UNA at Alkaff Mansion is a beautiful heritage property in Telok Blangah hills. Interestingly, UNA has earned the “Restaurants from Spain” certification bestowed by ICEX, the Spanish Institute for Foreign Trade. This is the seal of approval for restaurants using some of the very best Spanish produce. The European-style architecture and sprawling spaces set the stage for an unforgettable Spanish culinary adventure.
Celebrating its 10th year of serving authentic Spanish cuisine, UNA has just launched a new menu that's got food lovers buzzing, and it's with good reason. The stars of the show today are the highly prized Rubia Gallega beef and Moralejo lamb, both making their Singapore debut right here at UNA.
This mouthwatering menu is the brainchild of two culinary heavyweights. On one side, we have Chef Diego Grimberg, UNA's Culinary Advisor and Head Chef of the Michelin-starred Hofmann Restaurant in Spain. UNA's Executive Chef Tom Kung is partnering with him, whose impressive resume includes helming the three-Michelin-starred L'Atelier de Joël Robuchon. Get ready for the A-Team of chefs.
Now, let's talk about the food. The new menu at UNA showcases two incredible products: Rubia Gallega Beef and Moralejo Lamb. Both are making their Singapore debut, and trust me, they're worth the hype.
The Rubia Gallega Beef comes from cattle raised in northwest Spain's damp, mountainous regions. These free-roaming cows graze on diverse grasses, herbs, and even chestnuts and acorns that fall from trees in autumn. The result? A meat with intense flavour and excellent marbling that's tender, juicy, and complex in taste. Some of these cattle mature for up to 15 years. This extended lifespan contributes to the development of complex flavours in the meat.
Then there's the Moralejo Lamb, or "Lechazo de Moralejo" as it's known in Spain. These suckling lambs, typically just a month old, are still milk-fed and produce meat that's pale pink, incredibly tender, and delicately flavoured. UNA prepares it in the traditional "asado" style, roasted to perfection in its wood-fired oven.
My culinary journey began with some classics done right. The Pan Con Tomate, a simple yet delicious combination of toasted bread and fresh tomato puree, paired perfectly with the Cinco Jotas "5J" Jamon Iberico. This ham, aged for 48 months, is made with Spain’s finest 5J Iberico pork and is the finest in Spanish cured meats.
Next up was the Gazpachuelo de Gambas Roja, a refreshing gazpacho with red prawn tartare. The ocean flavours of the prawn complemented the tomato-based soup beautifully. The Pulpo a la Parrilla, a grilled octopus dish served with red and green salsa and baby potatoes, was a typical and delightful nod to traditional Spanish cuisine.
Now, it’s time for the real showstoppers. The Rubia Gallega Gold—Costillas a la Parrilla arrived at the table, and I could hardly contain my excitement. This prime rib, grilled and served sliced, came with a Fricando sauce, oyster mushrooms, and pumpkin puree. From the first bite, I knew this was something special. The meat, with its perfect pink centre and grilled bark, highlighted the chefs’ skill and the quality of the beef.
Next, the Asado Moralejo Lamb with Cauliflower was a master class in delicate flavours. The lamb leg, served sliced with cauliflower florets and puree, offered a gentle contrast to the robust beef. To balance out all that carnivore goodness, we had the Verduras a la Parrilla - a medley of grilled vegetables including asparagus, broccolini, zucchini, red peppers, and onions, all tied together with a delightful Romesco sauce.
And here's a pro tip: the beef and lamb can be ordered as sharing plates for three or four people. This means you get to sample these incredible meats while still leaving room to explore other excellent items on UNA's Spanish menu.
Then, dessert arrived. The Crèma Catalana, a Spanish take on crème brulee served with berries, was divine. But for me, the surprise treat was the Turron de Almendras, a sweet almond nougat cake served with raspberry sorbet and Hazelnut Streusel. These desserts were decadent enough to stand up to the bold flavours of the meal while offering a perfectly sweet finish.
UNA is undoubtedly a beautiful venue, but beyond the incredible food is the attention to detail in every aspect of the dining experience. The service is nothing short of five-star, with attentive servers who are both cordial and knowledgeable about each dish.
Final Thoughts
UNA at Alkaff Mansion is an experience. With its new menu featuring the incredible Rubia Gallega Beef and Moralejo Lamb, UNA has cemented its place as a must-visit destination for Spanish food lovers in Singapore. The prices are reasonable given the high quality of the food and the fine dining ambience, making it an excellent value for a truly memorable dining experience.
So, gather your friends, make a reservation, and prepare for a Spanish culinary journey that will linger in your memory long after the last plate is cleared.
a. 10 Telok Blangah Green, Level 2, Singapore 109178
w. www.una.sg
fb. www.facebook.com/una.singapore
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