Tapas 24 is the newest restaurant in the buzzy Robertson Quay district
Cover Tapas 24 is the newest restaurant in the buzzy Robertson Quay district

The tapas joint offers a slice of Barcelona with a bevy of traditional tapas bites as well and an extensive drinks list

Our foodie trips to Barcelona in the pre-Covid period often meant queueing for hours in order to try the extremely popular Tapas 24, helmed by renowned Spanish chef Carles Abellán. And while those foodie jaunts seem to be over, at least, in the next two years, we are quite lucky that the tapas joint has opened its first Asian outpost right in our buzzy Robertson Quay neighbourhood. It is operated by F&B company L’Angelus Group that is also behind European concepts such as L’Angélus Club Street and Les Bouchons.

How did this partnership come about? L’Angelus Group founder Pinaki Rath shared that he discovered Tapas 24 while on a tapas bar hop in Barcelona and realised that its concept would be welcomed by the Singapore audience. He said: “We really feel that there is an opportunity to offer a deeper dive into Spanish cuisine, with a focus on standout food, exquisite interior design, and good service.”

Bringing the authentic Tapas 24 experience always starts with the food, and that is why the kitchen is helmed by chef Carolina Garcia Santamaria, a protégé of Abellàn who boasts over a decade of experience working in top Spanish establishments. She is joined by young local chefs Kimberly Lui and Troy Lim, who prepared for this role by working with Abellán and understanding Spanish products and what makes traditional tapas dishes.

Related: Tapas 24 From Barcelona is Opening its First Asia Outlet in Singapore in May 2021

'gallery right' 'gallery right'
'gallery right' 'gallery right'
Photo 1 of 6 Tapas 24 feast
Photo 2 of 6 Tapas 24 Bikini Sandwich
Photo 3 of 6 Huevos estrellados with thick cut chips
Photo 4 of 6 Ensaladilla rusa with olives
Photo 5 of 6 Spanish tortilla "Mallorcan Style"
Photo 6 of 6 Paella de gambas al ajillo

That said, they offer a delectable menu of must-have classics served in the original Tapas 24 outlet that attracted throngs of hungry gourmands from around the world. Think Tapas 24 Bikini Sandwich loaded with black truffles, Iberico ham, and buffalo mozzarella, as well as Barceloneta’s Bomba or crisp potato balls stuffed with pork and potato. The selection of large plates is equally sumptuous and is a good mix of traditional and contemporary creations, from the paella de gambas al ajillo (garlic prawn paella) to the barbecued ribs en bosam, which are essentially josper-grilled ribs served Korean bosam style—wrapped in lettuce.

Barcelona food trips often meant sipping on cavas, sangrias and other boozy drinks too, and this is well represented in the Singapore outlet that has a dynamic beverage programme. Apart from the Old and New World wines, beers and cocktails, the list also includes a selection of Spanish Street Cocktails served in a pitcher. One highlight is the Agua de Valencia, a refreshing cocktail mix of cava, gin, vodka and orange juice that is made for our hot and humid weather. Another Catalan favourite is the Shandy o Clara, which makes for the perfect thirst quencher with its refreshing combination of beer, lemon juice and lemon foam.

Related: 10 Great Spanish Wines To Take Note Of (And Drink)

Tatler Asia
Interior design inspired by Spanish architect Antoni Gaudi's works
Above Interior design inspired by Spanish architect Antoni Gaudi's works

The look and feel of the restaurant complete the overall dining experience, and interior designers Matthew Shang and Paul Semple took inspiration from Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí to create a space reminiscent of fun and unfussy tapas bars in Barcelona.

It is not hard to miss this new addition to the Robertson Quay stretch, with its juxtaposition of bold and neutral colours, eclectic textures and splashes of witty graphics. It will definitely bring back memories of your last trip to Barcelona, so why not reminisce those good ‘ol days at Tapas 24 while tucking into traditional tapas and a glass of ice-cold sangria?


Tapas 24 | 60 Robertson Quay, 01-04 The Quayside, S(238252) | 6513 6810 | hello@tapas24.sg

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