Cuba Libre Frasers Tower, Singapore

I used to work in Shenton Way.  It was a depressing, gastronomic desert back then.  During lunch time, all those depressed office workers could only go to the food court inside Amara shopping mall, or the hawker centre next to the government-built apartments.

Thankfully, things have changed. Many new food and beverage businesses have opened up across all price points.  Cuba Libre Frasers Towers is a stellar example.

Cuba Libre Café & Bar at Frasers Tower has recently introduced a revamped menu.  The new menu serves up healthy Latin American contemporary cuisines for the discerning and health-conscious Tanjong Pagar executives.  The affordable menu features the use of a lot of fresh green produce and is divided into sections such as tapas, set lunches, burger, paellas, tacos etc. while drawing influences from Latin American countries. With Executive Chef Alex Moreno, a native Cuban, at the helm of the kitchen, you are assured of the authenticity of the dishes.  Of course, there is also a very extensive drinks menu.  This is the CBD after all.  All those hardworking executives need a drink.  Or two. Or many.

The decor, in my opinion, is absolutely gorgeous.  Gleaming,  curved glass surfaces cocoon the bistro, bathing the air-conditioned interior in plenty of natural light.  The interior features mainly grounding wood tones.  There is a bar, which I imagine would be stunning lit up in the twilight of dusk.  There is a shaded al fesco area if that is your thing.

Sangria $16

Thirst-quenching, fruity, with just a hint of exoticism to chase away office blues, this drink is perfect for those hot Singapore afternoons.

Lychee Mojito $24

I have tried Cuba Libre’s classic mojito before.  It certainly was different and arguably the best I ever tried.  This time round,  I tried the Lychee Mojito.  It was lovely —- Asian, fruity, and the minty flavour was even more pronounced, which I liked.

Chef Alex tells me the new menu has a heavy focus on tapas. Indeed, there were so many I wanted to try but I simply could not eat that much.  Oh well, maybe next time.

Lubina Ceviche $15

This is the perfect appetizer. The fish feels fresh and light.  The shallots give that perfect tiny bit of bite and zing to get your gastric juices going and to whet your appetite for more. 

Prawns Al Ajillo $16

This tapas was beautifully presented and garlicky.  Garlicky?  Was it awful?  No. On the contrary, I liked it.  Since it was garlicky and a little oily, it was the perfect tapas to wash down with wine.  I highly recommend the housepour Cabernet Sauvignon (S$12).  Also, it must be said, the prawns were fresh and firm. 

Chicken Empanadas $12

La abuela style pastry puffs, spinach, green chimichurri sauce

This is like the Latin version of the local Singaporean curry puff.  Thankfully, they were not greasy.

The ceviche,  prawn and puffs were all excellent starters. 

Then we come to the glorious main courses.  Overall, the portions are large, good value for money and beautifully presented.

Mojito Chicken $20

Braised boneless chicken thigh, tangy rum reduction, mango salsa, herbed tomatoes & roasted potatoes

I usually hate chicken but I like this one.  It’s very moist on the inside.  I like the tangy mango sauce.  I think the enzymes in the fruit will help the meat to go down better.

Alo Ribeye $28

250gm char-grilled ribeye with mashed potatoes & asparagus

You might see bacon in the photos.  Not to worry if you are a halal diner, that is actually turkey bacon.  This is a great steak— it is beautiful and filling.  I can’t believe that big a portion they only charge S$28.

Cuba Libre is certainly up to date with the health and fitness trend.  For the health conscious, they have very healthy Latin bowls.  In fact,  these Latin bowls are my favourite part of the whole menu.  They consist of very flavourful rice, grilled protein and lots of greens.  They are filling, delicious and low in fat.  Also, did you notice the very affordable and reasonable prices?  Considering that this is the CBD, I thought these bowls are some of the best deals to be found in the CBD.

Cerdo Bowl $11

Roasted pork, pilaf rice, black beans, salad and banana chips

Protein Bowl $12

Striploin, pilaf rice, beans, guacamole, homemade spiced cheese sauce, jalapenos & corn chips

Churros

This is like a little secret.  Though desserts are not on the menu, do enquire with the staff as Chef Alex may have prepared a little “secret” dessert of the day. 

I love churros and I am always happy to see and eat them.  These feel authentic and the crust is crunchy while it is warm, soft and light on the inside. 

Manager Ruby must be the happiest person in Singapore.  Watching her zip about the restaurant with her efficient and very friendly service,  I felt that the restaurant, and my dining experience,  was in good hands.  Indeed,  it was a seamless experience.

I wished Cuba Libre Frasers Tower existed when I was working in Tanjong Pagar.  I would have had the healthy Latin bowls for lunch EVERY weekday.

Cuba Libre Frasers Tower

182 Cecil Street. #01-06/07

Frasers Tower, Singapore 069547

T: +65 6954 4232