Definition of «tapa»

Tapa is a traditional bark cloth made in the Pacific Islands, primarily in Tonga and Samoa. It has been used for centuries as clothing, bedding, and other practical purposes such as wrapping fish or food. The making of tapa involves stripping the inner bark from trees, beating it to create a flat sheet, and then decorating it with patterns using natural dyes. Tapa is not only an important part of Pacific Islander culture but also has significant historical and artistic value.

Usage examples

Tapa is a popular Spanish dish consisting of bite-sized portions of food served on small plates. Examples include patatas bravas (fried potatoes with spicy tomato sauce), tortilla española (Spanish omelette), and albóndigas (meatballs).
In Filipino cuisine, tapa refers to thinly-sliced marinated beef that is typically served with garlic fried rice and a fried egg for breakfast.
Tapa can also refer to a type of fabric made from tree bark, commonly used in Polynesian cultures for clothing or traditional crafts.
In Finland, tapa is a term used for various types of Nordic hors d'oeuvres or appetizers, typically served on slices of rye bread. Examples include pickled herring, smoked salmon, or various types of cured meats.
The word "tapa" can also be used as a verb, meaning to cover or seal something. For instance, "They tapped the leak in the pipe to stop the water flow."

Definition of «tapa»

Usage examples

See also