3 Spanish Restaurants in Hong Kong

With its iconic skyline, natural landscape and thriving culture, Hong Kong is one of the most interesting and diverse places in the world. As one of the world’s culinary capitals, the city’s love for food is strong, and no matter which cuisine you’ve a hankering for, this vibrant city has got the goods. While locals have a passion for local cuisine, there’s no shortage of dishes showcasing the best from around the world, and one of the most popular foreign cuisines foodies are buzzing about is Spanish... and restaurants in Hong Kong certainly know what they’re doing when it comes to all things tapas, pintxos, paella and much, much more. So read on, we’ve got a few tips about what to eat in your chosen Spanish restaurant in Hong Kong.

There’s been a fair amount of controversy regarding the origins of tapas. Some say it came from King Alfonso X who had become ill and could only consume small portions of food at a time, others argue it began as a result from workers getting too drunk at lunch so food served with alcohol became mandatory, and others even suggest the plate was to cover the drink from flies. Whatever the true origin, tapas have taken the world by storm, and Hong Kong’s Spanish restaurant serve up some of the best. Being quite similar to dim sum, the heart and soul of Cantonese cuisine, tapas suits Hong Kong’s fast paced vibe to a tee. Ordering several small plates to share allows you to sample a variety of dishes, perfect for sharing, and perfect if you’re short on time. One of Hong Kong’s best Spanish restaurants, OM Tapas are experts when it comes to serving delectable small plates. Sample dishes like crispy pig ears, foie gras Spanish tortilla, chilli-infused garlic prawns, Spanish cod with squid ink couscous and Ibérico pork shoulder with grilled aubergine, just to name but a few.

If you are looking for a place to meet old school friends or celebrate a big birthday, look no further. Getting together for a table full of tapas in Hong Kong is a fantastic way to socialise. No matter what your friends love to eat, tapas menus will include something for them. With dishes like squid cooked in ink for seafood fans, sauteed chorizo sausage for meat-eaters and spicy patatas bravas for veggies, everyone can create a meal that fits their diet and tastes. You don't get that kind of choice with every world cuisine, but it's always on offer when you gather for tapas in Hong Kong.

Arguably Spanish cuisine’s most well-known dish, paella is a staple at any Spanish restaurant in Hong Kong and for good reason at that. Originating in Valencia, paella consists of charred rice, vegetables, and meat or seafood seasoned with saffron and rosemary cooked to perfection on an open fire which creates an aromatic smoke that infuses the paella. One of Hong Kong’s best Spanish restaurants for paella is without a doubt, La Paloma. With a live paella station, you can watch the chefs in action as they whip up delicious creations, like their famous paella de Bogavante of lobster and saffron paella which simply must be tried. Or, if you find yourself in Central, Fofo by el Willy boasts an exceptional mixed seafood dish with Boston lobster, while over in Tai Hang, Paella Paella’s Valencian paella for two is packed with chicken, beans and Ibérico pork – so good you’ll be floating out the door.

The selection of restaurants serving tapas in Hong Kong are also really convenient for city centre attractions. For instance, if you are staying in one of the luxury hotels in Tsim Sha Tsui, or you've pencilled in a trip to the Hong Kong Space Museum, why not leave some time for a gourmet Spanish meal? The same applies to Sai Ying Pun. After checking out the waxworks at Madame Tussaud's or meeting the animals at the zoo, head for some of the best tapas Hong Kong can offer and round of your sightseeing in style.

Having tapas in Hong Kong is also one of the most romantic dining options around. Most tapas restaurants in town try to create an authentic Iberian experience, conjuring up intimate environments and offering superb wine lists that will help romance bloom. With sharing plates available for two, and so much choice on offer, the stage is set for a memorable dining experience whenever you enjoy tapas in Hong Kong. Whatever the occasion, organise a great Spanish meal with Quandoo.