A few things come to mind when Bangkokians think of Spanish food: the plates are small, expensive and not worth the money. Walking into any Spanish eatery, you have to mentally prep yourself to either break the bank, or pay an affordable amount for a less-than-mediocre meal.
Yet, one establishment seems to have finally found the right balance. Nestled in a three storey shophouse between Thong Lor 7 and 9 is El Tapeo Spanish Eatery & Wine Bar. Having just celebrated their first anniversary last month, the El Tapeo is the upscale sister restaurant of El Rinconcito de Juan -- a decade old, tapas bar situated in Madrid, Spain.
Step in and you'll find yourself in a bright and charming tavern-style dining area with a compact cocktail bar stocked with bottles up to the ceiling. Decorated with vibrant tiles and tasteful Spanish motifs, the first floor provides an authentic Spanish taverna atmosphere rarely found anywhere else in Bangkok. Going up the stairs, the 2nd and 3rd floor takes on different themes, with the former decorated to represent the southern coasts of Andalusia (including a giant wallpaper of Seville's Plaza de Espana), while the latter are reminiscent of Madrid's architecture and interiors with wooden and cement floors.
With the name El Tapeo (a very specific Spanish expression for tapas) diners can expect a large selection of small authentic dishes perfect for sharing with a group of friends or to pair with your drink. Seated with our glasses filled to the brim with home-made sangria, the kind waitresses introduced us to an upcoming item on the menu: bocata de calamar -- a miniature black-bun calamari burger seasoned with aioli and wasabi served with crispy thin french fries. Hopefully it will officially be on the menu soon, as this humble Spanish sandwich will prove to be a hit.
Patatas bravas. Melalin Mahavongtrakul
With the dishes in small, shareable sizes, our party of four ordered to our hearts content. The fried potatoes slathered in paprika sauce called patatas bravas (150 baht) pack an aromatic yet spicy punch -- something that many Thais would enjoy. The gambas al ajillo (150 baht), a fan favourite, is a delightful dish featuring sautéed shrimp in garlicky olive oil -- something which you must mop up with a piece of bread. The jambon croquetas (150 baht/5 pieces) dipped in aioli are intense in flavour -- bursting with béchamel and Spanish ham. Chipirones en su tinta (260 baht) is also a uniquely Spanish dish -- consisting of baby squid cooked in its own squid ink. Then there's the flamenquines (280 baht) a typical dish from Cordoba which is a fried breaded roll of chicken, Serrano cured ham and soft cheese. And, it tastes just as good as it sounds.
Surprisingly, most of the fresh ingredients are locally sourced -- possibly contributing to their reasonable prices. But of course their cheeses, cured hams, and wines are imported directly from Spain.
On the brink of being full, we couldn't pass up on the most classic dish -- the paella. Sizzling in large pan was arroz negro (850 baht), a seafood paella with a hefty amount of soft squid, delectable shrimp and chewy mussels hidden and placed on top of the black squid ink rice. The rice was brimming with aromas of the sea, although it's suggested to add in some aioli to the rice for an even more flavourful bite.
Though the portions may not seem like much, the selections almost put us in a food induced coma. Yet, desserts were still to be had. Their coulant de chocolate al turron (180 baht) or lava cake served with vanilla ice cream, is a perfect balance of bittersweet, and a great way to end the meal.
