 4 years in Lyon to perfect his craft.

More recently, he had the opportunity to work on the opening team of the world-famous Tapas,24 by Michelin-starred chef Carles Abellán. Under the tutelage of Chef Carolina Garcia Santamaria, Chef Carles’ protégé, they worked tirelessly to bring this Barcelonian restaurant to Singapore. Today, Chef Nelson brings his 28 years of experience in European cuisine and tapas to Restaurant Espoir, where he challenges himself daily to explore new Halal and Malayan adaptations of traditional Spanish cuisine.

A ‘Bottomless’ Assortment of Tantalising Tapas

Embark on a tapas voyage with our extensive menu, featuring as many as 17 delectable options—there’s something to delight every palate. Here are a few highlights not to be missed.

Experience a hidden burst of flavour with the Patatas Bravas. Golden, fluffy Agria potatoes are used, and fermented for superior texture and lasting crispiness. These crispy potatoes are elevated with a unique curry bravas sauce, infused with lush, tangy sambal ijo and complemented with a complex saffron aioli dip and briny cornichons. The Agria potatoes appear again in Tortillas de Patatas with uniquely delicious aioli topping, homemade with free-range eggs, seasoned with nutmeg, mixed herbs and onions.

Pulpo Bebe provides a taste of the ocean’s bounty. This dish features crispy marinated baby octopus, perfumed with garlic and shallot confit and a rich balsamic reduction.

Another oceanic star is the Croquetas Caseras – a savory crab remoulade, hand-shaped and fried, accompanied with a vibrant and creamy avocado mayonnaise. Costillas de Cordero offer melt-in-your-mouth tenderness, with the slow-cooked lamb ribs braised in house-made lemak chili padi, creating a combination of spicy and savory flavors. Not forgetting the Ostra Fritos, crispy breaded oysters, where these prized pearl producers are paired with avocado mayonnaise and Spanish caviar.

Help yourself to unlimited servings of toothsome treats as well. Freshly made Churros in pandan and classic flavours, dusted with cinnamon sugar, and served with toffee sauce and chocolate coffee sauce. Or a luscious slice of Basque Cheesecake, where the oozy burnt cheesecake gets a vibrant lift from a mango and passionfruit compote.

While you savour these small plates, keep an eye out for the roving trolleys that bring big paella pans to each table. On the menu are Paella de Marisco and Paella con Pollo, made with Spanish Arroz Bomba Rice – ideal for soaking up all the flavours while cooking, expanding up to three times its size without becoming soggy. The former is swimmingly sumptuous, with fresh squid, clams, prawns, cooked in a rich laksa broth. The latter is poultry perfection, with succulent fresh chicken boneless leg, capsicum, cooked in a comforting chicken broth. This is topped with salted egg chicken crackling for the ultimate textural crunch in every bite.

Fun Interactive Games At Meals

You can look forward to an interactive game segments during your meal, adding an element of fun to your dining experience. These games will rotate each session, ensuring a surprise for every visit. For example, you are asked to guess the weight of a slab of steak expertly cut by a blindfolded chef; the closest guess wins the steak. Alternatively, they might be challenged to name the tune being played, with a correct answer earning a complimentary mystery dessert.

The buffet is served a la carte style, with an initial array of starting tapas served to the table. After this initial round, you are free to place any additional orders during your dining time to ensure that the subsequent dishes are prepared a la minute and enjoyed at their best. While drinks are not included in the menu, Espoir offers a wide variety of alcohol-free beverages, including “sangria”, mocktails, and teas by the pot. Try the Torres Natureo Semi-Seco ($88 per bottle, $15 per glass), white or red “sangria” ($49 per jug), alcohol-free Spanish Gin Tonic ($15), or the delightful Fennel Burst ($12) mocktail. Teas by the pot ($9 each) include Secrets of Singapore, and soothing infusion Chamomile Dream.

For more information or to make a reservation, please visit restaurant-espoir.sg or contact Restaurant Espoir at 8860 5935.