Nestled within Sentosa island, Panamericana embodies the gourmand grill journey of the Pan-American Highway as it brings to life the best flavours of the region. It celebrates the rich diversity of the cultures, cuisines and music found in the 14 countries through the sprawling 50,000km route stretching through the North, Central and South Americas.
Panamericana specialises in farm-to-fire cuisine with the Argentinian asador grill at its heart, offering succulent grilled and roasted premium meats, seafood, greens and grains. In addition to its indoor dining space with floor-to-ceiling windows and alfresco dining on the verandah, the newly launched Lawn offers three more seating options: Bar with a View; Communal Table and the Lounge, making it the perfect escape from the city with unrivalled views throughout the day.
The long bar table, spanning the perimeter of the communal space, is suitable for those who want to enjoy unblocked ocean views while the lounge, outfitted with a mat and plush cushions, is ideal for couples who want a comfortable and relaxing space to unwind and enjoy their meal. For larger groups, the communal table is great for hosting convivial get-togethers as sharing plates are definitely the way to go here.
“As Singapore’s only clifftop dining destination, we are excited to provide diners with an exceptional venue to gather and celebrate life’s special moments with their loved ones. Cuisine-wise, we offer larger cuts of steaks and larger format seafood dishes, all cooked in an Argentinian asador grill,” says head chef Eugene Chan.
Chan, who sharpened his knife at prominent establishments like Per Se in New York, has curated a unique menu flanking perfectly apt starters such as the slightly fiery Peruvian Ceviche ($28++) comprising Japanese Amberjack, papaya, red onion and coriander served with a umami chilli coconut milk dressing.
Another must-try is the moreish California, a hearty and decadent salad featuring Romaine lettuce topped extremely generously with homemade pistachio emulsion, queso fresco, and sprinkled over with crispy bacon for crunch. And it can’t be a pan-American menu without the ubiquitous Argentinian Empanadas ($12++) or the Blackmore Carne Asada Tacos ($30++), complete with Mexican crema, salsa and garlic mojo.
Graze on the ample appetisers with specialty cocktails with a PanAm twist while soaking in the views. For larger groups, ditch order by the glass for Porrons (sharing size for up to four people) and Explosions (for up to six people), perfect for a night out of leisurely grazing and drinking al fresco. Popular menu favourites include the White Wine Sangria (Porrons – $93++), made with Appleton Light Rum, Sauvignon Blanc, Cointreau and tropical fruits; as well as the very refreshing Special Pimms Cup (Porrons – $93++), made with Widges Gin, Pimm’s, Citronade, Ginger Ale and summer fruit. Don’t miss out on the Pisco Disco ($25++) either, made with Barsol Pisco, violet liqueur, guava and lemon; or the Champagne & Absinthe Colada ($25++), a jazzed up pina colada featuring Mount Gay Rum, Gosling’s Dark Rum, coconut cream, pinapple, absinthe and Panamericana Prosecco.
Once you’ve made your way through the hearty starters, it’s time to think about mains and ample side dishes – all perfect on their own, or together to be shared communal style.
For sharing mains, seafood must-tries include the Charred Octopus Tentacles ($46++), featuring perfectly grilled tentacles served with parsnip puree, tamarillo and negra mayo; and the hearty Wild Caught Green Tiger Prawns ($46++), comprising king prawns served on a bed of Brazilian Vatapa (an Afro-Brazilian dish made from bread, shrimp, coconut milk, finely ground peanuts and palm oil mashed into a creamy paste).
Meaty mains include the Colombian Chicken ($30++/half; $60++/full), with chilli glaze and salsa roja picante; the South-American inspired seven-hour slow-roasted Lamb Al Asador ($65++), served with endive salad and aji verde. But if we had to pick, perhaps our favourite would be the perfectly charred yet juicy Pluma Iberico Pork ($48++) with caramelised pineapple salsa, and a radicchio and apple slaw.
Finally, nothing spells a pan-American dessert better than the classic Churros ($14++) with arequipe. But if you only had space for one dessert, pick Chan’s Romeo & Juliet ($14++), a unique creation comprising cheese custard, sago, pink guava and crumble. It shouldn’t make sense, yet the flavours and textures actually come together perfectly with each spoonful, and you can’t help but go in for one more bite each time.
If you have kids in tow, Popsicles Two-Ways is a must. As the name suggests, this fun dessert features one popsicle boasting Milk Chocolate Mousse and a Yuzu Cremeux encased in a dark chocolate and almond shell; matched with the contrasting Coconut Mousse and Pineapple Custard popsicle in White Chocolate and rum shell.
And you couldn’t ask for better or more friendly service either, despite them having to continuously carry the ample sharing platters from the kitchen in the restaurant above down to the lawn, but it’s all done with big smiles and lots of passion. We would certainly go back any day, not only to get away from the hectic city life, but also for a soothing spot of relaxation, coupled with expansive ocean views and fantastic food and tipples.
Panamericana is at Sentosa Golf Club, 27 Bukit Manis Road, Singapore 099892. Tel: 6253 8182
