A soul for Spain

When long-time restaurateur Santiago Codina sold his business in Barcelona a few years back, he set off on a journey around the world in search of a new home. He finally settled in Bangkok and discovered, much to his amazement, that there were few venues offering authentic Spanish cuisine.

“I tried dishes that purported to be Spanish but the flavours just weren’t right,” he says. “That inspired me to open Hola and introduce our traditional cuisine to food lovers here.”

Thais and expats responded to his invitation and since opening last year on the lower ground floor of Eight Thonglor, Hola has become a popular hangout.

Part of that can be credited to its relaxed ambience and a decor that’s not unlike a comfortable living room with long black long sofas and armchairs covered in vibrant stripes contrasting with the white tables and walls. Those curious about the cooking process can take a seat at the bar counter and chat with the chefs as they prepare the food in the open kitchen.

The wooden floor has plenty of space for dancing and Codina is happy to encourage his guests to try their hand – or feet – at the flamenco.

The kitchen is under the command of young chef Marc Font, whose family has run a restaurant in Catalonia for 60 years. He learned how to cook in Girona and Barcelona, studying under Joan Roca, chef and co-owner of the El Celler de Can Roca, one of Girona’s top restaurants and an establishment that now has three Michelin stars. Another teacher was Salvador Brugues, author and expert in sous-vide cuisine.

He’s also worked at the Michelin starred Can Jubany in Barcelona, learning the art of Catalan cooking from owner Nandu Jubany.

Font, however, stays away from molecular gastronomy, focusing instead on original Spanish recipes with modern presentation. 

“I like to serve tapas as this way, our customers can enjoy a diversity of tasty, easy-to-eat food in small portions. We offer cold cuts, meat, seafood, salad, pasta and more and we bring in most of the ingredients from Spain,” Codina says.

“But we also offer a range of dishes in different sizes and at reasonable prices, allowing guests the option of mixing menus.”

Codina recommends we try Gambas a l’ajillo (Bt150), a classic tapa of prawns cooked in olive oil with lots of garlic and chilli (Bt150). We also sample Croquetas caseras de jamon y pollo, croquettes stuffed with ham and chicken (Bt30 apiece) and Paella mixta, the traditional dish of Spanish fried rice mixed with prawn, squid, mussel, pork and chicken served with white garlic sauce (Bt775).

For a lighter meal, you can opt for marinated salmon salad with cheese and citrus fruits vinaigrette (Bt170), Tortilla espanola, the traditional Spanish omelette with potato and onion (Bt150), which is best enjoyed with rustic tomato bread (Bt60), Canelon grantinado, Spain’s answer to cannelloni and stuffed with vegetables and pork in a white sauce (Bt100), or the spicy sausage Chorizo Iberico (Bt150).

Condina has recently introduced another Cantalan dish that’s rarely, if ever, found in Bangkok: toasted noodles tossed in oil and garlic. It’s priced at Bt300 for two people. 

The selection of desserts is reasonably modest but what there is pleases. Must tries include Pineapple Cannelloni filled with cream brule and served with a smooth cheesecake in strawberry sauce (Bt200), chocolate coulant with raspberry coulis and lemon ice cream (Bt200), all of which taste great with a glass of Cava Sangria (Bt220).

The drinks list features wines, rose, cava, champagne and beer from Spain as well as Spanish cocktails.

 

 

HELLO HOLA!

Hola Restaurant is located on LG floor of Eight Thonglor. It’s open daily from 11am to 11pm. Call (02) 713 8387 or visit “HolaSpanishFood” at Facebook.