Mercat Catalan at Telawi, Bangsar: Restaurant Review

European cooking is boiling over in Bangsar this month; for this entry, we return to Mercat Barcelona Gastrobar, which is now officially open.

Earlier preview of Mercat: September 21.

Petite Pleasures

Don’t skip Mercat’s memorable rendition of ‘patatas bravas’ (RM22++) – petite pleasures that prove drop-dead delicious; these steaming-hot, bite-sized potato nuggets are melting-soft within & golden-crisp outside, luxuriously textured with layers of lightly spicy tomato sauce & Catalan-style creamy all i oli. Pop one whole into your mouth & enjoy.

Catalan Fuet

Also worthwhile for whetting the appetite: Fuet (RM19++), described as pork sausages that have been cured in a pork gut. Savoury & a bit nutty, very smooth, sliced thinly & satisfyingly easy to eat.

Hearty Comfort Food

Mercat’s kitchen is all about comfort food; on a rainy evening, there’s culinary consolation to be found in the ultra-addictive salmorejo (RM26++), the traditional Cordoban tomato puree topped with Spanish ham, conserved tuna & hard-boiled egg.

Seafood Stew

Suquet pulpo (RM68++), seafood stew that’s briny with octopus & mussels, richly flavoured with almonds, garlic & saffron.

Buttery Wild Mushroom Rice

Wild mushroom rice with buttery smoked sheep’s milk cheese (RM42++).

Iberico Meatballs

Meatballs of minced Iberico pork & beef, partnered with cuttlefish & peas (RM39++), cementing Mercat’s position as one of 2014’s best new restaurants. Note though, prices are relatively high, so be prepared to spend north of RM100 per person.