Let your palette take a culinary journey back to the motherland of Africa. Introducing, the newest chic culinary hotspot in town offering one of the most diverse flavours in the world, Tamba, a 25-seater food and beverage establishment, the latest to call the vibrant Duxton eatery scene home.
Tamba is a place with a vibrant spirit and rich flavours representing West Africa in the Singapore food scene. Opening its doors to the public in March 2024, ‘Tamba transcends the traditional restaurant experience, embracing life and the cultural essence of home.’ The restaurant immerses diners in a culturally homey feeling evoking the experience of the African earth and terracotta.
Concept and Vision
Conceptually, Tamba is a place that pays homage to the founder, Kurt Wagner’s late adopted brother, Tamba, during his early childhood days growing up in Liberia, West Africa. The vision behind the concept was to bring to life every element of his life and the culture that the both of them grew up in and to create a safe and celebrated space to remember Tamba, from the food that is served, to the signature drinks and cocktails. Every element tells a different story of Tamba.
“Our goal was to create a space that captures the essence of Tamba’s life and spirit while bringing his story and authenticity to life.“ – Kurt Wagner
To bring this concept to life, international designer Virginia Pérez-Orive has curated the space to illustrate the love and care for the essence of Tamba’s story through a two year journey of meticulous research and designing. From the walls with intricate and rustic textures, they mimic the effect of wind on sand. Guests are transported into a hidden enclave in a two-storey conserved shophouse where the thatched rood offers cool shade
Food
Tamba’s culinary philosophy is a homage to West African luxury, blended skilfully with the comforting essence of home. Head Chef Darren ensures that each dish is an experience for the senses with a promise to take guests on a flavourful journey.
Signature Dishes:
- Jollof Rice with Sofrito, Sakura Chicken and Smoked Pork Belly
- Tapalapa Bread with Goat’s Milk Ricotta, Drizzled with House-Smokey Honey and Smoked Bacon Butter.
- Suya, Angus Tenderloin on a Skewer Accompanied by Kachumbari (A Piquant Tomato and Onion Salad) and a Crunchy Smoked Kuli Kuli.
With ever-changing signature house specials, meats, vegetables and seafood, these special ingredients are all smoked to perfection according to the season.
Drink
Helmed by award-wining bartender Joma Rivera as General Manager of the Tamba Team, these drinks will definitely evoke the memory and feelings of being home. Each drink is specially crafted using African flavours that represent the rich tapestry of West African culture. Tamba’s story telling drinks menu is split into two sections. The first focuses on ‘Stories From Tamba’s Life’, while the second focuses on ‘Friend’s of Tamba’.
Stories From Tamba’s Life Menu:
- Dry Boney – Savoury Tomato Cocktail
- The Next Pele – Tamarind Cachaca Cocktail
- Vita – Clarified Milk Cocktail made with Cacao Butter, Fat-Washed Mhoba Rum Sourced from South Africa.
Friend’s of Tamba Menu:
- Chouti – Cognac-Based Tongue in Cheek Cocktail
- Smoker’s Kiss – Agave Based
- Get A Room – Agave Based
More than just a restaurant, this place will provide you an experiential journey for all the senses to make you feel as though you have escaped the hustle and bustle of Singapore to find comfort in the hearty and diverse range of flavours in the African subcontinent.
