TAPAS 101
By Stacey Kumagai
Tapas originated in Spain in the 1200s as a small meal/appetizer/snack to accompany wine.
Tapa actually means "lid‟ (hence "little dishes‟).
Tapas can be served hot or cold.
Tapas can be finger food or food eaten with a spoon or fork.
Japanese tapas are called ippin ryori (pronounced e-pan-yori).
Japanese tapas are part of a cuisine eaten at establishments called izakayas.
Hawaiians call tapas, pupus.
Italians call tapas, cicchetti or antipasto.
In the Phillipines, tapas are primarily small beef dishes.
Mediterranean countries refer to tapas as tentempie or tepita.
Tapas in China are known more as dim sum.
Hors d‟oeuvres in France are a form of tapas.
The art of eating tapas is a great way to “break the ice” with new people you have just met – like a date, future in-laws or a new friend. Small plates make for more fun and there is something for everybody.
Tapeo is the art of eating tapas, the cultural art of eating, to encourage sampling and conversation. Tapas are a very social food to bring people together, informally.
Click here to find out more about Shochu