Spanish cuisine is no longer special in Hong Kong, following the mass Spanish culinary restaurants popping up; but Spanish-theme cafe seems a new word. Espuma, a young Spanish cuisine line, is quietly exploring Hong Kong, from their first cafe in Tsim Sha Tsui.
Cafe is the basic definition of Espuma, exactly the same as this Spanish word, making some fresh & new foam to eaters in Hong Kong. Novell, the mature Spanish brand, is bring Espuma coffee beans from Barcelona and a line of Spanish dishes and tapas in lighter version to form up the Premium European-style cafe, meanwhile, they are localized by inputing Japanese-Taiwan desserts and drinks to cater younger eaters.
Sangria De Vino Tinto (Red) $88/Glass $238/Jar
Signature Fresh Fruit Tea $42
To talk about the drink, they cater almost all the ranges from Taiwanese Fruit Tea (by using Taiwan loose leaf tea soaked in 85° water), Macchiato, Espuccino (milk-shake/smoothy) to Sangria, Wines and Barcelona coffee. Of course, I would like to try their Red Sangria, which was very fresh and fruity sweet, but in a very weak alcohol taste. Fruit Tea, was served warmly in the glass pot, which could be based on Jasmine Tea, Oolong Tea or Green Tea.
Truffle Fries $48
Thin-cute potato chips deeply fired with truffle, it was a bit oily to be honest, but with spread-out truffle flavor, I would just ignore the oil and go for those lovely chips desperately. Specially mentioned was the sour sauce on the top, it looks very greasy and heavy right? Don't worry, I promise they were much more lighter and sour-fresher then the looking.
Jamon & Spinach Tortilla $58
Innovated from the traditional Tortilla, this one was cooked with Jamon Ham and sliced fresh spinach. I couldn't tell each subtle flavor clearly as I saw from the cut side (obviously, it contains spinach, onion, egg, ham, pepper, spices...) while the taste was quite good in a balanced taste of egg, garlic and onion, a bit sweet, a bit salt, a bit eggy and a bit hot spicy. Very light dish indeed, but the fluffy thick egg (similar to thick omelette) just made me have one bite after another.
Fish n' Bites $68
Considering the price, this one was without doubt a must-try deal, plus it is fried with beer for the crispy texture and stronger flavor. While, overall this one could not be counted into the signature dishes.
Espuma Fish Stew $128
Salmon and Sole in Tomato Sauce
Gambas Al Ajillo Con Tomate $88
Grilled Tiger Prawns with Tomato Salsa and Ajillo
Paella con Marisco $98
As I mentioned at the beginning, Espuma runs in two different brand lines at the same time, young & premium. The traditional Spanish tapas and seafood dishes are also served in the restaurant and even offered all day long, but in the adjusted potion such as Paella in the pot instead of pan.
Fish stew is a traditional and also popular Spanish dish, and Espuma's was perfect in the tomato soup which absorbed the essential of mussel, salmon and sole. Among three, my favorite would be sole fish for its super soft texture and the well-done flavor with the tomato soup. Grilled Tiger Prawn with garlic and tomato salsa, it's nothing special but always on the top requesting list, while this one disappointed me. I was not satisfied with the size of tiger prawn and its freshness which reduce the chewy and firm texture a lot, even the culinary taste was quite good. Seafood Paella, was presented in smaller pot with not only seafood but also spicy sausage, which added a lot complex flavor into the paella. The rice tasted too soft but overall taste was exceeding my expectation as a causal dining & cafe quality.
Ile Flottante with Hazelnut $52
Mr. Grey Likes Creme Brulee $58
Churros $48
The limited supply dessert, Flottante, was similar to souffle or marshmallow with a sponge soft egg white ball sweetened with vanilla and crispy hazelnut. It was the lightest dessert in a light creamy vanilla taste, and let you enjoy the natural nuts a lot. Creme Brulee, was incredibly delicious and it was largely differentiated with its fresh baked Earl Grey element, which gave a tea-essential, less sweet, while contained the attractive creamy and eggy flavor at the same time. Homemade Churros, was not as good as I expect, especially I was spoiled during my trip in Europe, in general, I would prefer the fatter (in size) shape of Churros to enlarge the fluffy texture in the middle, and also I would highly appreciate a good chocolate dipping sauce which could offer an authentic hot chocolate/coco flavor instead of a normal mixture of milk and chocolate.
Waffle - Very Berry $48/Half $78/Full
Despite the western desserts, Taiwanese Waffle is offered as one of the hottest dessert item in the recent cafe market in Hong Kong. Again, personally I prefer harder and crispier waffle which is not fit into any type of Taiwanese waffle. While, Espuma is using New Zealand Natural ice cream for all the waffle, which gave a qualified while new ice cream experience.
House Brewed Espuma Coffee $32
Talk about Espuma's coffee menu, coffee-lover shouldn't miss all their Barcelona imported coffee beans, which has around 60 years expertise and history. And the coffee line is managed by Cafe Novell, which is a qualified coffee production brand originated from Barcelona in 1958.
The House Brewed Coffee using Barcelona beans, tasted quite mild from the beginning till the end, a good balance throughout the whole tasting experience with a little fruity feeling, making the coffee more active in the mouth.
2/F, H8, Hau Fook Street
Tsim Sha Tsui
Kowloon
Hong Kong
+852 2739 2080
h8@espuma.com.hk
Mon to Sun. 12nn - 10pm
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