¿CÓMO? Taperia Taste Our Travels Vancouver
¿CÓMO? Taperia Taste Our Travels Vancouver is back for a fourth year, bringing the flavours and energy of Spain’s Catalonia region to Mount Pleasant as part of Dine Out Vancouver’s Tasty Events. Running January 22 to February 8, 2026, the experience features a seven-course menu for two, served seated at the bar, with optional beverage pairings. The series is created by new Head Chef Saman Ahmadivafa and draws inspiration from the team’s recent culinary trip through Catalonia.
During their time in the region, the ¿CÓMO? team — co-owners Shaun Layton and Frankie Harrington, alongside Ahmadivafa — visited everything from small, bustling bars to acclaimed restaurants and seafood-focused neighbourhood gems, immersing themselves in the vibrant world of tapas culture.
The trip included revisits to iconic favourites such as El Xampanyet, Quimet y Quimet, Bar Del Pal, and Lluritu, along with new discoveries including a memorable three-hour lunch at Ultramarinos Marín. They also sampled what may be the best patatas bravas at Señor Vermut.
“Barcelona is endlessly inspiring. The energy, the flavours, the traditions, and the new ideas emerging from modern kitchens all fuel what we bring home to share with our guests.”
— Saman Ahmadivafa
2026 ¿CÓMO? Taperia Taste Our Travels Vancouver: Sample Menu
Price: $185 per pair++
Optional beverage pairings: $70
*This is an example of the menu and is subject to change.
Gilda Súper! – Cantabrian anchovies, pickles, olives, marinated vegetables
Inspired by Quimet y Quimet
Squash Salmorejo = matrimonio, flatbread
Inspired by Bar Pimentel
Chicharron – fried pork belly, spicy quince, fermented vegetables
Inspired by Ultramarinos Marín
Montadito de Salmón – cured salmon, toast, butter
Inspired by Ultramarinos Marín
Esqueixada – cured black cod salad, tomato vinaigrette, gordals, guindilla, onions
Inspired by Lluritu
Calamar a la Plancha – grilled squid, eggplant romesco, herbs
Inspired by El Xampanyet
Catalan Stew – fideua, scallops, shrimps, cod
Inspired by Bar Del Pla
Apple Pie – white chocolate mousse, poached rosewater cinnamon apples, graham cracker crumb
Inspired by Bar Brutal
Meet Head Chef Saman Ahmadivafa
Ahmadivafa re-joined ¿CÓMO? Taperia this summer, taking the kitchen reins as head chef. He began his hospitality career while studying at UBC, starting as a busboy and prep cook before moving into full-time cooking. He credits each kitchen experience with shaping him as a cook.
His career journey has included time at Say Hey Cafe, Delara, and his own pop-up Khaaterat, featuring Iranian cooking. It was at Delara, working under chef Bardia Ilbeiggi, that made a lasting impression.
“To be thoughtful of the energy you bring to work each day, and how it translates to the food, was one of the things I learned from him. It also brings me immense joy to see a chef representing our Iranian culture in a way that resonates deeply with me.”
— Saman Ahmadivafa
How to Book ¿CÓMO? Taperia Taste Our Travels Vancouver
The seven-course Taste Our Travels menu for two is served at the bar and can be booked online through ¿CÓMO? Taperia. The restaurant’s full menu remains available for all diners throughout the series.
Dates: January 22 to February 8, 2026
Program: Dine Out Vancouver — Tasty Events
About ¿CÓMO? Taperia
Experience the fun — and sometimes a little crazy — vibes of Spain’s tapas bars at ¿CÓMO? Taperia, a Michelin Guide-recommended and Restaurants from Spain certified hotspot in Vancouver’s Mount Pleasant neighbourhood. Guests can hang out at the bustling entrance stand-up bar or sit and revel in a variety of small bites, tapas, and Spanish-imported conservas, alongside Gin & Tonics, sherry, Spanish vermouth, beer, and an extensive list of wines and Cava.
Website: comotaperia.com
Instagram: @comotaperia
Twitter: @comotaperia
Facebook: comotaperia
