We speak to the guys behind one of the most popular (and pocket-friendly!) Spanish restaurants in Singapore, Tapas Club. Started by MIGUEL and JAVIER DIAZ, Tapas Club pays homage to the brothers’ Spanish roots. The restaurant was inspired by La Posada, a tavern-style eatery they loved as university students in Málaga, Spain. It was a popular place where young people, families and groups of friends would all go to eat traditional Spanish dishes in a casual atmosphere – and at very affordable prices.
What inspired you to launch a Spanish restaurant in Singapore?
We wondered why there wasn’t a simple Spanish chain with well-priced, high quality food outside of Spain, and specifically in Southeast Asia. There were many Italian, Korean and Japanese chains, but not many Spanish ones. Seeing a growing demand, we created Tapas Club with the vision of making authentic Spanish food easily accessible.
Who’s in the kitchen?
Executive Chef Jose Alonso, who has worked in the kitchens of Spain’s most renowned Michelin-starred restaurants. He changes the menu seasonally and uses ingredients straight from Spain.
Though Chef Alonso hails from La Rioja in the north, he incorporates dishes that are representative of all corners of the country – from the well-known to the lesser-known regions. From the north, we’ve got calamares (grilled squid) and from the south, berenjenas con miel (eggplant chips with honey). There’s also a wide range of salads and paellas that come from the Mediterranean coasts.
What can we expect from the menu?
There’s really something for everyone, from more recognisable tapas like the Spanish omelette with truffle aioli to modern “Tapas on Toast” creations like beef sirloin and brie, and pork loin with piquillo peppers.
The most raved-about dish is definitely the gambas al ajillo – garlic prawns that come with crispy breadsticks to fully sop up the flavourful sauce. Top it off with a bottle of sangria and you’re good to go!
In addition to over 25 different tapas dishes ($13-$14 each), there’s a selection of cold cut platters ($26-$28), salads ($13-$14) and five different paellas ($26-$28), along with traditional Spanish desserts ($9) including churros con chocolate (churros with chocolate sauce), arroz con leche (rice pudding), crema Catalana (crème brûlée) and more.
What sets Tapas Club apart from other Spanish restaurants?
Apart from our authentic Spanish dishes, there are many elements that represent our roots. From the restaurant’s Spanish inspired décor – mosaic floor tiles and layouts resembling the famous Spanish Plaza De Toros, for example – to weekly Flamenco shows (Sunday evenings) and live Spanish music (Thursday evenings), we incorporate many cultural elements that aren’t commonly found at other restaurants here in Singapore. We’ve even got seasonal screenings of Spanish football matches.
What do you hope diners come away with?
Tapas Club is a dining concept that’s all about sharing and togetherness. We want diners to have a great experience that captures the convivial and spontaneous nature of Spanish food and hospitality. We also hope everyone leaves with a full stomach and an even fuller heart!
Get great tapas at home:
The Tapas Club menu – both food and a selection of Spanish wines (from $40) – can be ordered online and delivered to your door!
- Orchard Central (181 Orchard Road, #02-13)
- VivoCity (1 Harbourfront Walk, #01-98/99)
- Jewel Changi (78 Airport Boulevard, #03-220/221/222)
6602 8081 | tapasclub.com
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This article first appeared in the May 2020 edition of Expat Living. You can purchase a copy or subscribe so you never miss an issue!
