Top Eats in Aug: The Taste of Mid-Summer is Tomato

Every August in Spain, thousands of people gather in the small town of Buñol to throw tomatoes during La Tomatina. Held on the last Wednesday of August, this tomato fight is more about celebration of mid-summer.

We may not have the tomato-stained streets of Spain here in Shanghai, but we do have our own tomato-themed restaurant this month: Tomatito. Located in the heart of Xintiandi, this Spanish restaurant has a beautiful indoor and outdoor layout, with a breezy patio overlooking the Taiping Lake.

And it is named after the very ingredient August is famous for – tomato! Tomatito serves up a refreshing menu that fits perfectly for a humid, mid-summer night.

The standout dish? First comes Gazpacho (the cold tomato soup). This version leans more tart than I expected, but it works so well - it opens your appetite and makes room for everything else to follow. (8 out of 10)

Next up, the smoked salmon with sour cream and truffled honey. Without question, it was my favorite dish of the night. It delivers a surprising flavor punch - the creamy tang of the sour cream, the sweet nuttiness of truffle honey, and the silky richness of the salmon all mix into a mouthful that’s both luxurious and fresh. (10 out of 10)

Tortilla Española deserves a mention too. Served with several topping options, we went for the tuna belly, which added a deep, savory layer to the classic potato base. The touch of spicy mayo balanced things out nicely. There are other toppings too - black truffle, egg and onions. (9 out of 10)

And of course, no Spanish meal feels complete without paella. We tried Paella Valenciana, with chicken, beans, and rosemary. It’s the kind of dish that delivers exactly what you expect. (7 out of 10)

Tomatito delivers refreshing Spanish flavors in the heart of the city center. Their outdoor terrace (with great views!) is the perfect spot for mid-summer dining. The smoked salmon is a must-try.