Tapas World: Tonic to the Taste buds

The restaurant front is uninspiring. But don’t shrug your shoulders yet, because one really mustn’t read a book by its cover. Covered in dark glass stands ‘Tapas World’, in the heart of Defense Colony Market. On the glass is inscribed a list of items from the menu – in small font, like an unending series. Look closer and the essence of the well-known Spanish Tapas Cuisine shall become apparent. Tapas is not just food, it is a way of life in Spain, a wide variety of appetizers or snacks which can be combined together to make a full meal.
The late Steve Jobs believed that great products need great promotions. The owners of ‘Tapas World’ would have achieved much if they thought of it. Here, now, they have a great menu boasting of Spanish Tapas cuisine, very delightful, yet unknown, yet they do nothing to reach out to patrons of good gastronomy.
The décor is deplorable with its low lighting and dark theme. Although it might suit a bar just fine, it does not help to create an ambience of a Tapas Bar. And, this is the fatal flaw of the restaurant. Having a long list of starters of this Spanish variety does not warrant the food to be just ‘an accompaniment’ to the liquor that this restaurant predominantly claims to be serving. Perhaps the owners are unaware of how Tapas is eaten, or how delightful it can really be to the experimental taste-buds of the urban populace.
But I am just writing a review, not a revolution. Thus I shall move on to the food, which is going to bring the smiles back.
I ordered a soup, Laksa in Coconut shell. Laksa is a type of soup found predominantly in Malaysia and Singapore. How does that make this restaurant Spanish? Maybe it doesn’t yet it blends very well with the rest of the menu.
You cannot ignore the Tapas menu of a place called ‘Tapas World’ and Tapas does not include mains. Not sure of ordering a main course, I decided instead in digging into the various starters which were very well-priced (on an average of Rs.150 per plate)! Grillied Basa with Pepperoncini was ordered, followed by Sheesh Touk and Roasted Pork Tenderloin with Apples. This was followed with Lamb Kibbey (kibbeh). Garnishing and presentation of the dishes was elaborate, immaculate. The Basa fish was grilled to give it a crisp texture on the outside while maintaining its softness and flavor. The Chicken Sheesh Touk was special and its accompanying dip blended perfectly with the flavors of this Turkish sheekh kebab. The roasted pork was pieced into thick slices, glazed, sweet, and served on a bed of cooked green apple. The Lamb Kibbeh had predominant mint notes and though other varieties of the same exist, the one served at Tapas World was distinctly unique.
Though I found several aspects of the restaurant and menu in need of improvement, I am not a critic, just a foodie perhaps. The food that is served at ‘Tapas World’ is to be enjoyed without bickering over its shortcomings. Ambience not impressive, yet this restaurant deserves a thumbs-up, because once you have done eating, you shall remember the cuisine with certainty, a true tonic to your taste buds.

Dwaipayan Adhya
Address:
Shop No. 22, Defence Colony Market, Delhi.
Contact:
+91 8800091507, 011 46108595

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