July 7th, 2011
Spanish on 4 was opened in late 2009 by the same team behind the ever popular Tapas Cafe in Sukhumvit Soi 11. As the trailblazers in providing Bangkok residents with a true Spanish tapas experience, owner Guy Jackson and head chef Sr. Xavier Paloma (from Catalonia), have brought the same formula to the vibrant nightlife area of Silom. Spanish on 4 is located just inside Silom Soi 4 when entering from Silom Road, and although most of the nightlife venues in the soi are of a more exuberant nature, Spanish on 4 offers a great location for enjoying the genuine tapas and some drinks in a peaceful haven from the busy street scene outside. Open from 11:00am, it is also a popular destination for lunch, with many office workers from the nearby Silom business district dropping in for a quick few plates of tapas.
Spanish on 4 occupies a double fronted space in a row of shoplots inside the soi (street)- and the exterior is painted in the distinctive national colors of Spain- orange and red. The interior is a bright, open space set over two levels, with a central stairwell connecting the two levels. There is a raised timber deck out the front- with a large retractable awning to protect guests from both rain and the tropical sun during the day. The outdoor tables are popular for people watching whilst enjoying a drink or coffee. On the ground floor, the prominent black terrazzo bar runs down one side- with some bar stools at the end near the entrance, and with glass food displays towards the kitchen end. Large Spanish cured hams are suspended from the ceiling, and there is an open kitchen. The main dining room is split into two sections by the central stairwell- and the use of light colored timber furniture gives the space the casual, unpretentious feel of a true tapas bar. Original paintings from local artists are hung on the walls- and in the upstairs dining room a large wall mural is a feature. The upstairs dining area has the open main kitchen at one end, and the same style table furnishings as downstairs.
The tapas menu at Spanish on 4 is similar to the offerings at the original Tapas Cafe– featuring many of the “classic” tapas plates popular with diners everywhere. An emphasis on using imported Spanish deli items underlines the authentic ingredients and preparations of the dishes. The cured Spanish hams- Jamon Iberico are an important feature of any true tapas bar- and are a speciality at Spanish on 4– and a perennial favourite with diners. The mixed plate of hams and sausages- Embutidos Mixtos– is one of the most popular dishes for sharing. Other featured plates include Pastas Bravas– fried potato wedges with sauces; Calamares Fritos– deep fried calamari; and Albondigas con Tomate– meatballs in tomato sauce. And the classic Spanish seafood sharing dish of Paella is always a favourite selection- and is available with mixed seafood, a chicken version, or a mixed chicken and seafood.
Weekly specials are featured on the chalkboard at the front of the main bar.
The bar menu naturally headlines Sangrias– white or red- and served by the glass or in one litre carafes.
A good selection of local and imported beers- including Spanish beers “Estrella” and “Inedit”– and Asahi beer on draught. All the classic cocktails are served Margaritas, Cuba Libre, Caipirinha, Mojito, etc.. The wine menu is focused on Spanish wines- with a good selection of wines from all the famous regions in Spain- all at very competitive prices.
A popular soup is Gazpacho– chilled tomato and vegetable soup.
A special dish is the Ensalada de Manzana y Queso Cabra– roasted apple and goat cheese salad.
Chipirones Plancha– grilled baby squid is always one of the favourite plates to share.
Another popular dish is the Croquetas de Jamon y Huevo– ham and egg croquettes- perfectly matched with red Sangria
The popularity of both Spanish on 4 and Tapas Cafe indicate that diners in Bangkok were ready to embrace the tastes and casual dining style of true Spanish tapas. The concept of tapas- sharing plates over some drinks, in a casual dining environment, and priced attractively, is definitely one that has taken hold in Bangkok. And both these venues are true to the authentic Spanish- and specifically Catalan- style of tapas dishes. There is a good Set Lunch deal, and also generous Happy Hours promotions on both sangria and the tapas.
See more photos of Spanish on 4 in the slide show below.
Spanish on 4
Address: 78/80 Silom Soi 4, Silom, Bangkok. 10500 Thailand
BTS: Saladaeng station- 100 metres walk
Reservations: +66. 632 9955
Website: http://www.spanishon4.com/
Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Spanish-on-4/298054192032
Opening Hours:
Sunday – Thursday : 11:00am ~ 1:00am
Friday & Saturday : 11:00am ~ 2:00am
Happy Hours: 11:00am ~ 7:00 pm Sangria- Buy 1 get 1 Free; Tapas- Buy 2 get 1 Free
Other TAPAS sister restaurants:
Tapas Cafe on Sukhumvit Soi 11
Tapas Cafe- Hua Hin
