NEW OPENING: Spanish flavours Land in Tai Hang With the Opening of Qué Pasa Tapas y Vino by Deadly Rabbits Concepts

Hong Kong's Deadly Rabbits Concepts is set to debut its newest Spanish concept, Qué Pasa Tapas y Vino, in the heart of Tai Hang this November. Offering an authentic taste of Spain, Qué Pasa brings the rich tradition of tapas dining to the vibrant neighbourhood and provides a cosy and affordable option for families, friends, and food enthusiasts alike.

Qué Pasa Tapas y Vino is one of two new openings by Deadly Rabbits Concepts, an innovative dining group renowned for its creativity in the Hong Kong dining scene. The group is known for offering top-notch yet wallet-friendly modern European cuisines and is the hospitality powerhouse behind some of the city's most popular neighbourhood restaurants, including Ask for Alonzo, a modern Italian eatery with five locations: Wan Chai, Quarry Bay, Tai Hang, Happy Valley, and Soho, and the recently opened À Poêle French Bistro in Quarry Bay.

Embracing Simplicity: The Unpretentious Charm of Casual Tapas Bar

Qué Pasa (pronounced as "ke pa sa") takes its name from the Spanish word for ‘what’s up?’ or ‘what are you doing?’ This playful and casual choice of name reflects the restaurant's commitment to providing a relaxed atmosphere for its guests in which to unwind and engage in the lively spirit of tapas dining.

This honest tapas eatery and wine bar tempts guests with Spanish ingredients and a sustainable seafood-driven menu that caters to all persuasions and appetites. Many menu elements are created from scratch.

“Tapas embodies the spirit of sharing and brings people together; our goal is to recreate that experience right here in Tai Hang, offering our guests an affordable yet high-quality Spanish dining experience,” says Bart Szyniec, owner and founder of Deadly Rabbits Concepts.

Inspired by the social tapas culture of Spanish cities, this 70-seat tapas restaurant’s interior reflects the warmth and vibrancy of Spain. Its rustic decor, warm lighting, and inviting atmosphere are aided by the glass windows framed with black iron opened across the façade, allowing natural daylight and a light breeze that makes every visitor feel at home.

This neighbourhood eatery radiates clean, rustic charm. The semi-open kitchen features brick walls, which pair well with the soft moss-coloured feature walls and timber flooring. Comfortable banquette seating and elegant marble tables create an inviting atmosphere. At the same time, pendant ceiling light fixtures and Spanish-themed art illustrations on the walls add warmth and character to the space.

In addition to a standalone bar serving freshly made Sangrias and a popular cocktail selection, Qué Pasa features a ceiling-mounted draft beer system with three rotating tanks. This setup provides beer aficionados the chance to sample special, freshly tapped brews perfectly paired with their tapas selection.

Communal Dining Culture: Casual Spanish Bites and Affordable Tapas

Tapas' casual, small-plate nature allows diners to order as much or as little as they like, making it perfect for quick bites and leisurely meals that cater to diverse tastes and preferences without breaking the bank. These delicious small plates include a selection of croquettes - which are crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside – and range from Ibérico Ham Croquette; and Mushroom Croquette; to Cod Fish Croquette (all priced at HK$18 per piece). The tapas also includes Boquerones (HK$78 for four pieces), white anchovies in olive Oilare marinated in a traditional style with a mix of garlic, parsley, salt and olive oil and bursting with exquisite flavour; toasted Ham Bikini (HK$58), a Spanish-style sandwich with Manchego cheese and cured Spanish ham; chilled Gazpacho (HK$58), a refreshing and vibrant blend of ripe tomatoes, mixed bell peppers, cucumber, onion, and aromatic garlic; and Spanish Bassano DOP certified White Asparagus (HK$98), served on a bed of creamy garlic aioli and topped with sliced Jamón Ham.

Diners who are looking for some piping hot tapas with a touch of sizzle can choose from the Gambas Al Ajillo (HK$158), irresistible Spanish garlic shrimp cooked with sherry, parsley and lemon; Chistorra Sausage (HK$78), smoky chorizo sausage cooked in cider and bay leaf; and succulent Braised Tripe Stew (HK$78), grilled, smoky chorizo and tender beef tripe, slow-braised for over six hours with a blend of olive oil, garlic, cumin, clove, and a hint of chilli, resulting in flavours that melt delightfully in the mouth.

Qué Pasa’s delectable paella selection is made with Bomba rice from Valencia, a short-grain rice that absorbs three times its volume in broth (rather than the traditional two) for an excellent taste and firm consistency when used in conventional paella. Indulge in the Artichoke Paella (HK$138) cooked with Sofito, a mixture of aromatics like peppers, onions, garlic, and herbs and topped with artichoke and garlic aioli; Chicken Paella (HK$148) with a hint of chilli and fresh thyme; and Seafood Paella (HK$188) with mussels, clams and shrimps.

Exploring the Smoky Char-Grilled Flavours of Spanish Cuisine

Qué Pasa also showcases a Mibrasa charcoal oven. This handcrafted Spanish-designed barbecue grill allows precise airflow control that achieves exceptionally high temperatures, forming an instantaneous crust around top-quality cuts of meat and seafood while sealing in natural juices to enhance the flavours. Highlights from the charcoal oven include grilled Quarter Chicken (HK$138), 24-hour-brined local yellow chicken grilled on high heat to achieve a nice char and served with tangy Mojo, a blend of garlic, sour orange juice, oil, oregano, and cumin; char-grilled Cauliflower (HK$98), served with chickpea puree; grilled Galician Octopus (HK$168) served with paprika-seasoned potatoes; crispy-skinned yet tender ¼ Suckling Pig (HK$388), slow-cooked for 16 hours, finishing at the charcoal grill, and served with mashed potatoes and a sherry sauce; and char-grilled Ribeye Steak (HK$328 for 250g) served with chimichurri sauce.

Qué Pasa also offers a curated selection of Spanish cheeses, featuring the buttery truffled and aged Manchego and the creamy Tetilla artisan cheese alongside an exquisite assortment of cured meats. Notably, the menu includes the renowned Arturo Sanchez's acorn-fed 100% Iberian ham, which has undergone a minimum of 30 months of natural curing and boasts a uniquely well-balanced flavour profile that is a testament to the art of fine charcuterie.

For the little something sweet, choose from house-made creamy Spanish Cheesecake (HK$68), caramelised Espresso Flan (HK$68) that will melt in the mouth, or Churros (HK$48) with warm chocolate sauce.

Everyday La Siesta Hour from 3 to 6 pm for HK$48 Per Drink & Tapas Selection

Be sure not to miss the delightful La Siesta Hour, which stretches from 3 pm to 6 pm daily, with a wide selection of alcohol and non-alcoholic beverages and tapas priced at just HK$48 per item, ranging from the Wine and Beer selection; and Sangria; Marianito, an aromatic low-prof Negroni served in Northern Spain that combines sweet vermouth, gin, Campari and bitters; and Spanish Cava-based cocktails like Agua de Valencia, made with gin, orange juice and cava; and Cava Y Guava with guava, pear, rum and cava. For alcohol-free options, choose from the alcohol-free Beer; Sangria 0% with cranberry, orange, and extracts, topped with soda; Verde Double with jasmine tea, guava and zesty lime; or Aqua Fresca de Pina, which blends pineapple, passionfruit and soda.

The tapas options for the HK$48 La Siesta Hour menu include some favourite tapas and desserts from the a la carte menu, including Iberico Ham Croquettes (four pieces), Cod Fish Croquettes (four pieces), Ham Bikini, Iberico Chorizo, Churros, and many more.

A Weekday Lunch Menu to Get You Through the Workday – HK$128 for Two Courses

Qué Pasa’s budget-friendly weekday lunch menu is available from Monday to Friday, from 11:30 am to 3:00 pm, a two-course menu starts from HK$128 per person.

Choices include Croquettes, Charcutier Board, Rusa Salad with potato and tuna mayonnaise; Open-faced Tuna Sandwiches with aioli and crispy fried potato on the side; Juicy Mushroom Rice; Tripe Stew with Chorizo, served with toasted bread; charcoal-grilled Striploin Steak served with fried potato and chimichurri sauce; and many more.

Guests are welcome to add HK$18 to enjoy made-to-order Churros with chocolate sauce or an Ice Cream of the day; or to add HK$28 for a drink option with beer, mocktails or coffee on offer.

Qué Pasa Tapas y Vino is located at G/F, 98 Tung Lo Wan Road, Tai Hang, Hong Kong; it is open daily for all-day dining until late, from 11:30 am on weekdays and 11:00 am on weekends. For more information and reservations, please visit www.quepasatapas.com, WhatsApp +852 9169 0298, or follow Qué Pasa on Instagram @quepasahk.

About Deadly Rabbits Concepts

Founded in 2019, Deadly Rabbits Concepts, an innovative dining group renowned for its creativity in the Hong Kong dining scene, is known for offering top-notch yet wallet-friendly modern European cuisines.

The group's name draws its inspiration from the whimsical world of Monty Python, paired with the delightfully absurd sense of humour that permeates Poland, the homeland of Bart, the co-founder of Deadly Rabbits Concepts, who believed that the F&B industry should embody fun and light-heartedness. This belief was creatively expressed through the group’s playful logo and unique name, signalling that they are always passionate about what they do.

Deadly Rabbits Concepts has quickly become known for its resilience. During its initial years, the restaurant faced the city's challenges, including the outbreak of the Coronavirus. Despite the difficulties, the savvy dining group has remained steadfast, adapting to the new norms and thriving in the rapidly changing environment of the Hong Kong dining scene.

This creative group is also the driving force behind several of the city’s beloved neighbourhood dining spots. Among their successful establishments is the modern Italian restaurant Ask for Alonzo, at five bustling locations: Wan Chai, Quarry Bay, Tai Hang, Happy Valley, and Soho. Adding to its impressive portfolio, Deadly Rabbits Concepts is excitedly preparing to introduce two new culinary concepts to its portfolio in 2024: À Poêle French Bistro in Quarry Bay and Qué Pasa Spanish Tapas Y Vino, a vibrant spot that promises to bring the lively flavours of Spanish tapas and wine to Tai Hang.

These latest openings further cement the group’s reputation for creating unique, forward-thinking dining experiences that cater to the tastes of contemporary food enthusiasts without breaking the bank in an expensive city like Hong Kong.

About Bart Szyniec, Founder of Deadly Rabbits Concepts

Bart Szyniec, the founder of Deadly Rabbits Concepts, is known for his knack for spontaneous and innovative hospitality concepts. He boasts a distinguished background in food and beverage consulting, restaurant operations, and the launch of new ventures. A hospitality graduate from Dublin Institute of Technology, Bart worked his way up in the hospitality industry and moved to Hong Kong in 2012 to work at the Aqua Group. After a successful stint until 2018, Bart ventured on his own to establish Ask For Alonzo, a cosy 14-seater eatery in Quarry Bay. His entrepreneurial spirit continued to shine in 2019 when he founded Deadly Rabbits Concepts, which has a growing warren of restaurants across Hong Kong island, each reflecting his unique vision and dedication to the hospitality industry.

Dining Group

Deadly Rabbits Concepts (www.deadlyrabbits.com)

Address

G/F, 98 Tung Lo Wan Road, Tai Hang, Hong Kong

Reservations

Phone & WhatsApp: +852 9169 0298

Website: www.quepasatapas.com

Facebook & Instagram

@quepasahk

Seating

Indoor dining room to cater to 70 seated guests

Opening Hours

Open daily for all-day dining

Monday to Thursday: 11:30 am to 11:00 pm

Friday: 11:30 am to midnight

Saturday: 11:00 am to midnight

Sunday: 11:00 am to 11:00 pm

Corkage

HK$200 bottle (or buy-one-get-one corkage fee waived)

Cake Charge

HK$100 for up to four guests

Menu in a Glance

· Weekday Set Lunch (Monday to Friday from 11:30 am to 3:00 pm) – starting from HK$128 for two-course

· La Siesta (think cheeky late afternoon break, daily from 3 pm to 6 pm) – HK$48 each for selected drinks and tapas

· Happy Hour (daily until 8 pm ) – HK$58 per glass for Sangria, cocktails, beers, house wines, cava, alcohol-free cocktails, spirits and mixers