(Closed) Kaixo – Basque Tapas Bar in Tanjong Pagar (PLUS GIVEAWAY)

Maureen
Maureen
July 03, 2013

Kaixo

Opened for 8 months, Kaixo is a Spanish restaurant serving great dishes with Basque concept. Kaixo is pronounced Kai-Sho and it means “Hello” in the Basque language. Chef/Owner Issachar was being trained at Le Cordon Bleu and his professional cooking career at Paris’ Michelin-star Auguste, the three-Michelin star Martin Berasategui in northern Spain and Guy Savoy at Marina Bay Sands.

Kaixo

Kaixo

The team at Kaixo started out with private dining and their focus in catering was solely on Pintxos (pronounced as ‘peen-chos’), a type of tapas commonplace in the Basque region. Whilst these activities kept them busy, it wasn’t enough to quell their desire to have a proper shop front to call their own. So they decided to set up Kaixo.

Can’t decide where to start? Take a choice of pintxos ($12 for plate of 3, $20 for plate of 5) from the bar! It is usually served on a piece of sliced bread with various topping held together by a skewer or a food-pick. I specially love the one with egg and roasted Padron peppers, which set off a flavour explosion in our mouths: sweet, sour, salty and spicy all at once.

Kaixo

The dishes on the menu features a mix of Basque classics and Spanish-French creations from Issachar. Navarra is renowned for the quality of White Asparagus. This delicious chilled Navarra Asparagus Soup ($16) is made from the freshest and finest ingredients and finished off with iberico bits dried in oven and truffle oil. While I love the smooth puréed asparagus and broth, I thought it was too mild. It would perhaps taste better if the asparagus was grilled.

Kaixo

Kaixo

Sous vide organic eggs in a nest ($14) is one of life’s simplest pleasures. The waiter arrives with a plate of soft poached egg decorated with burdock fries, chives and jamon. He then carefully pours a pot of chicken consumme into the plate, which instantly brings the egg to life!

Kaixo

Braised yellowfin tuna ($14) has a very interesting presentation – it is served in a quirky tin can! Prepared with potatoes and tomatoes, the tuna is perfect. I enjoyed this dish very much

Kaixo

Iberico pork loin ($24) is another gorgeous affair. The meat is marbled and delicious, the way pork should taste. It paired well with the sweet apple puree and sat deliciously upon the thin layers of alternating bacon and potato.

Kaixo

Black Paella with Seafood ($20/pax, min 2 pax) is also worth trying. It tastes totally different from the other seafood paella, with a flavour dominated by the ink.

Kaixo

White tiramisu ($12) is a twist on traditional Italian tiramisu. The unusual addition of white chocolate and orujo oozes with temptation and is definitely a crowd pleaser. Spanish Churros (order upon reservation, $14) will please young and old alike. Dunk some home-made churros into a bowl of chocolate, perfect way to end the day.

Kaixo

For a truly perky drink to counter the tropical heat, try its Sangri (red/white, $11) or Kaixo signature drink ($16).

Kaixo

Address: 96 Tanjong Pagar Road
Tel: 6225 0545
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kaixokulinary/

Blend1111

Gift Voucher

Thanks to the folks from Kaixo, I am giving away $30 dining vouchers to THREE READERS each (no minimum spending required). If you love tapas and love to try Kaixo, here’s you chance!

Question: Name a dish you would like to try at Kaixo.

Giveaway ends on 7 July 2013 (Sunday) 2359. A random generator will be used, everyone has an equal chance of winning. Winners will be notified by email. Good luck!