Brian Kennett
Amateur Chef and Boozy Traveling Foodie Extraordinaire
Best Paella World Day @ Next Door Spanish Cafe with Eat Spain Drink Spain 2024, ICEX, Ecolah and PacBev/Estrella: There’s something about the sizzle of paella in a giant pan, the largest in Singapore no less, the fragrance of saffron wafting through the air, and the clink of wine and/or Sangria glasses that makes you feel like you’re in the heart of Spain, especially when dining in one of the accredited Restaurants from Spain.
But here’s the best part: for a month you don’t need to fly to Valencia to experience this—you can get a taste of the magic right here in Singapore, right ‘next door’ in fact, as we did today.
Eat Spain Drink Spain 2024 World Paella Day: Table of Contents
With Paella World Day just around the corner, Spain and Singapore pulled out all the stops to celebrate this iconic dish, as one of the events of Eat Spain Drink Spain 2024. And trust me, when it comes to paella, you’ll want to say “Sí, por favor!” to all of it at Next Door Spanish Cafe.
What was also really cool about this event was that is was sponsored by Ecolah and PacBev/Estrella. I had the very good fortune to meet in person the founder, Beatriz Cadenas, of Ecolah, in fact here’s a snap of me with her, and Chef Houssein, owner of two Restaurants from Spain.
What is Paella?
Before we get to the heart of Singapore’s best paella party, let’s take a moment to appreciate what makes paella so special. Originating from Valencia, Spain, paella was traditionally a labourer’s dish, cooked over an open fire with whatever was available—often rabbit, chicken, or seafood, and always rice.
But there’s one crucial detail that makes paella a proper paella: the socarrat. This is the crispy, caramelized layer of rice at the bottom of the pan, and if your spoon doesn’t scrape up a little of that crunchy goodness, you’ve done something wrong.
It really is just ever so heavenly… I learnt a lesson from the Chefs at Next Door Spanish: you don’t stir a paella at the final stages. That is how you get your Soccarrat.
What is Valencian Paella?
Fun fact: while we often associate the best paella with seafood, the original Valencian paella was actually made with rabbit, chicken, and snails. Qué sorpresa (what a surprise), right? So, whether you like your paella stacked with prawns, mussels, or chunks of tender meat, there’s a version out there for you: even, dare I say it, vegetarian (going for a lay down now).
Awesome snap with my famo, Kai, Chef Houssein, Spanish Trade Ambassador Antonio and his beautiful wife.
One of the key highlights of Best Paella World Day in Singapore is the fact that it coincided with the larger Eat Spain Drink Spain 2024 event. This annual celebration is like a passport-free trip to Spain, bringing together the best Spanish wines, and foods experiences.
Islifearecipe.net is very fortunate to be invited by Antonio and his crew to write for them about the various events of Eat Spain Drink Spain 2024. We did the same last year, check out some of our posts for Eat Spain Drink Spain 2023.
Eat Spain Drink Spain bringing the Best Paella
Eat Spain Drink Spain is a nationwide event in Singapore that celebrates everything España has to offer. From guided wine tastings featuring Spain’s finest bottles (hello, Rioja and Cava!) to restaurants putting out special paella menus and more, it’s a foodie dream come true.
Even if you have never uttered a word of Spanish beyond “gracias”, by the end of the event you’ll be toasting with “Salud!” and asking for second helpings of this gastronomic beauty of a series of events. It’ a belter!!!
Check out online for the Eat Spain Drink Spain 2024 APP which will give you the full itinerary, HERE.
This is me with Chef Houssein and Andrea, AKA The Dancing Economist, who is actually Hungarian, but the creator of the Eat Spain Drink Spain 2024 APP.
If there’s one place in Singapore where you can find the best paella done right, it’s Next Door Spanish Café at East Coast Road, one of the Restaurants from Spain. This charming little restaurant is like stepping into a cosy Spanish tapas bar, complete with friendly staff and a menu that feels like a love letter to Spain’s foodie traditions.
And of course, because it was Paella World Day, they were serving up some of the best paella on the island of Red Dot.
Alberto welcoming you in to Next Door Spanish Cafe… come say hello.
Their Paella de Marisco (seafood paella) is the stuff of legends—packed with plump prawns, succulent mussels, and tender squid/cuttlefish. The rice, perfectly infused with saffron, is cooked just right, with that coveted socarrat at the bottom of the pan.
Each bite makes you drift off to the cool sea breezes of the Mediterranean, minus the plane ticket and jet lag. If seafood alone isn’t your thing, the Paella Mixta offers a combination of meat and seafood that’s equally mouthwatering.
Our second home. We love it in Next Door Spanish Cafe. It’s our go-to in Siglap. You must also try the Tripe Stew, if Jude Jude has allowed them to have any left…
“Esto es increíble” (this is amazing) is likely what you’ll be saying after the first spoonful. And don’t even think about sharing—once you’ve dug in, you’ll want to keep that whole pan to yourself: literally THE BEST PAELLA.
At Next Door Spanish Cafe it was not just Paella, it was incredible Tapas as well...
Today for Eat Spain Drink Spain 2024 that had a special on, which gave me a semi-on… (did I just say that?). $48 per pax for tapas below and ‘free-flow’ seafood paella. Well DING DONG!!!
Prawn and Potato Salad: WOOF!!! So light and fresh. Perfect dish for a fricking hot day, as it was today. Deeeeeeelicious!!!
Mushroom Croquetta: Like the best cream of mushroom soup in a deep-fried crunchy ball. Hallelujah!!!
Battered Calamari: A Kennett family favourite. Squeeze a little lemon on there and dip in the garlic aioli and this is just: NEXT LEVEL!!!
Bikini: AK Jamon and cheese (sometimes truffle) sandwich. Best bikini I have seen in a while and I am a t!ts guy too!!!
Jamon and Manchego Cheese: Match made in heaven. What bedfellows are these. The Jamon is off the charts, nutty from the acorns the pigs eat, and salty savoury, just SPLENDID!!! And then add the Manchego cheese to get more salt and a smack in the face of cheesy power!!!
Here’s where things could get even more exciting for Eat Spain Drink Spain 2025. To celebrate Paella World Day next year have various restaurants across Singapore, including Next Door Spanish Café, participate in a Chef Gloves off Best Paella Showdown.
Yes, you heard that right—a paella-off, where Spanish chefs from around the Red Dot would be competing to create the most authentic, delicious, and beautifully crusted paella.
Each chef will bring their twist to the dish, but the fundamentals remain the same: quality Spanish ingredients, skilful use of saffron, and that oh-so-important socarrat. Allocated Judges, of course Antonio and Wifey, would then sample each version and vote for their favourite.
It’s like a reality cooking show, except you get to eat all the results, see the action in real-time, and literally, the best paella wins. Talk about a win-win situation! MasterChef Singapore: Spanish Paella (trademark Islifearecipe.net).
Interesting Facts About Paella (That Will Make You Sound Like a Paella Pro)
Now that you’re knee-deep in paella love, let’s sprinkle in some fun facts to impress your dining companions:
- The World’s Largest Paella: In 1992, Spain broke the Guinness World Record for the largest paella, cooked in Valencia. It was made with over 2000 kilograms of rice and fed around 110,000 people. ¡Increíble! Imagine trying to stir that bad boy!
- The Name “Paella”: The word paella actually refers to the wide, shallow pan used to cook the dish. It’s believed that the dish got its name from the Latin word patella, meaning pan.
- Paella Purists: In Spain, especially in Valencia, paella purists can be quite strict. They believe that real paella should never contain chorizo or any other “foreign” ingredients. So if you’re making paella at home, make sure to stick to the basics—or risk offending some very passionate Spaniards!
Wine and Paella: A Match Made in Culinary Heaven
Let’s not forget the most important part of any paella meal: the wine. Luckily, Spanish wine is as diverse as its cuisine, and there’s a perfect pairing for every type of paella.
- Seafood Paella: A crisp, dry Albariño is a great match for the briny flavours of seafood. The light, citrusy notes of the wine complement the richness of the paella without overwhelming it.
- Mixed Paella: For a paella that combines seafood and meat, a Rosé from Navarra strikes the right balance. It has enough body to stand up to the flavours of the dish while keeping things light and refreshing.
- Meat Paella: For those going the full carnivore route, a robust Tempranillo or Garnacha is your best bet. The bold, spicy notes of these reds pair perfectly with the meaty richness of the dish.
If you’re participating in Eat Spain Drink Spain, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to sample these pairings and find your perfect match. And let’s be real, is there any better way to spend an afternoon than with a glass of wine in one hand and a forkful of the best paella in the other? Dudo mucho (I highly doubt it).
So, why should you block out your calendar, via the APP don’t forget, and make a beeline for Paella World Day in Singapore and the rest of Eat Spain Drink Spain 2024? For starters, this is your chance to experience authentic Spanish flavours without the hassle of an international flight, but also you’ll meet so many vibrant food lovers all on their own little exploration of what Spain has to offer this year. How cool is that?
The best paella served at the participating restaurants, like Next Door Spanish Café, are made by chefs who know their way around a paella pan, including our BFF and Head Chef and Owner Houssein: getting his Paella mojo on below, and they’re using top-tier ingredients flown in directly from Spain: part of The Restaurants from Spain certification requirements from ICEX.
Secondly, the community aspect of the event is truly unique. Paella, at its core, is a dish meant to be shared. Whether you’re with friends, family, or a bunch of strangers who become friends after a few bites of the best paella, this event is all about coming together to celebrate good food, great wine, and even better company.
Lastly, it’s just plain fun. Between the incredible food, and the lively atmosphere, you’re guaranteed to leave with a full belly and a smile on your face. And who knows? You might even pick up a few Spanish phrases along the way. (¿Otra ronda de vino? – Another round of wine? or ¿Otra ronda de Estrella? if your favourite libation is beer…)
Final Thoughts: It’s Time to Get Your Best Paella On
Whether you’re a die-hard fan of Paella de Marisco, a curious newbie, or someone who just loves a good food celebration, Paella World Day in Singapore, part of Eat Spain Drink Spain 2024 was an event you didn’t want to miss: so make sure you book in to the others that are following.
We should say thank you to Ecolah and PacBev for keeping the pricing so affordable for the food and booze: sincere thanks.
With Eat Spain Drink Spain happening simultaneously, this is the ultimate opportunity to dive deep into the flavours of Spain—without ever leaving Singapore. So grab your fork, practice your socarrat-scraping technique, and prepare for a Spanish fiesta like no other in Red Dot. ¡Buen provecho! (Enjoy your meal!)
Best Paella Recipe: a home based ready to cook recipe
Here’s a delicious and traditional Islifearecipe.net Valencian paella recipe that features rabbit and chicken, perfect for those who want to experience an authentic taste of Spanish Paella.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 rabbit, cut into pieces
- 1/2 chicken, cut into pieces
- 2 cups of short-grain rice (Bomba or Valencian Rice)
- 5 cups of chicken broth
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 large tomato, grated
- 1 teaspoon sweet paprika (Takes me back to Hungarian Month)
- 1 large pinch of saffron, dissolved in warm water
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup green beans (flat beans are ideal)
- 1/2 cup garrofó beans (optional)
- 1 sprig of fresh rosemary
- Salt and Kampot black pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Heat the olive oil in a large, wide paella pan over medium heat. Add the rabbit and chicken pieces, seasoning with salt and pepper. Brown them well on all sides to lock in the flavour.
- Add the green beans and bell pepper to the pan—Sauté for a few minutes until softened. Stir in the grated tomato and paprika, cooking for 2-3 minutes until the flavours meld.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Add the dissolved saffron for that iconic golden colour and deep flavour.
- Sprinkle the rice evenly across the pan (without stirring) and arrange the meat and vegetables evenly. Allow the paella to simmer gently for about 10 minutes.
- Add the garrofó beans and the sprig of rosemary to the paella for extra flavour. Continue cooking without stirring until the rice has absorbed most of the liquid (around 15-20 minutes).
- Achieve the socarrat by slightly increasing the heat in the last few minutes to get that beloved crispy rice layer at the bottom of the pan.
- Let the paella rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with a lemon wedge if desired, and enjoy your traditional Valencian paella!
This paella combines the tender meatiness of rabbit and chicken with rich, earthy flavours. It’s a fantastic Best Paella Recipe to share with family and friends, and it gives you a taste of Spain right at home. ¡Buen provecho!
Indeed Next Door Spanish Cafe do: CLICK HERE to place your Paella Delivery
On offer for Paella Deliver, is:
- Paella Valenciana: Rosemary smoked paella with chicken and beans @ $32
- Paella Negra: Squid ink paella with calamari and clams @ $34
- Paella de Marisco: Classic seafood paella with king prawns @ $34
- Paella de Cerdo y Setas: Ibérico pork and wild mushrooms paella @ $36
- Paella de Pollo y Chorizo: Chicken and chorizo paella @ $36
- Paella de Verduras (V): Mixed vegetable paella @ $28
- Paella de Conejo Y Pollo: Traditional Valenciana Paella with rabbit and chicken @ $44
