Tapas bars are steadily becoming a-dime-a-dozen in Hong Kong. It’s a trend that’s showed few signs of abating. But, with the obvious exception of 22 Ships, few tapas joints have successfully made their mark in Wan Chai. So is the new Timón going to shine in this foodie district? Situating itself just a block away from the ultra-popular 22 Ships is a brazen move, after all...
Thankfully, the new upstart Timón shines in Wan Chai, with its high ceilings, warm atmosphere and fab Spanish tapas menu. Specialising in seafood, we start with the avocado and crab meat tostada ($35). The rich fruit and crab are balanced with a hint of lemon. Next, we order the spicy clams cooked in manzanilla ($65). The dish comes with a tealight to retain the heat. We worry this might cause the seafood to overcook – but we’re happily mistaken. Served with a hint of chilli, we need bread to soak up the delicious cooking liquor. The star of the show is the pork presa with a chimichurri sauce ($75, pictured above). The tender meat is covered in olive oil and the sauce is punchy without being overwhelming. To finish the meal, we plump for the poached pear with white chocolate foam ($45). This is delicious but we’re glad it comes in a small portion as it’s incredibly rich.
Timón is already faring better than many tapas spots in Wan Chai and beyond. The food is great and the space is comfortable. Perhaps it’s a little too quiet for the heart of Wan Chai but we’re sure that will change soon. Very soon. Amanda Sheppard
See also: Hong Kong's best tapas bars