PUBLISHED April 21st, 2023 06:00 am | UPDATED May 12th, 2023 12:08 am
What do we get when one intertwines the bold flavours of Peruvian cuisine with the comforts of Chinese food? A gastronomic experience where fiery tangy flavours ‘tangoes’ on your taste buds! Bringing the unique combo to the palate of Singaporeans, lifestyle destination Resorts World Sentosa adds CHIFA!, a trendy Peruvian-Chinese concept into its repertoire of food and beverage brands. In this review, we talk about our favourites and everything we’ll return for.
Helmed by Peruvian Native Chef Ruben Rodrigo Serrano, the name of this new kid on the block was adopted from the term for Peruvian-Chinese cuisine, which in turn, was derived from the 1800s when Chinese immigrants incorporated Peru’s culinary heritage into their own traditions.
Stepping into the space, you’ll find interiors just as vibrant as the chef’s edible curations. Perfect for family gatherings where communal meals are preferred, the spot has something for every distinct palate – from elders to kids. Not forgetting the colourful interiors that just as vibrant as the chef’s cooking. Expect overturned umbrellas, neon signs, brick walls inspired by Barrio Chino in Peru, and the sound of old Chinese classic songs overhead to set the tone.
Get started with the Barrio Capon Ceviche Platter. With so much to explore, standouts include the Yellowfin Tuna Tamarind Ceviche (S$22), which charms with its tangy and sweet flavours from the citrus-based marinade Leche de tigre, whilst the kyuri and daikon hints at Chinese cooking. The Red Snapper Ceviche Carretillero (S$24) was equally interesting, reminding us of the Indian Bhel Puri Chaat. Think an acidic mix of spice citrus dressing with tender fish, crispy calamari, sweet potatoes and crunchy and earthy banana chips Canchita (popcorn seeds). What’s not to like?
More Chinese than Peruvian, the Andean-Peru Potatoes (S$12) is a take on the Sichuan Chinese Potato Salad. This crunchy and ultra-addictive bite combined Peruvian purple potatoes along with Sichuan pepper for a hot and sour taste almost like our favourite mala. Alternatively, get your appetite rolling with the Hen “Caldo Criollo” Ginger Chimichurri Soup (S$12). This rich and creamy number stirs in long boiled chicken broth with melt-off the bone meat, flower mushroom and subtle hints of herbs like ginger. The soup is not too heavy – perfect for the rainy days we’ve been experiencing.
For mains, we would definitely opt for the Whole Fish Jalapeno Chili Style. The dish offers diners with the sweet flavour profile of tiger grouper with a salty and umami soy sauce, and accompanied with chopped pickled jalapeno peppers. This one is definitely for folks who like heat, so order at your own risk!
On the other hand the Wok Fried Seafood XO Aeropuerto (S$38, serves two) is made for seafood lovers. The signature rice bowl is a modern take on the traditional Peruvian dish which also manages to effortlessly captures the wok-hei practises of Chinese cuisine. The textured dish features nutritious quinoa and jasmine rice, topped with seafood and seasonal vegetables and sautéed in a flavourful XO sauce.
Wash it all down with entries on the restaurant’s boozy cocktail menu, featuring sippers like Chicano De Chifa (S$25), a modern take on the classic Pisco Sour, combining Pisco Macchu, passion fruit, agave nectar and ginger ale. Or chow down on sweet treats like the Purple “Chicha Bebe” Man Tao (S$12) with ice cream encased in a purple bao.
CHIFA! is located at Sentosa Gateway, Ave8, Resorts World Sentosa, Singapore 098269. Open Mon, Thu & Fri 5pm-11pm, Sat-Sun 12pm-11pm. Closed Tue-Wed.