CENDRA on Gemmill Lane: Anniversary Menu & Authentic Spanish Grill
Happy first birthday to CENDRA! This neighbourhood Spanish restaurant and cocktail bar on Gemmill Lane is celebrating its one-year milestone with a refined menu that truly cooks from the heart. Helmed by Barcelona-born chef-owner Xavi Palau, CENDRA has become a go-to for honest, authentic Spanish food that avoids the usual clichés.
The Vibe: All About the Grill
The name CENDRA means “ashes” in Catalan, which perfectly captures the restaurant’s grill-forward concept and the primal connection between fire and flavour. The focus is on exceptional produce, particularly seafood and rice, with a protein-forward approach that’s lighter on fried food. Paired with warm, genuine hospitality, it’s a dining experience where the service is just as important as the food.
Must-Try Dishes from the Menu
Signature Rice “a la Llauna”: A true highlight is the rice, prepared in a traditional Catalan style called a la llauna, where it’s baked in a shallow metal tray. This technique, rarely seen in Singapore, results in a perfectly even cook. Don’t miss the Squid Ink Rice topped with house-made garlic aioli.
“From the Ashes” (From the Grill): The open flame imparts incredible flavour to dishes like Carabineros with garlic and parsley oil, Spanish Pork Ribs with a green herb sauce, and a perfectly grilled Australian Wagyu Striploin MB 6/7.
Tapas & Starters: The menu is packed with elevated small plates, including crispy Iberico Ham Croquetas, delicate Hokkaido Scallops Carpaccio, and smoky Ensaladilla Rusa with mackerel on crisp toast.
Dessert: For a sweet finish, the Basque Cheesecake is served with a refreshing strawberry sorbet, while the standout Chocolate Soufflé is made with absolutely no sugar for an intensely rich flavour.
Visit CENDRA:
Address: 5 Gemmill Lane, Singapore
Nearest MRT: Telok Ayer
Hours: Open six days a week for lunch (12:00 pm – 2:30 pm) and dinner (6:00 pm – 11:00 pm). Closed on Tuesdays.
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