The brand new 22 Ships led by Chef Antonio Oviedo has now reopened on Ship Street, Wan Chai

JIA Group’s neighbourhood tapas bar 22 Ships is now back on Ship Street with a fresh look. Honouring the city’s constant hunt for authentic and honest Spanish flavours, the revamped tapas bar will take a new culinary direction under the helm of Chef Antonio Oviedo, offering delectable tapas staying true to the timeless tradition, all served in a convivial yet relaxed setting.

Presented in a simple yet bold manner, the new 22 Ships menu includes a range of multiregional tapas, together with quality Chacinas (cold cuts) and Quesos (cheeses). Indulge in Boletus Croquetas with Iberico Ham (HK$48/pc*), a traditional yet refined croqueta with creamy Boletus mushroom filling; Iberico Salchichon Tartare with Avocado Sorbet (HK$160*), for which the salchichon gives a nice texture and umami; Rusa and Sea Urchin On Toast (HK$180*) which combines potato salad with sea urchin – the two favourites of Spaniards, and Sardines in Ajoblanco Almond soup with Grapes (HK$128*), Chef Antonio’s modern interpretation on the popular garlic cold soup.

Meat lovers can happily share the Roasted Suckling Pig (HK$388*), which was prepared following a traditional recipe and slow-cooked for 24 hours before roasting, resulting in juicy and tender meat that falls off the bone easily. Another highlight is the Chicken Pepitoria with Ibérico Ham, Saffron and Almonds (HK$298*), a modern take on the comforting, generations-old Spanish family dish.

All ingredients used at the new 22 Ships are of the highest possible quality and sourced directly from small-scale producers in Spain where possible. Examples of such ingredients includes the rare Arbequina Olive Oil from Castillo de Canena in Andalusia, whose olive-producing history dates back to 1780. They are known particularly for their commitment towards sustainable development, seen by the generation of photovoltaic energy on-site to mitigate soil erosion and to preserve autochthonous vegetation. Other delectable premium Spanish ingredients on offer include the deep-sea Carabinero, renowned for their jumbo size and striking colour; Payoyo artisanal cheese of the Sierra de Grazalema, made with the milk of the native cattle species: the payoya goat and merina sheep from Grazalema; and Marcona Almonds, a shorter, rounder, softer and sweeter variety of almond than the common California variety.

Introducing the new Beverage Program at 22 Ships

To go with the new food direction, 22 Ships’ wine list brings in an array of Spanish grape varieties from different regions. The 20+ choices of wines, of which 90% are vino español, would be available by the glass, by carafe and by bottle, allowing diners to explore old and new favourites with no fuss. Sherry lovers, fear not as the tapas bar will continue to offer its signature selection of sherries, with a house sherry served from a barrel. In addition to the wines, there will be a menu of classic Spanish street-social style drinks refreshed with culinary style ingredients. Guests can enjoy their choice of brandy, sherry or vermouth paired with home-made sodas including strawberry & tarragon or tomato & lemon balm. Also on the menu are red and white sangrias topped with tangy citrus foam, together with a signature house Negroni, where the classic ingredients meet sherry, chocolate and a dash of wine vinegar.