Here's where Bangkok's Spanish community actually eats Spanish food
Advice worth taking.
6 years ago
Myriam Rueda Morato, Owner of Pensare Graphic Design
“In the last few years, several Spanish restaurants have appeared in Bangkok, many of them owned by people with no relation to the gastronomic sector, and you can tell. However, there are a few hidden gems. One of my favorites is El Tapeo, with its homey and cozy decoration. Staff are very helpful and sweet. I like especially going there for super-good lunch deals. At other times of day, some of my favorite dishes are gazpacho, broken eggs with serrano ham, and garlic-sauteed fish surimi [similar to crab sticks]. The place is also perfect for enjoying “sobremesa,” the Spanish habit of sitting and talking for hours over drinks and coffee. On top of wine and organic coffee from Doi Saket, try the delicious chupito de la casa [a shot of rum, coffee, cacao and condensed milk].”
El Tapeo
Biel Calderon, regional multimedia producer for Greenpeace Southeast Asia
“My two favorite places are Broken Eggs and Arroz. Both offer great and affordable Spanish food. The rice dishes at Arroz are simply amazing. Great service too. If you fancy some creative and tasty Spanish tapas, Broken Eggs is the place to go. Both restaurants have a great selection of beers and wine, too. My favorite dish at Arroz is the black paella and pimientos de Padron [green Calician peppers]. At Broken Eggs, you have to try the chorizo criollo with chimichurri, and tuna tataki with guacamole. I also really like El Chiringuito and its amazing tortilla.”
Arroz
Laura Villadiego, Freelance Journalist
“I usually go to Broken Eggs, previously at W District and now on Ekkamai. This tapas place is affordable and great for casual dining. I like it because it tastes like back home and the menu is not just paella, jamon, or patatas bravas, like at other Spanish restaurants. Dishes that might not be that popular among non-Spaniards, but which are much appreciated in Spain, include pulpo [octopus]. I’m a big fan of the huevos rotos [broken eggs] that give the place its name, and the eggplant with honey and miso. They also cook a really good paella on weekends. For something more fancy, though, try Islero, where they also throw some more casual events with pintxos, the kind of tapas popular in Basque country. I also recommend going all the way to Chinatown to try the tortilla de patatas at El Chiringuito.”
Broken Eggs
Ana Maria Garcia Recio, Marketing Director for Arno’s
“For me personally, the best traditional Spanish tapas are at Barcelona Gaudi, a little jewel that really reminds you of being in Barcelona. The way they cook and present the tapas is very simple, but the most authentic I have found here in Asia. Their croquetas are amazing, and they have Spanish beers and good sangria. The price is also pretty cheap! I also like Thyme Eatery & Bar: a different style and price, but overall the flavors are very good. I think Spanish food’s reputation increased a few years ago with chef Ferran Adria [of El Bulli], and from there the world has started looking at us. It’s good to be known for more than paella and sangria, but at the end of the day our tapas style of sharing food is what makes Spanish cuisine so well accepted in Asia.”
Thyme
David Rochela, Captain of Thai Port FC
“The Spanish community in Bangkok is so fortunate to have so many excellent Spanish restaurants like Jamon Jamon, Barcelona Gaudi and Arroz. When I eat at these places I feel like I’m at home. When you are 11,000km away from your hometown and you find a restaurant with the food that you love, it makes you feel a lot closer. If I had to pick a favorite dish I would say the eggs Serrano from Barcelona Gaudi. In fact, the Spanish ham is amazing, so any of the dishes with it are delicious. I eat at these Spanish restaurants probably 4-5 times a week—and delivery just makes it so easy.”
Barelona Gaudi
David Fernandez, Co-founder of Cho Why
“To understand why Spain is at the forefront of world gastronomy, try Islero, which mixes traditional recipes with premium products and modern cooking techniques. My two favorite dishes are red tuna marmitako [fish stew] and carrilleras guisadas [braised beef cheeks]. At Arroz, the art of eating rice goes well beyond ordering just a paella. Go for the black creamy rice, monkfish cheek or the seafood arroz caldoso [brothy rice]—your taste buds will be blown away. For somewhere to meet for a glass of wine and tapas, I recommend Broken Eggs. The original trailblazer of Soi Nana’s regeneration, El Chiringuito, feels like I’m popping into a tapas bar in La Latina. Although I’m very proud of my Spanish omelet-making skills, [owner] Sudaporn “Pupe“ Sae-ia’s tortilla de patatas with caramelized onion is a must-try.”
Islero
Essentials
Arroz
112 Sukhumvit Soi 53, 02-258-7696.Open Wed-Sun 5:30-10pm; Mon 5:30-10pm; Sat-Sun 11:30am-2:30pm
Barcelona Gaudi
Le Premier 1 Condominium, Sukhumvit Soi 23, 02-661-7410. Open daily 11am-11pm
Broken Eggs
112/7 Sukhumvit Soi 63 (Ekkamai), Klongtan Nuea, 02-047-7811. Open Tue-Sun 5-11:30pm.
El Chiringuito
221 Soi Nana, 086-340-4791.Open Thu-Sun 6pm-midnight
El Tapeo
159/10 Sukhumvit Soi 55 (Thonglor), 02-052-0656. Open Sun-Thu 11:30am-11pm; Fri-Sat 11:30-1am
Islero
Athenee Tower, 63 Wireless Rd., 02-168-8101. Open daily 5pm-midnight
Jamon Jamon
9/1 Sukhumvit Soi 20, 02-663-4466. Open daily 11am-10pm
Thyme Eatery & Bar
411/2 Nang Linchi Rd., 02-678-1333. Open daily 11:30am-11:30pm
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