Say ‘Olé’ this October as our city spotlights all things Spanish in Eat Spain Drink Spain (ESDS), Hong Kong’s first-ever Spanish food and drink initiative, presented by Food and Wines from Spain (FWS) from the Spanish Trade Commission in Hong Kong and Alimentos de España. From October 1 to 15, this citywide celebration of Hispanic gastronomy promises a fiesta of flavours and fun, featuring exclusive menus, wine tastings, and culinary workshops from top-notch restaurants and retailers.
With 40 eager participants in this two-week event, including 23 restaurants, three physical stores, nine online stores, and five workshops and tasting sessions, Hong Kong is going to be full of Hispanic flair that you can’t miss. Here’s what to look out for:
Gastronomic gems
During ESDS, countless restaurants around town will offer menus full of sumptuous dishes. Head to eateries like El Vaso de Oro HK, Tapas Bar, or Eye Bar for curated tapas offerings and drinks, or visit venues like El Cerdo or La Paloma for special menus full of authentic Spanish fare, such as traditional Rabo de Toro oxtail stew at Plaza Mayor. For an added experience, book a table at Kitchen Savvy or Que Pasa Tapas to experience energetic flamenco performances during exclusive dinners. Additionally, oenophiles can look forward to wine tastings and pairing menus at restaurants like Chinesology, Tsui Hang Village, and 22 Ships, among others. Hit up Pintxos for a specially curated Spanish wine night served alongside Basque finger food for a fun, social dining experience.
Unbeatable shopping discounts
ESDS’ promotions include fantastic opportunities both online and in-store, allowing you to savour Spanish excellence at home. Shop at e-retailers such as Ameriasia, Eat Good Spain, or South Stream Market to stock your pantry with discounted Spanish products, or browse for your favourite Spanish wine with time-limited deals on websites like Ideal Living, Altaya Wines, and Wine Cloud. Organic and health-conscious online store Nature’s Parlour will also be running store-wide 25-percent discounts, as well as combo deals on Spanish meat, poultry, cheese, ham, and iberico that equate to discounts of up to 35 percent.
For those who prefer shopping in person, discover exclusive in-store deals, such as receiving a gift when purchasing two one-litre Borges olive oil bottles at selected shops around town. Enjoy a five-percent discount on all products purchased at La Tienda de Fiesta in Central, or take advantage of 10 percent off on all Bellota Bellota premium cured meat at Citysuper’s Times Square location, where you’ll also receive two glasses of Spanish red wine and 200g of Ibérico ham to enjoy in store.
Tantalising tastings and workshops
Mark your calendar for ESDS’ hands-on experiences across town, such as Papabubble’s artisanal candy crafting workshops, guaranteed to be fun for both kids and adults alike. Alternatively, explore a myriad of Spanish wine tastings throughout the festival, including a blind tasting on October 10 at Asia Wine Service & Education Centre, a curated tasting session with 13 labels at Corney & Barrow on October 13, and more.
Don’t miss out on ESDS’s happenings to indulge your senses and deepen your appreciation for Spanish culinary culture. Visit FWS’ website for more information about the festival’s events.
