Alma by Juan Amador – Singapore (1 Michelin Star)

Alma by Juan Amador is a Michelin Starred restaurant in Singapore that marries European fine dining with Asian nuances.

Food

Executive Chef Haikal Johari has designed an affordable 3 course lunch menu as well as two degustations for dinner.

My lunch is off to an intriguing start as a mini hessian sack is brought out and placed on my table. Inside the sack you will find the complimentary potato bread cradled among hot stones. It’s fluffy and pairs perfectly with the soft garlic butter.

For starters, guests can choose from several options including Crispy Tofu and Hamachi. The Hamachi is lightly cured and is accompanied by broccoli, lemon, ikura and buttermilk. The complexity of all the ingredients is cleverly tied together by the creamy buttermilk.

A variety of dishes can be picked for the main course, such as the Boston Lobster and Wagyu Beef. As an adventurous eater, I went with the Boston Lobster which features an unique combination of angel hair pasta, seaweed and tom yam. Creating culinary fusions is a tricky task sometimes ending in disaster, fortunately chef Haikal has delivered a fusion dish that’s balanced and delicate.

Dessert is limited to one option – the Pina Colada. It’s a deconstruction of the classic cocktail with rum, pineapple and coconut. The fruity dessert is refreshing and not overly sweet, an ideal way to end the meal.

Drinks

Wine enthusiasts will be absolutely thrilled to dine at Alma. The restaurant has an exquisitely curated wine list with affordable bottles as well as famous labels such as Domaine de la Romanee Conti and Château Lafite Rothschild. There’s even an entire page dedicated to cult Napa Valley wine, Screaming Eagle.

Service

Stephen, my host, was exceptionally attentive during my lunch. His thorough knowledge of both the cuisine and wines shone through as he carefully explained each dish. He even offered to take a photograph of me when he spotted me taking photos of my meal!

Atmosphere

As you step into the restaurant, you’ll notice a bright red frame that is centred in the restaurant dividing the dining space. While most fine dining establishments follow an uniformed decor, Alma opts for a colourful mismatched palette. The eclectic atmosphere has plush orange chairs, lush pot plants and paintings of birds.

Verdict

Being awarded a Michelin Star in the inaugural launch of the Michelin Guide is no mean feat. Alma has certainly excelled in terms of cuisine and service.

This review was based on a complimentary meal. I was going to settle the bill but was informed that it was taken care of it.