Portugal in the Heart of Singapore, A Culinary Odyssey by TUGA

If there's one thing I've learnt from my travels, it's that the essence of a country is most profoundly felt through its food. So, when I heard that Tuga, the only truly authentic Portuguese restaurant in Singapore, had a new chef and a revamped menu, I couldn't resist returning for a second visit.

My recent family vacation in Portugal had left me with a craving for the rich and vibrant flavours of Portuguese cuisine, and I was eager to see if Tuga could transport me back to those sun-soaked days in July.

As I stepped into Tuga, I was reminded of their commitment to offering a genuine Portuguese experience. From the moment you walk through the door, you're not just dining; you're embarking on a journey of immersion into Portugal. The ambience is designed to make you feel as if you've stumbled into a cosy wine cellar in Lisbon, surrounded by the finest Portuguese wines. It's a celebration of Portugal's culture through its food, wine, music, and art and it's a journey you won't want to end.

The culinary journey at Tuga begins with a dedication to using the freshest ingredients. Everything, from the succulent octopus to my personal favourite, the clams, is flown in fresh, ensuring that each dish bursts with authentic Portuguese flavours. For our entrées, we indulged in a variety of delectable dishes. The Roasted Pepper Salad with Portuguese Canned Sardines was a delightful start and the enormous Garlic Tiger Shrimp had a satisfying kick of spice. The spicy Sautéed Mushrooms with Black Pig Chorizo were a treat for the taste buds and the "Pica-Pau" style Beef made with fillet mignon and home-made pickles was a carnivore's dream.

For the mains, we couldn't resist the allure of "À Alentejana" pork meat and clams, a classic Portuguese dish that blended tender pork with the briny goodness of clams. The "À Bulhão Pato" Manila Clams were another standout, a testament to our clam obsession. Each dish was a symphony of flavours that transported us to the charming streets of Portugal.

And then came dessert – the famous Portuguese Tart. It's a dessert that has become synonymous with Portugal and Tuga's version did not disappoint. It was easily one of the best I've had, with its crispy, flaky pastry and creamy custard filling. One bite and I was back in a Lisbon cafe, sipping espresso and savouring this sweet delight.

Tuga's commitment to authenticity is not limited to its ingredients and flavours. They have a deep-rooted knowledge of Portuguese gastronomy, led by their Portuguese Executive Chef, Luís Barradas, who ensures that each dish is a true representation of his beloved home country. Their extensive wine list, with over 600 labels covering all Portuguese wine regions, is a testament to their dedication to providing a comprehensive Portuguese experience.

In only three years of operation, Tuga has garnered several awards, including "WGA New Restaurant of the Year 2020" and the "Epicurean Star Award for Best Western Restaurant (Casual Dining) 2021." These accolades are a reflection of their unwavering commitment to excellence in delivering Portuguese cuisine.

Co-Founder Carlos Couto beautifully sums up the essence of Tuga: "We've created a very engaging space where guests can fall in love with Portugal and a place where they can come back to immerse themselves in Portuguese culture even if they don't travel to Portugal." It's a sentiment that captures the spirit of Tuga – a place where guests are not just diners; they are welcomed to feel at home, Portugal's home.

To enrich the Portuguese environment further, Tuga offers a retail corner where guests can browse and purchase a curated selection of Portuguese products and merchandise, allowing you to take a piece of Portugal home with you.

Tuga is more than just a restaurant; it's a culinary journey to Portugal that you can experience without leaving Singapore. It's a celebration of Portugal's rich gastronomic wonders and every visit is an opportunity to fall in love with Portugal all over again. If you're in search of an authentic Portuguese dining experience that will transport your taste buds straight to this wonderful country, Tuga is the place to be. Don't miss this delightful gem in the heart of Singapore, where you can savour the true essence of Portugal, one delectable dish at a time.