A Spanish chef, trained in some of the world’s top restaurants, says he is “at war” to encourage more people to cook tapas at home.
Omar Allibhoy—praised by Gordon Ramsay and nicknamed by some as the “Antonio Banderas of cooking”—says he was surprised by how little Spanish cuisine is cooked and enjoyed across the UK.
Allibhoy has built a career promoting authentic Spanish food through classes, pop-ups and restaurants, aiming to make tapas and simple Spanish dishes accessible for everyday home cooks. He stresses the social, relaxed nature of tapas: small plates meant for sharing, easy to prepare and ideal for gatherings, which can introduce families and friends to a wider range of Spanish flavors without complex techniques.
His approach focuses on teaching practical skills—how to build basic dishes like patatas bravas, croquetas, tortilla española and simple seafood tapas—while emphasizing quality ingredients and straightforward methods. By demystifying classic recipes and offering clear, accessible guidance, he hopes to inspire people to try Spanish cooking regularly rather than reserving it for special occasions.
Beyond recipes, Allibhoy highlights the role of tapas culture in bringing people together. Tapas encourage sharing, conversation and experimentation, he says, making them well suited to contemporary lifestyles where informal, communal dining is popular. He also points out that many Spanish dishes are naturally adaptable for different dietary needs and budgets, so anyone can make them at home with a bit of guidance.
His mission includes running cookery classes and events designed to strip away intimidation and show that Spanish cooking is approachable. These sessions typically focus on technique, timing and flavor balance, equipping participants with the confidence to recreate dishes at home. Allibhoy’s efforts aim to change perceptions—from seeing Spanish food as limited to paella and sangria, to recognizing a diverse and vibrant culinary tradition.
Critically, he champions the use of fresh, seasonal ingredients and traditional methods where they matter, while encouraging shortcuts that make recipes realistic for busy home cooks. By blending authenticity with practicality, he hopes to foster a long-term interest in Spanish cooking that extends beyond trendy restaurant menus to everyday family meals.
As part of his campaign, Allibhoy continues to collaborate with local producers, run community workshops and promote simple recipes that can be scaled up or down depending on the occasion. His message is clear: Spanish food is varied, flavorful and eminently doable in a home kitchen, and more people should be encouraged to try making tapas themselves.