With two successful venues in Hong Kong, Espuma made a confident first step into Shenzhen’s restaurant scene just before Christmas. Located on the second floor of the newly opened 9 Square shopping mall on Huaqiang Bei Lu, the restaurant may not be easy to spot – but the smell of freshly brewed coffee and waffles should guide you through the welcoming doors in no time.
Espuma means ‘foam’ in Spanish, and we are greeted with cups of hot, frothy latte (RMB30). As we sip our mild brews, we peruse the restaurant’s extensive waffle selection – Espuma’s specialty. They come in 13 varieties and two sizes, catering to an abundance of tastes and stomach capacities. You can pair your choice with a scoop of ice cream: green tea, strawberry, taro or classic vanilla.
We go for tropical bonbon (RMB39/68) with honey sauce, seasonal fruit and an adorable bear-shaped biscuit carefully placed on top. The waffles at Espuma arrive in a signature raindrop pattern, are soft with a delicate upper-layer crunch and take in the ice cream like small, delectable sponges – all in all, a perfect dessert to accompany a steaming cup of coffee or tea.
If the typical combo is too conventional for you, try a variation like the absolute darkness (RMB39/68): a black waffle made with natural sesame and homemade vanilla sauce.
Espuma is also a place for quick savory snacks and pleasant – though more time consuming – paella. Squid ink paella (RMB88) comes with shrimp and mussels and is a real treat for seafood lovers. Those who aren’t new to this Spanish delicacy will be happy to know that the rice can be cooked with your texture preference in mind.
Sesame-crusted tuna chunks (RMB42) are another delight: as the crumbly exterior gives in, your teeth sink into the soft meaty tuna – a fusion recipe of Japanese and Chinese cuisines.
While not essentially Spanish in nature, Espuma does exhibit overarching Mediterranean elements. Desserts and mains are meant for sharing, so grab a friend or a good book to keep you company through the cheerful meal.
Price: RMB100
Who’s going: Young couples, waffle and ice cream junkies, coffee connoisseurs
Good for: Afternoon tea, shared meals
> See listing for Espuma.
0 User Comments