Don Quijote

Don Quijote
17 Lorong Kilat

7 Dempsey Road #01-02

http://www.don-quijote-restaurants.com/


Spanish Fine Dining
(Ratings: On a scale of 1 to 10, with 1 = Worst and 10 = Best)
Overall: 8
Ambience & Setting: 8
Food & Beverage: 9
Service: 8
Value for Money: 7
Spent about SGD $67 per person.


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Don Quijote is a quaint little place tucked away from the busy streets... recommended to reserve a place in advance during peak periods, but if possible, go when there are no crowds, as service tends to be better.

Food quality at Don Quijote is excellent, and ingredients are fresh. May bit a little too pricey though. The service at Don Quijote is pretty good.


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Paella Special

Salad Russian Ensaladilla Rusa

Tortilla Espanola

Conchas Del Peregrino

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Update Apr-2016: Having followed Don Quijote since their days at Lorong Kilat, in the Bukit Timah area of Singapore, I must confess that my previous post hasn't really done any justice to this fantastic Spanish restaurant. Returning after 5 years, I find Don Quijote to be just as consistently good as before.

Ambience at Don Quijote is better than before, due in part to their larger floor space. Modern, dark wooden chairs and shiny black topped tables fill the dining hall, with bright bursts of colour from the yellow walls. Shadows and light intersect, thanks to the bright spotlights. Touches of flowers and Spanish paintings lend atmosphere, and the buzzing place calls to mind the great drinking halls of old, where merry-making took place. Sitting outdoors is more tranquil, though slightly uncomfortable due to being subject to weather conditions.

Don Quijote Exterior

Don Quijote Interior

Service at Don Quijote remains as professional and polite as ever. Staff are quick to greet and seat diners, as well as attend to you when called. They display good product knowledge, being able to describe the differences in dishes, such as whether a Gambas dish has prawns or shrimp. Orders take awhile to fulfill, between 15 - 30 minutes, so be prepared for a short wait. Staff are also quick to clear empty / dirty tables, and they even address you by name when collecting payment (via credit card). I'm also pleased that staff will proactively offer you bread and top up water glasses, as well as check for feedback on your dining experience.

Seating Outdoors

Seating Indoors

Seating Bar Counter

Seating Private Room

Food at Don Quijote remains traditional Spanish, being among the first in Singapore to offer this cuisine. As a bastion of Spanish cuisine in Singapore, they've done well to uphold the taste, and preparation, of their many dishes. Generally, I find each dish to be well executed and tasty, exactly as described in the menu. Fresh ingredients are used, with 1 or 2 star ingredients in each dish being prominently featured. In particular, their wide range of tapas is a standout for me. Portions are designed for communal dining, and are medium-large. Prices remain high, as befits a fine dining establishment, budget about SGD $60 per person for a meal here. However, their weekend brunch buffet (11:30am - 2:30pm Sat & Sun & PH), at SGD $38++ / $58++ per person, is value for money, and well worth trying!

Menu Food

Menu Food

Menu Beverage

Menu Beverage

Menu Brunch Buffet

Complimentary water, which staff come around regularly to top up. Love that if you sit outdoors, they provide a little buzzer, to signal the staff indoors.

Water & Buzzer

The Beer Estrella Damm (SGD $14) is a pilsner lager, brewed in Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain, by Sociedad Anónima Damm brewery. It has a bright, clear, golden colour, aromas of bread, corn, and cereal, and tastes of wheat, hay, apples, and barley. Body is medium-light, crisp, thin, and watery, with a smooth but slightly bitter finish.

Beer Estrella Damm (SGD $14)

They also offer a Beer San Miguel Pale Pilsen (SGD $10) on tap, but this is a Filipino beer rather than a Spanish beer. It has a bright, straw golden colour with a medium-thick foam head; a smooth, crisp, refreshing body with tastes of malt, grain, corn, and lemon. Pleasant and light drink with little bitterness and soft carbonation.

Beer San Miguel Pale Pilsen (SGD $10)

The classic Spanish cocktail of Sangria is done pretty decently here. Both the Sangria Tinto (SGD $14.50) and the Sangria Blanco (SGD $14.50) feature chopped fruit (orange, lemon, apple, pineapple), cinnamon stick, sugar syrup, and sprite, though the former uses the house red wine, while the latter uses the house white wine. Refreshing, albeit slightly weak as an alcoholic beverage.

Sangria Tinto (SGD $14.50)

Sangria Blanco (SGD $14.50)

The Wine Vina Pomal Crianza (SGD $18) is a 2012 Tempranillo red wine, produced by Bodegas Bilbaínas in the Rioja Alta region of Spain. It has a deep red colour, with intense blackberry and leather aroma. The palate has a rich snappy feel, showing firm but controlled tannins. Oak wood and spice tones linger over blueberry and blackberry flavours, with a quick juicy finish.

Wine Vina Pomal Crianza (SGD $18)

The Wine Vina Pomal Blanco (SGD $18) is a 2013 blend of 70% Viura and 30% Malvasia white wine, produced by Bodegas Bilbaínas in the Rioja Alta region of Spain. It has a pale yellow colour, with delicate chrysanthemum aroma. The palate has a zesty fresh feel, showing a light toastiness and good balance. Oak wood tones layer over citrus green apples and fennel flavours, with a quick clean finish.

Wine Vina Pomal Blanco (SGD $18)

The Patatas Bravas (SGD $8), also called Spicy Potatoes, is a popular tapas snack dish served throughout Spain, and consists of irregular cut, skin-on white potatoes, roasted in oil, and served with a warm, spicy tomato chili sauce. I like the crisp exterior and tender interior of the potatoes, and its salty savoury taste.

Patatas Bravas (SGD $8)

Patatas Bravas

Patatas Bravas

The Calamares Fritos (SGD $13), also called Fried Squid, features fresh squid, coated in a light, crisp batter, served with a house aioli sauce. The squid is meaty, with a semi-firm bouncy, springy texture when poked. Requires a bit of effort to chew though, but I like the overall savoury salty, squid flavour and the slight crunch from the batter. Good enough on its own, without the aioli.

Calamares Fritos (SGD $13)

Calamares Fritos

Calamares Fritos

The Pincho De Pimientos Del Piquillo Con Anchoas (SGD $13), also called Anchovy And Piquillo Pepper On Bread, is a well executed tapas appetizer. Crisp, fragrant bread with a herb spread that crunches softly, topped with crunchy fresh rocket leaves / arugula, tender smoky sweet piquillo pepper, salty sour cured anchovy fish, and a halved earthy black olive. Love how the freshness of the vegetables, contrast with the sharpness of the anchovies, and play off against the sweet peppers. Good!

Pincho De Pimientos Del Piquillo Con Anchoas (SGD $13)

Pincho De Pimientos Del Piquillo Con Anchoas

Pincho De Pimientos Del Piquillo Con Anchoas

The Huevos Estrellados (SGD $15), also called Broken Eggs, is a classic dish from Madrid, Spain. Eggs are fried in a pan together with onions, potatoes, and pork chorizo sausage, then served hot, while the eggs are still semi-runny. Pure comfort Spanish breakfast food, the yummy eggs pair great with the savoury spicy pork chorizo sausage, and the tender smoky sweet roast potatoes.

Huevos Estrellados (SGD $15)

Huevos Estrellados

Huevos Estrellados

The Crema De Calabaza Y Puerros (SGD $8), also called Cream Of Pumpkin And Leek Soup, is a rich, creamy soup / broth with a bright, sunny yellow colour, that is incredibly flavourful! You get the delicate floral sweetness of the pumpkin, and the thick yet milky texture of the smooth soup / broth, though I couldn't detect the taste of the leeks.

Crema De Calabaza Y Puerros (SGD $8, Pictured Buffet Size)

Crema De Calabaza Y Puerros

Crema De Calabaza Y Puerros

The Gazpacho (SGD $8), also called Spanish Cold Vegetable Soup, is a chilled raw vegetable soup / broth that is a classic Spanish appetizer. Originating from the Andalusia region of Spain, this popular cold soup / broth is made with tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers / capsicums, onions, garlic, vinegar, water, and salt, all blended together, then garnished with olive oil, and jamón serrano / cured ham. The result is a refreshing, sour sweet, creamy soup / broth, with a hint of salty savoury taste from the cured ham. Loved it!

Gazpacho (SGD $8, Pictured Buffet Size)

Gazpacho

Gazpacho

The Albóndigas (SGD $9), also called Meat Balls, are small, round, tightly packed beef meatballs, served in a tomato and oregano gravy. The meatballs have a satisfiying tender texture with a slight chew, good savoury flavour, and are moist. The sweetness and herb taste of the fresh tomato oregano gravy complement the meatballs, a pretty good appetizer!

Albóndigas (SGD $9, Pictured Buffet Size)

Albóndigas

Albóndigas

The Pollo Al Chilindrón (SGD $17), also called Chicken Chilindrón, is a slow cooked, home made chicken stew. This hearty and comforting dish features meaty, moist, tender chicken thigh, slow cooked along with onions, salt, garlic, white wine, jamon serrano / cured ham, water, tomato, and oregano. The resulting dish is savoury sweet, with chicken meat that comes off easily from the bone. Personally though, I didn't quite like the overall flavour of this dish, and wouldn't order it again.

Pollo Al Chilindrón (SGD $17, Pictured Buffet Size)

Pollo Al Chilindrón

Pollo Al Chilindrón

The Setas Al Ajillo (SGD $10), also called Garlic Mixed Mushrooms, is an earthy, savoury salty, fragrant appetizer. Sauteed along with onions and garlic, which result in a wonderful enticing aroma, the trio of mixed mushrooms (button, shiitake, and oyster) are tender and moist, easy to eat! However, due to availability, non-typical mushrooms are used, whereas in Spain, the mushrooms used are normally boletus, saffron milk cap, porcini, king trumpet, or button mushrooms.

Setas Al Ajillo (SGD $10, Pictured Buffet Size)

Setas Al Ajillo

Setas Al Ajillo

The Rollitos De Repollo Con Arroz (SGD $13), also called Cabbage Rolls With Rice, features tender salted cabbage leaves, stuffed with warm moist white rice, salty bacon, and crunchy pine nuts. The combination of textures is nice, though I would have liked the overall taste to be less salty.

Rollitos De Repollo Con Arroz (SGD $13, Pictured Buffet Size)

Rollitos De Repollo Con Arroz

Rollitos De Repollo Con Arroz

The Manitas De Cerdo Con Garbanzos (SGD $18), also called Pig's Trotters With Chickpeas, is a savoury dish of braised pig's feet / trotters, chickpeas, kidney beans, onions, water, salt, and bell pepper / capsicum. The result is incredibly tender pig's feet, whose fat has rendered down into the savoury brown meat gravy. The pork meat comes off the bone easily, while the skin has a sticky, satisfiying texture. Super unhealthy, but so good!

Manitas De Cerdo Con Garbanzos (SGD $18, Pictured Buffet Size)

Manitas De Cerdo Con Garbanzos

Manitas De Cerdo Con Garbanzos

The Croquetas De Jamón (SGD $16), also called Cured Ham Croquettes, are a common Spanish tapas bar snack. Made with all-purpose flour, butter, jamon serrano / cured ham, salt, egg, bread crumbs, milk, spring onions, and olive oil, this savoury salty appetizer has a crisp, crunchy exterior, and a creamy, moist interior. Served with a sweet spicy tomato gravy, this addictive snack disappears too quickly.

Croquetas De Jamón (SGD $16, Pictured Buffet Size)

Croquetas De Jamón

Croquetas De Jamón

The Chorizo Asado (SGD $10), also called Barbecued Chorizo Sausage, is a meaty, savory salty dish of sliced pork chorizo sausage. Rather simple, but well executed, the sausage carries a hint of smoky char, and pairs well with beer! Slightly pricey though.

Chorizo Asado (SGD $10, Pictured Buffet Size)

Chorizo Asado

Chorizo Asado

The Revuelto De Espárragos Y Gambas (SGD $10), also called Scrambled Eggs With Asparagus And Shrimp, is a satisfiying, comforting breakfast / brunch dish, with creamy scrambled eggs, tender caramelised onions, crunchy asparagus, and fresh, meaty sweet prawns / shrimp. Loved it!

Revuelto De Espárragos Y Gambas (SGD $10, Pictured Buffet Size)

Revuelto De Espárragos Y Gambas

Revuelto De Espárragos Y Gambas

The signature rice dish from the Valencia region of Spain, the Paella Valenciana (SGD $33 / $48 / $65) here closely resembles the traditional Spanish Seafood Paella. It features short grain white rice simmered in a flavourful broth of shrimp, saffron, and tomato, until the rice has absorbed all the goodness and turned a bright orange hue. Served in a paella pan, garnished with a lemon wedge, plump shell-on mussels, bouncy squid rings, and tender chunks of chicken, this dish is very tasty! Love the savoury sweet flavours, and contrast of textures, toward the middle is the soft, chewy rice, while the edges have the crisp, smoky rice! Highly recommended!

Paella Valenciana (SGD $33 / $48 / $65)

Paella Valenciana

Paella Valenciana

The Churros (SGD $16) here are rather nice, with the ridged Spanish doughnuts having a crisp exterior, and a light fluffy interior that isn't dry. However, it's only lightly sprinkled with icing sugar, and lacks the sweetness of cinnamon sugar. But the rich chocolate sauce served alongside makes up somewhat, as it's sticky sweet, intense, and deep. Pretty good, straightforward dessert, better tasting than most of the other cheaper versions around.

Churros (SGD $16)

Churros

Churros

The Leche Frita (SGD $9), also called Fried Milk Pudding, is a classic Spanish dessert, where all-purpose flour, sugar, and eggs, are mixed with milk sweetened with cinnamon sticks and lemon zest, made into a dough, then coated with more all-purpose flour and deep fried. This rectangular dessert resembles a pudding in texture, and is garnished with cinnamon sugar before serving. Here, they've also added sweet caramelised apple slices. The crisp exterior crunches softly, then you get the smooth, creamy, wobbly soft interior, and a rich, milky flavour. Good!

Leche Frita (SGD $9)

Leche Frita

Leche Frita

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Reserve a table now @ Don Quijote

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