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BOGOTA | Tablua is a restaurant in Bogota’s Santa Fe neighbourhood that puts the focus on rustic Colombian dining with a contemporary lens. Those who watch Anthony Bourdain’s Parts Unknown might be familiar with the restaurant from the Colombia episode.
The name ‘Tabula’ comes from the Spanish word for table, and is meant to evoke the joys of family get together – eating simple, honest food around the table at home. The food at Tablua uses local seasonal ingredients and, like most Colombian home cooking, is designed to be shared. The space also captures this simplicity and homeliness with its extensive use of wood and natural greenery in a high ceiling, courtyard open room. Where the kitchen lies are logs of wood piled high, used to fuel the slow cooked oven and stove. Natural light streams through the ceiling to complete the homely atmosphere.
Co-owner and head chef Tomas Rueda spent time cooking in Barcelona under famed chef Santi Santimaria, and the influences of Rueda’s time in Catalonia can be seen in the technique on display in the dishes and the reverence for the ingredients. Pigs trotters with plantain chips are slow cooked to perfection, full of flavour and wonderfully tender, while tender grilled ox tongue with sun dried tomato vinaigrette and corn tortillas make for mini-tacos of sorts with an explosion of flavours.
A signature dish, canilla de Novillo estofado, a sort of osso bucco, is a must order if you have group. The meat is seared first and then slowly cooked over a bed of diced vegetables until the meat is tender enough to fall off the bone. Even something as simple as potatoes are elevated here. A particular type of yellow potato – one of 42 varieties native to Colombia, is simply roasted and served with smoked butter. It’s another must order dish and a prime example of the joys of simplicity.
For drinks, it’s wines from across South America along with South American and European inspired cocktails. There are a few beers on the menu too, but unfortunately none of the city’s fantastic craft breweries feature.
Tabula has been in operation for over 10 years and has gained plaudits from locals and international visitors alike. From the space and atmosphere, to the service and of course the food, it’s easy to see why.
Tablua
Calle 29 Bis #5-90
Bogotá
Colombia
Telephone: +57 1 2877228
E-mail: [email protected]
Website
Open
Sun – Wed: 12:00pm to 4:00pm
Thu – Sat: 12:00pm to 4:00pm; 7:00pm to 11:00pm