Indian are big snackers. We love nibbling on a quick snack no matter what time of the day it is and we love it even more when there’s a variety to choose from. Perhaps that’s why the idea of Tapas - traditional Spanish appetisers that today occupy a permanent place on menus across the globe - seems so alluring. Whether it’s a traditional bruschetta with finely chopped tomatoes, olives, onions and garnished with mint leaves or slightly unconventional bacon wrapped dates stuffed with munchego, Tapas, in my opinion, is the food of the Gods for many reasons. But most importantly it’s because of the kind of variety it encompasses. Tapas no longer just refers to Spanish appetisers; anything served in small quantities can be a tapa.
The history of tapas dates back to the good old days of Europe when Spanish bars began serving their drinks with a lid on top. ‘Tapas’ literally means ‘to cover’ in Spanish and that’s what the Spaniards did. Overtime, the covered drinks were being served with a small snack on the lids - very much like our Indian chakhna.
Today, tapas has evolved into a whole world of its own - they are served both veg and non-veg, hot and cold, and make use of a range of vegetables and ingredients available to mankind. Yet tapas, especially Spanish tapas, are not as readily available in India, let alone Delhi. But there are a few restaurants, Spanish or not, that cater exclusively to the tapas-lovers in the city. And if you are not one of them, then fret not. Use our Homegrown guide to tapas in Delhi to acquaint yourself with these small portions of happiness.
I. Pintxo
Where: 3, First Floor, 32nd Avenue, Part II, Sector 15, Gurgaon.
Home to all things Spanish (well, mostly food), Pintxo brings the best of Spanish culinary flavours from the West and offers them to its Indian customers. Complete with its small and cozy vibe and beautiful glass painted windows (which is a blessing for when Delhi-NCR winter ascends, Pintxo is one of Gurgaon’s gastronomic gems, serving a large variety of mostly non-vegetarian tapas (the veg options are few, but full of exciting flavours). Try their flat bread pickled with aubergine goat cheese or a good old classic in the form of batter fried onion rings served with romesco sauce. Even the croquets and pork skewers are deliciously filling.
Cost: INR 1,000 for two people.
Where: The Claridges, 12, Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Road, Aurangzeb Road.
Dining at Sevilla is nothing short of a dreamy experience - imagine white fences, areas with soft lighting, chandeliers and a wide range of Spanish delicacies that will keep you occupied and excited through the evening. The bite-sized nibbles here, like the sliced bacalao bianco drizzled with olive oil and salmorejo cubes, come in both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options. Try the sauteed wild mushrooms served with marinated tomato and torn burrata, and grilled asparagus sprinkled with green garlic and tomato salsa. Their bacon wrapped dates stuffed with munchego are to die for! And of course, all this pars perfectly with a glass of red wine sangria.
Cost: INR 4,500 for two people.
III. Sidecar
Where: M 29, First Floor, Above HDFC Bank, M Block Market, Greater Kailash 2 (GK 2).
Delhi’s GK is full of tiny cafes, sophisticated restaurants, and al fresco bars trying to stand out. But Sidecar doesn’t have to try that hard. With its super comfy armchairs, well-stacked bookshelves, and lovely food to keep you company, Sidecar’s oriental menu is refreshing and undoubtedly appetising even to the not-so-foodies at heart. What’s interesting is how Sidecar takes classic appetisers and truly spins them around in new unique ways like the Tortilla chips which are fried, topped with sour cream, cheese, lime and served with two kinds of salsa - tomato and pineapple. or even the simplicity of a well-prepared cream and cheese spring roll. Other mouthwatering tapas include pulled jackfruit toastada served with onions, tomatoes, lemons and mustard, and simple bite-sized toasts served with goat cheese, walnuts, rocket leaves and bourbon honey glaze.
Cost: INR 1200 for two people.
IV. Bohemia
Where: Unit No.250, 1st Floor, Gardens Galleria Mall, Sector 38a NOIDA.
Known for its scrumptious food offerings, classy interiors, and excellent customer service, Bohemia is the go-to place for all your cravings. It’s where conversations dissolve into friendship and new relationships are cemented over small plates of bar snacks like jalapeno potato croquettes and extravagant veg and non-veg platters. From toasted bread flavoured with garlic and topped with melting cheese to something way fancier like a variety of bruchetta served with mushrooms, tomatoes, black olives, feta cheese and more. In fact, not every restaurant gets bruchettas right like Bohemia.
Cost: INR 850 for two people.
Where: SCO 40, 1st Floor & Terrace, Sector 29.
For Instagram-worthy food and a gorgeous softly lit dining space, head to Gurgaon’s Philtre - the Bistro. With its checkered flooring, vibrant wall paintings and ‘the book of elixir’ plastered just outside the elevator, Philtre’s eccentric and quirky vibes are only an added joy considering the tasteful food they serve. Their teal-coloured menu opens up to a delicous list of Tapas that can serve upto two people - or just one if you want all the goodness to yourself. From small servings of cottage cheese served with crush dried red chilli to “ulta tawa paratha nachos”, the menu here is an exciting experience that showcases a blend of modern and traditional culinary practices.
Cost: INR 1500 for two people.
Where: Priya Complex, Vasant Vihar, New Delhi.
If there’s one place that does justice to magic of tapas, it’s Perch Wine & Coffee Bar where your small starter portions are automatically combined with a range of coffee and wine options, leaving you with a full heart and an even full stomach. The French ambience, soft jazz music playing at the back as you casually sip on your wine, presentation here is key - whether it’s the restaurant or the food they serve. Even if you’re just passing by, expect to be wooed by the tempting aroma of the food being prepared in Perch’s kitchen. Their range of delicious tapas (perfect for two people) pair perfectly with the Vietnamese coffee, if you’re looking for non-alcoholic options, and their sangria.
Cost: INR 2,000 for two people.
Feature Image Credit: Via-vespa.com
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