Following its soft launch, Bacatá officially opens and joins the growing latin American dining scene. With elaborate decor that emphasises the roots of its gourmet Colombian cuisine, Bacatá seeks to transport you from the heart of Singapore’s CBD to Latin America through modern Colombian food. Its traditional dishes are re-imagined to suit the modern palate, now in the form of sharing plates on top of its tasting menu.
Featuring a wide selection of dishes, the à la carte menu allows you to curate your meal, making communal dining fuss-free. Transporting you to the streets of Colombia, the Arepa Con Cerdo ($20), features grilled corn cakes paired with pork shoulder slices that were cooked in the oven. Glazed with pork jus and sherry vinegar, this bite-sized snack will be a strong start to the rest of your meal.
Perfect for sharing, the Pescado y Arroz con Coco ($32) showcases the flavours of the sea and land. Precisely filleted from a whole fish, the freshly grilled Sea Bass is lifted with a refreshing herb salad. Inspired by the crowd favourite Arroz Caldoso, fragrant Arborio Coconut Rice is cooked with kombu and vinegar then topped with Plantains chips for added crunch. Among the appetisers, the popular Tiradito Bacata ($22) is a strategic pairing of torched Spanish Mackerel with smoked cod liver cream, uplifted by lime vinegar pearls and Aji Verde. Served on a homemade walnut tart, it is finished with coriander cress, brassica flowers and whipped Leche De Tigre – a citrus–based, spicy marinade used to cure fish for ceviche.
Not to be missed is the Cordero A Caballo ($48), where a luxurious cut of lamb saddle is roasted in the oven before it goes onto a charcoal grill for a smoky char. Topped with bacon & maple glaze and a housemade spice rub, this perfect ratio of savoury and sweet is rounded with Hogao, one of the most traditional Colombian sauces. Seasoned with spring onion, garlic, olive oil and thyme, this earthy sauce rounds the dish.
You can also embark on a tantalising exploration of Colombian cuisine with the Chef’s Tasting Menu ($158++) by native Chef-Owner Fernando Arévalo, represented by the produce of the highest quality to showcase his Latin American roots.
A Culturally Vibrant Space
Enhancing the dining experience, the rich tapestry of Latin American culture is articulated by the now-complete interiors, highlighted by artworks. Portraying the theme of ‘A story of life in colours’ set by its interior firm greymatters, Bacatá features vastly contrasting hues.
Its ambience is strikingly different from the mood outdoors, so you can feel a dramatic change the moment they enter the restaurant. Its walls are a black canvas with splashes of colour from handmade indigenous masks and vases, while striking red elements and brass detailings are symbolic of Fernando collecting and absorbing exciting new memories from his travels.
A show kitchen lights up the main area, so you can watch the happenings “backstage”. Over at the other corner, a private dining space segregated by the concierge offers you a sense of intimacy. The prevalent black spaces at Bacatá express to you that your dining journey will progress as an ever–changing adventure filled with mystery and surprises.
