Friendly Spanish Tapas in Camden

I met some friends in Camden and after failing to get a table in Asakusa, we ended eating in Bar Gansa. Spanish tapas in Camden a whole challenge, as two of my friends are originally from Spain, and I spend the last bank holiday in Madrid and Segovia enjoying their food.

A cosy but loud place, with terracotta red walls and a weird selection of music, I was expecting some flamenco or at least a selection of Spanish rock, but instead Bob Marley was the music for the evening, a kind of weird way to eat tapas.

Paella options 

The menu 

The toilet

We started our culinary journey with tortilla a classic potato Spanish omelette, txistorras y pimientos a special spicy sausage cooked with potatoes and peppers, and pulpo a la gallega which is octopus with olive oil, salt and paprika potatoes.

Tortilla failed

Pulpo (Octopus)

Txistorras

To complete our meal we share a paella the Valencian rice dish which most of the people consider to be Spain national dish, but definitely a landmark and symbol of Spanish cuisine.

High expectations for Bar Gansa in this occasion, the overall consensus around the table was that the food was good. The txistorras were nice, the pulpo was quite good, the tortilla not so good, and regarding the paella was pretty decent, good flavour, and decent portion. But still prefer to go to Madrid or Barcelona and have the real deal.

Paella

In conclusion I spend a nice dinner, discovering a decent option in Camden for tapas, with a couple cold Estrella beer, and good company.

Paella reminds me the Seinfeld episode “The Raincoats” when George’s parents invite Jerry’s parents for dinner.

Frank: They're not coming?

George: No, they had plans.

Estelle: How could they have plans?

George: That's what I want to know.

Frank: Well what difference does it make? They wouldn't lie to us, they're dear friends.

Estelle: What am I supposed to do with all this Paella?

George: They said tomorrow, maybe.

Frank: Maybe?

Estelle: Maybe they don't like us.

Frank: Why wouldn't they like us? Again with the pepper? What do you got to use all the pepper for?

Estelle: Ah keep quiet.

Frank: What are you trying to set my mouth on fire?

George: I don't know what the reason could be.