The Origins Of Tapas

There’s an interesting twist to the story of tapas, because, like some of the best things in life, it’s inception was little more than a happy accident. A classic case of one thing leading to another. But how can tapas be an accident, you ask? Good question. And to answer it, we’ll tell you a little story.

Let’s start with the name: tapas. Where does it come from? Well, it’s derived from the Spanish verb tapar, which means to cover. It’s cognate of the English word top. Confused yet? All will become clear!

You see, back in Spain in the pre-19th-century, tapas were served by albergues, posadas or bodegas for paying guests looking for meals and lodgings. The tapas were offered as samples of available dishes. It’s believed that the related word top, referred to the food’s pot covers. However, theories conflict.

Other sources believe that the name originates from Andalusian sherry drinkers, who placed thin slices of bread and meat across the tops of their glasses to fend off the fruit flies who wanted to get at their sweet drinks. It’s said that over time, the variety of snacks became greater, and eventually grew as important as the drink itself.

There are many other links, connections and tails regarding the history of tapas, but let’s remain focussed on what’s most important, how delicious it is. And with that in mind, we’d like to walk you through just a few of our most flavoursome tapas options.

Chorizo al vino blanco
Chargrilled chorizo cooked in white wine

Calamares en tempura, mayonesa de lima
Squid in tempura, lime mayo

Arroz negro, chipirones al carbón y alioli de azafrán
Black creamy rice, chargrilled baby squid and garlic saffron alioli

Tartar de remolacha, manzana y pepino encurtidos con sorbete de manzana verde
Beetroot tartare, pickled cucumber with green apple sorbet

Jamón 100% Ibérico de bellota cortado a mano
Handcut acorn fed 100% Iberian ham

Unfortunately it’s difficult to describe the depth and complexity of these classic tapas favourites, so we’ve got a few words from our customers to help paint the picture.

“The menu caters for all palates, we had a selection of tapas dishes each of which were so delicious I’d recommend them all!’’

“The tapas are so delicious! The croquettes, black rice & squid, iberico ham and gambas are just a few of my faves! I can’t wait to return!’’

“Our tapas was superb, an extensive and varied menu offers many traditional Spanish dishes all cooked in an open kitchen.’’

There’s only one way to really understand how delicious traditional Spanish tapas really is, and that’s visit our beautifully designed premises in Amersham and experience them for yourself.

Book now: https://www.plumarestaurants.com/reservations/

If you’ve already visited or are visiting soon, please leave us a few words on Trip Advisor so we can make sure every guest has the most enjoyable and satisfying visit possible with every element considered.

We hope to see you soon, so you can join us and be inspired by Spanish cuisine.