It’s a big tradition in Spain to partake daily in the glory of tapas. So for those of us who still have an obscure picture of what tapas really is, a tapa is simply a dish of food served in a small portion — much like an appetiser, snack, or an a la carte dish – to complement some liquid sunshine or any kind of beverage. Also, tapas can be served hot or cold and arguably, any type of food could technically be counted as tapas, so long as it’s served in petite portions along with beverages.
With Bangkok welcoming more and more tapas-focused haunts into its dining repertoire, the city has now become more acquainted with Spanish-style small bites such as paella, tortilla de patatas (potato omelette), gambas, jamon serrano (cured ham) and olives. So if you’re circling through town looking for the perfect spot to experience your first tapas meal or you’re just a Spanish-food devotee looking for a way to satisfy your greedy tapas needs, we’ve curated a list of the 5 best tapas bars and restaurants you need to check out in Bangkok. Scroll down, we’re sure they will all blow your mind.
Hero image credit: Unsplash/Maddi Bazzocco
Following the success of its tapas stall at W District, Broken Eggs has now moved to its new, bigger house in Ekkamai which has an upbeat and artsy setting that depicts their unique modern take on tapas food. As you can already guess, the venue serves modern gastro tapas so diners can expect to see local Thai ingredients being integrated into Spanish classics. Go straight for the ice cold sangrias before indulging in dishes like paella and Spanish omelette. One thing you can’t miss though is their Broken Eggs (THB 220), a dish of cooked broken eggs that gets mixed with your choice of toppings like mushroom, chorizo, jamon Iberico, and cheese.
Broken Eggs, 112/7 Ekamai Road, Bangkok, +662 047 7811
El Tapeo
El Tapeo is a Spanish eatery and wine bar that puts tapas as the star of their show. Offering down-to-earth and comfort Spanish meals along with wine and sangrias, the Thong Lor tapas bar is an impeccable option if you’re seeking authentic Spanish fare and drinks that can withstand the hungry crowds. Tuck into the classics like Gambas Al Ajillo (THB 150), which are garlic prawns fried in virgin olive and seasoned with garlic and chilli, Jamon Iberico (THB 690), a platter of cured ham and Camembert con Ajo Al Horno (THB 370), baked camembert cheese with caramelised baked garlic.
El Tapeo, 159/10 Sukhumvit 55, Thonglor 7-9, Bangkok, +662 052 0656
Tapas Vino
Perched on the 2nd floor of Pullman Bangkok Grande Sukhumvit, Tapas Vino will offer you a luxurious sips and bites experience at their Spanish fare-focused haunt. The venue is set in a classic yet casual setting – which makes it a match for couples looking for a place for date night or a family looking for a fancy yet cozy restaurant to dine in. The menu features yummy tapas dishes like Spanish Meatballs (THB 220), Tomato & Mozzarella Empanada (THB 190) and a Platter of Fine Cheeses with Crusty Bread (THB 650). Tapas for two? They have a selection of Tapas Sets two diners can enjoy. Their extensive list of booze also ranges from wine, sangria, and cocktails that will only elevate your tapas meal experience to the fullest.
Tapas Vino, 30 Sukhumvit 21 Asoke Road, Bangkok, +662 204 4075
Kika Kitchen & Bar
Along the lively Convent road, the Mediterranean-inspired restaurant, Kika Kitchen and Bar has been gleaming up the street with its bold and brilliant dishes. Suffused with intense flavours of the Mediterranean sea and lands, the food and booze served at this open-aired restaurant will make you feel as though you are dining at a tapas joint on the street in Spain. For stellar starters, go for Barramundi Ceviche (THB 260), Steak Tartare on Bone Marrow (THB 410) and Homemade Brisket Pastrami (THB 340). For vegan and vegetarians, there are many dishes for you to indulge in like the Glazed Eggplant (THB 280) and the sumptuous Cauliflower Steak (THB 180).
Kika, 14/2-3 Convent Road, Bangkok, +66 95 592 0510
Toro Bangkok
Situated on the second floor of 72 Courtyard, Toro Bangkok is a Barcelona-style tapas bar and restaurant curated by the James Beard Award Chefs – Ken Oringer and Jamie Bissonnette from USA. The Spanish food-fuelled haunt serves mean tapas, both hot and cold, in a classic, dimly-lit setting. The menu highlights include Mushroom “Setas” (THB 200), which is San Sebastian-style mushrooms served with egg yolk and wild herbs, Beef Tongue Toast “Tosta De Lengua” (THB 200), Watermelon Salad “Sandia” (THB 200) and Clams “Almejas” (THB 250). The must-items though are their seafood-enriched fried rice. The venue makes mean paellas with a variety of meat options to choose from. Toro’s well-crafted bar also features a wide selection of booze like sangria, whisky and wine just so you can down some drinks from nightfall to the wee hours.
Toro, 72 Courtyard, Khlong Tan Nuea, Watthana, Bangkok, +662 392 7790
Kankanit Wichiantanon
Writer, Bangkok
Kankanit is a writer by day and a baker by night. If there’s one thing you should know about her, it’s that she can wax poetic about food 24/7. Her daily routine is writing, cooking, eating, repeat. They are the things that inspire her from morning 'til night.
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