What exactly is Tapas? (2024)

We’ve all been there. You open a menu and there is a dish or term which everybody seems to know. Except you. You are not even sure how to pronounce that cuisine, let alone know what it is!

If you’re brave enough you ask, “what exactly is…?” or, you just pretend to know.

At Sage you can always ask. Our team would be delighted to answer any questions you have about our menu items.

Maybe you’ve wondered – “What exactly is Tapas?”

Tapas comes from the Spanish word tapar, which means “to cover” or “lid”. There is a story that the first tapar was simply a piece of bread placed over a glass of wine to keep the flies out. You’ll be pleased to know that today tapas is more than a chunk of bread to put over your wine glass.

Traditionally they are small savoury dishes, snacks or appetisers of Spanish cuisine. It might be breads and meat, or a selection of dishes from ham, stuffed mussels, fried squid, to olives, sautéed mushroom and other vegetables.

Essentially, Tapas is a small plate or serving, and it’s a great way to try something new.

Tapas like many dishes, has evolved from its origins to include an international flavour. When the Romans invaded Spain they brought olives to the menu, others brought spices and almonds, and today as Tapas has spread across the world local flavours and ingredients have broadened the variety of Tapas dishes.

At Sage, our Tapas menu has influences from all over the world. You might want a lamb kofta skewer, grilled Spanish chorizo, Chinese 5 spice, baked Tasmanian brie, or slow cooked pork belly. That’s the beauty of Tapas, the chance to sample a variety of dishes in one meal.

Next time you’re out, grab a couple of friends, book at table at Sage Café Restaurant and suggest you go out for Tapas at Broadbeach. It’s a great meal option to enjoy with friends as you share small plates with tasty treats, accompanied by a nice wine or cold beer.