(Food Tasting Event)
A few weeks back, SELA invited me for a food tasting event over at their restaurant. This happened during my exams actually but it just so happens that for that week, my exams ended on the day of the food tasting event so I could go! I keep telling myself that it's fate cause I wouldn't have been able to make it otherwise hahaha. Anywho, I brought my sister along with me cause food is always good when the company is nice(:
SELA just opened recently in July actually and it is a modern European restaurant. Featuring a spread for lunch and dinner that represent the essence of European cooking with an exclusive grilled Tapas menu, SELA has a wide range of wines to select from - all the better to go with the wide range of wines to select from! Well I didn't try any wine (still can't drink hahaha) but other bloggers seem really pleased with it! They also offer Japanese craft beers which are really hard to find in Singapore! I was talking to the owner of the restaurant and he said that only around 5 restaurants offer it so you definitely have to check it out.
The last photo features the Japanese craft beers if you're wondering how it looks!
I also got to find out a little more about the main chef at SELA from the owner. Head chef, Mohammad Shahrom, has been a chef for 7 years who specializes in gourmet European cuisine. In fact, he won 1st place in a cooking competition, Tutto Italiano in 2007, and was sent on a study trip to Italy. He believes that good European food does not necessarily have to come from a European chef and constantly works on improving his skills. A really friendly person who you should say hi if you drop by!
Grilled Asparagus, Poached Egg, Parma Ham
This dish was 1 of the 2 starters that were served. What I love about this dish was definitely the asparagus. I'm not a huge fan of vege (as most of my friends know) but this is different. Paired with the poach egg, it's just perfection. Just imagine the yolk falling all over the asparagus and ham. Thinking about it makes me hungry!
Carpaccio of Scallops, Thia Fish Sauce Chilli Dressing
And the 2nd starter. Personally, I don't find the chilli too overwhelming or strong so you don't have to worry about it being too spicy or anything like that. The scallops are thinly sliced, perfect as a starter to kick start your meal! Definitely a good one to share but just do note that it won't be really filling.
Herb Crusted Lamb Rack, Braised Red Cabbage, Banana Shallots, Lamb Jus
For all the lamb lovers out there, this is definitely for you. The meat is really chewy and tender that'll pretty much leave you craving for more. I'd advice to share it though cause it is actually quite filling despite its appearance. I know that some ppl don't really like the taste of mutton so you might not find this to your liking if you fall under the category. Don't fret though cause there are other dishes that are equally good!
Baked Miso Chilean Seabass, Edamame & Sweet Peas
This is the other main that SELA offered for their food tasting and it's my absolute FAVOURITE bold, underline, italicised, highlight hahaha. I'm not even that big of a fan of seafood but this is definitely special. The seabasss is even nicer than the lamb rack in my opinion and definitely my favourite dish for the day! Get this get this get this if you're gng to SELA!
Seared Duck Breast, Saute Parsnips and Mushroom, Sze Chuan Pepper Sauce
The owner was really very nice and told us that we could order extra dishes in case the food wasn't enough and of course, we did hahaha. The 4 of us decided to order 2 more dishes and here is 1 of them. Coming from Hong Kong, duck is one of my favourite dishes and we always eat it all the time so I did have high standards for this! And of course, it didn't fail to make me a happy diner hahaha! Funny story but I actually didn't know the white circle thing you see in the photo are onions. So I ate it and just cringed. Not a very smart move haha.
Slow Braised Kurabuta Pork Cheek, Potatoes and Carrots
And here's the 2nd extra dish we ordered. Is it just me or does it not really look like pork? Hahaha but it definitely tastes as good as pork gets! I know the main attraction of this dish is the pork but I must say, I really, really loved the potatoes. The main dish is only as good as the accompanying ingredients right? I pretty much ate 3/4 of the potatoes (sorry all my dinner buds that day!) cause it was that good. Definitely should give this a go.
Salmon Skewers, Grape Relish
I'm a huge huge huge fan of such cooked salmon. Funny how I don't like raw salmon at all but love this to bits. It's under SELA's selection of Tapas and in my opinion, I prefer this over to the other tapas they offered that day (next photo). Both are good but smth about this just appealed to me. I'm pretty sure it's the way it tasted. Did you know that the sea salt (the base/ 'plate') is delivered all the way from the Himalayas? We asked the owner what can't they just sprinkle salt over. Apparently, he wanted the salmon to 'soak in' the salt so that the dish will fully absorb the taste. Super interesting right! I don't actually know any other restaurants which does this. I'd definitely recommend this if you're looking for tapas.
Miso Squid, Sweet Peas, Salmon Roe
And the other tapas we got to try out. The squid is really chewy and I thought that it was quite an interesting combi to places squid, peas and salmon roe together. A special pairing and it definitely worked.
Gula Melaka Creme Caramel
Time for my favourite part of dinner! DESSERTS! *throws pompom, confetti, table, chair, everything in the air* SELA is an European restaurant but they preserve traditional asian flavours if you would call it. And that's why, there's the Gula Melaka Creme Caramel! It was so good, we asked for seconds. So yup, the 4 of us shared 2 of this dish (Thank you to the owner and chef for preparing it for us!)
Lemon Cheese Tart
I also loved this and would loved to have seconds. Unfortunately, this came after the Gula Melaka Creme Caramel and we were all pretty full by then. There is the right amount of sourness that you would expect in a Lemon Tart but it definitely wasn't too sour. You can definitely finish this all by yourself cause it isn't a lot as compared to the Gula Melaka Creme Caramel. So I'd recommend the one above if you're looking to share desserts whereas this if you'd rather have dessert by yourself (:
If the above dishes aren't to your liking, no worries cause SELA frequently update and change their menu. My sister and I were quite shocked when we heard cause we've nvr heard of such a concept before. The team at SELA strives to keep their menu refreshing and will spend time learning about new dishes so that they can offer them on their menu. You might be thinking now, does this mean my favourite dish will be gone?!?! Well, nope! They will keep the more popular dishes (such as the Gula Mela Creme Caramel which is totally a reason why you should try it cause it's their best selling dessert) so that you can still enjoy them (:
Their operating hours are
Monday - Saturday: 11.30am - 2.30pm
5.30pm - 11pm
Overall, a very pleasant experience and my sister was saying that she'd totally bring Rifdi there one day cause it's 2 mins away from his office. If you're planning to take public transport, you can take an MRT to Cityhall and walk to SELA. It's right opposite Raffles Hotel, super convenient to get to. You can find out more at
SELA's website or their
facebook and even email them at enquiry@restauramtsela.com.sg. Let me know if you do drop by and rmb to say hi to the friendly staff over there!
SELA Restaurant - 32 Seah Street
S188388
"If music be the food of love, play on."
William Shakespeare
