October 2024 edit: 22 Ships has now relocated to PMQ Central
by Aude Camus
With dinning service slowly resuming back to normal, and after long weeks of social distancing restrictions, now is a great time to treat yourself to a vibrant tapas dinner! And what better place to do so than the newly revamped, and a long-time mainstay in Hong Kong’s tapas scene, 22 Ships?
God, I have missed a buzzy, boozy and tasty night out! And I am definitely gonna start the night with a sangria! The best seats in the house? At the buzzy open kitchen counter so that you don’t miss out on any of the action and can even have a few words with Madrid-native chef Antonio Oviedo. But the façade cum al fresco communal table isn’t a bad choice either. No matter where you seat, rest assure you are in for a convivial night filled with tasty bites.
Oh and here is my sangria! And it comes topped with a very interesting tangy citrus foam. If you are more of a wine person, feel free to order by the glass, by carafe or by bottle from one of the 20+ options available, mainly from Spanish origin. And if you knew 22 Ships before its revamping and loved its signature selection of sherries, you’ll be thrilled to hear the tapas bar will still be offering such selection with a house sherry served from a barrel.
But hey … what about we order some food before we have one drink too many? I now declare the tapas feast opened! What’s new on the menu? A range of multi-regional tapas, see for yourself (and do not forget to check the daily specials, handwritten on the boards opposite to the open kitchen):
by Aude Camus
With dinning service slowly resuming back to normal, and after long weeks of social distancing restrictions, now is a great time to treat yourself to a vibrant tapas dinner! And what better place to do so than the newly revamped, and a long-time mainstay in Hong Kong’s tapas scene, 22 Ships?
God, I have missed a buzzy, boozy and tasty night out! And I am definitely gonna start the night with a sangria! The best seats in the house? At the buzzy open kitchen counter so that you don’t miss out on any of the action and can even have a few words with Madrid-native chef Antonio Oviedo. But the façade cum al fresco communal table isn’t a bad choice either. No matter where you seat, rest assure you are in for a convivial night filled with tasty bites.
Oh and here is my sangria! And it comes topped with a very interesting tangy citrus foam. If you are more of a wine person, feel free to order by the glass, by carafe or by bottle from one of the 20+ options available, mainly from Spanish origin. And if you knew 22 Ships before its revamping and loved its signature selection of sherries, you’ll be thrilled to hear the tapas bar will still be offering such selection with a house sherry served from a barrel.
But hey … what about we order some food before we have one drink too many? I now declare the tapas feast opened! What’s new on the menu? A range of multi-regional tapas, see for yourself (and do not forget to check the daily specials, handwritten on the boards opposite to the open kitchen):
My favourites of the night?
The Sardines in Ajoblanco Almond Soup with Grapes (HKD 128). A tasty and resfreshing modern take on the popular garlic cold soup and a perfect way to kick start the meal before moving on to a more traditional, but not less yummy, Tortilla with Sobrasada (HKD 148). I heard from the chef its his mother’s recipe and gosh that thing is so comforting! Another tasty tapas I would totally order again are the Carabineros al Ajillo (HKD 168), hot and juicy, those carabineros are so meaty. Also loved the Pulpo a la Gallega, a Galician octopus served with a potato foam and smoked paprika. Galician octopus that you will also find charcoal-grilled on top of the Black Octopus Paella (HKD 358), an elevated rendition of the traditional Arroz Negro, with a distinctive smoky flavour.
If you are the kind of person who cannot end a meal without a touch of sweet and/or if you have been dying to give a go to the latest trendiest dessert of all, you will be happy to hear than 22 Ships serves a super pornfood Basque Cheesecake (HKD 98 for small version – easily serves 2 to 3 / HKD 588 for large version serving a group of 6-8 people).
If you are the kind of person who cannot end a meal without a touch of sweet and/or if you have been dying to give a go to the latest trendiest dessert of all, you will be happy to hear than 22 Ships serves a super pornfood Basque Cheesecake (HKD 98 for small version – easily serves 2 to 3 / HKD 588 for large version serving a group of 6-8 people).
As for me, my dessert of choice would be the Cava Lemon Sorbet (HKD 80), a sweet and nostalgic memory from Chef’s Antonio childhood which reminded e of my own childhood memories with my fav dessert: the Lemon Meringue Pie.
Remember guys, 22 Ships has a “No reservation, no service charge” policy and guests can come for tapas and drinks on the spur of the moment.
22 Ships
22 Ship Street, Wan Chai
Remember guys, 22 Ships has a “No reservation, no service charge” policy and guests can come for tapas and drinks on the spur of the moment.
22 Ships
22 Ship Street, Wan Chai
This write-up is based on a complimentary tasting hosted by 22 Ships. No money has been paid for publishing this review which entirely reflects the genuine opinion of its author.