Perfectly executed modern tapas cuisine & polished cocktails at KL’s premier tapas-style bar
May 15th, 2015
Update November 2016: Ohla Tapas has closed
Setting a new benchmark in Kuala Lumpur for authentic Spanish tapas dining since its launch in 2013, Ohla Tapas & Cocktails continues to impress with its consummate renditions of modern tapas cuisine. Occupying a long narrow glass-fronted space facing out over one of central KL’s main thoroughfares, Ohla exudes an understated urban sophistication, agreeably melded with a relaxed, unpretentious attitude. Taking inspiration from the progressive cuisine found at leading Barcelona tapas restaurants, the culinary team at Ohla, led by talented Spanish head chef Toni Valero, serve a well constructed menu of contemporary tapas dishes created from authentic ingredients imported fresh from Spain. Ohla adds a rewarding dimension to the KL restaurant scene with its well-executed concept of approachable fine dining in a relaxed, buzzy atmosphere, elegantly appealing to a savvy, cosmopolitan clientele.
Entering Ohla, guests can take one of the coveted seats at the long timber counter facing into the open kitchen, or choose between the window facing counters, or several individual tables in the adjacent compact dining space that are good for small groups. An attractive contemporary decor combines warm timbers with bold red aluminium bar seats, while the walls of the dining section feature a striking red and black photographic mural depicting the iconic running of the bulls fiesta. Ohla can be found at the street level of The Intermark building, conveniently accessible to the main business and shopping district and a short few minutes walk to KLCC.
Representative of the new wave of talented young Spanish chefs at the forefront of progressive tapas cuisine, Ohla head chef Toni Valero combines a solid grounding in traditional Catalan and Basque cooking techniques with imaginative combinations of authentic ingredients to create his flavourful dishes. Cooking with the charcoal-fired Josper oven, seafood and meats are roasted, and grilled over flames to impart the quintessential flavours of modern tapas cuisine. Standout dishes from the Ohla tapas menu that exemplify Valero’s modern cuisine include Grilled Scallop with Iberico Pork Belly, and the Confit Spanish cod fish loin, organic chick peas pan fried with Burgos black sausage.
Ohla sommelier Gustavo Arriaga has drawn on extensive experience in leading Spanish bars and restaurants to assemble a thoughtfully curated list of regional, small-producer Spanish wines as the perfect complements to the bold flavours of the tapas cuisine. Additionally, he offers selections of sherries, Spanish vermouths, and a short but intriguing list of creative takes on classic cocktails. And with a selection of premium Spanish gins, the bar team serve up some of the best G&T’s in town.
Ohla Tapas & Cocktails opens Monday to Saturday (closed on Sundays) serving lunch and dinner (dinner only on Saturday). With limited seats at both the bar or dining tables, reservations are recommended.
Ohla Tapas: interior design
