
I think most people already know La Bodega as THE place to get your Spanish tapas. Yet I don’t remember going there solely for Spanish food, as I always end up with some brunch item from the deli. So when Shanee from Gastrodome asked if we would like to drop by for a lunch session with her, we gladly did so.
The La Bodega at Jalan Telawi serves 3 functions as the bistro, deli and lounge. Already familiar with the bistro and deli, I love the sound of the lounge which also sees live band performances after 9:30pm.

Shanee recommended starting off with some tapas followed by a paella which we gladly echoed. The tapas’ menu is extensive and quite impressive. The first two tapas we had were the Gambas a la Plancha (Tiger prawns sauteed with chilli and garlic @ RM24) and Berenjenas con salsa de pimientos (Eggplant braised in olive oil, chilli and herbs @ RM12). Both sauces, even if were rather similar in taste, were great for dipping the complimentary in. I loved how soft and flavourful the eggplants was.

Wanting something different and not of the tomato base, we asked Shanee to introduce some of her favourite tapas. We opted for the Albondigas “Sant Climent” (Lamb meatballs in a rich brandy sauce @ RM16) and Queso de Mahon frito con pate de tomate (Deepfried Sheep’s Milk cheese with sun-dried tomato pate @ RM26). Both were winners with us. The meatballs were firm and juicy, with only a subtle hint of brandy. The gooey, deep fried cheese’s flavour was further elevated with the addition of the sundried tomato pate. Rich and sinful altogether.

La Bodega also practises a custom on Sundays i.e, Paella Sunday where an appointed chef makes the famous Spanish dish on a shallow pan also known as paella to the original Valencian chefs. The original recipe doesn’t use seafood though, instead eel, marsh rat or rabbit meat were used with beans. Thankfully the coastal people in Spain started substituting the meat with seafood and the seafood paella was born. However the most famous paella is the mixed version, which uses both seafood and meat.
Spoke briefly to the chef and it takes about 30 mins to prepare and cook the dish, so if you’re ordering this, do make sure you have the waiting time. The chicken meat and peppers are sauteed with saffron first. Then the imported Spanish rice grains are added in together with seafood stock to cook. Once the rice is cooked, the pre-cooked seafood is then arranged on the rice and garnished with lemon slices and green peas.

As we ordered our paella before the chef begun cooking the one on the big pan, our Paella Valenciana Mixta (RM30/pax) was served in a smaller pan. The rice was beautifully cooked with saffron, chicken, pepper and topped with clams, mussels and prawns. It was moist and brimming with the taste of seafood. But the best bit is probably the crusty part at the bottom of the pan.

We started and ended the meal with our smoothies (RM18 each); Melon Berry Crush and Apple, Mango & Passionfruit. Refreshing and packed with nutrition, a good start to the meal, and also a healthier “dessert” of sorts to end the meal.
We were told by Shanee that the management likes to review the menu and make new additions when possible which is a good idea to encourage return visits. Afterall, we all like trying new stuff, don’t we? But overall, love the vibe here which is casual and relaxed. Perfect place for brunches and after work catch up sessions.
La Bodega (www)
14-16, Jalan Telawi 2,
Bangsar,
59100 K.Lumpur.
Tel: 03-2287 8318
other reviews;
- mei yen
- chicks & pea
- sixthseal

















































