Introduction to Spanish food
Spanish food is one of the most varied in Europe and is one of the main reasons many travellers visit Spain. From the rich and recognisable flavours of traditional dishes to the innovative creations of modern chefs, there is something for everyone. With so much choice, it can be difficult to decide what to eat. That’s why we’ve put together a list of the most popular foods you should try if you visit Spain.
Tapas: The shared meal
Tapas are the perfect dish to share with friends and family. They are small portions of food made with Spain’s finest ingredients. Some of the most popular options include prawns with garlic, stuffed olives, croquettes, empanadillas and huevos rotos. If you’re in a bar or restaurant, you can order a selection of tapas to try a bit of everything.
Paella: The national dish
Paella is one of the most renowned dishes in Spanish gastronomy. It is a mixture of rice with seafood, chicken, meat and vegetables. This delicacy is one of the main meals to share with the family and is served on large plates for everyone to help themselves. If you’re in Valencia, you can’t miss the authentic Valencian paella.
Gazpacho andaluz: The refreshing summer dish
Gazpacho is a refreshing dish perfect for hot days. It is a cold soup made with tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, vinegar and peppers. This drink is served chilled for maximum enjoyment. Other ingredients such as cucumber, onion or herbs can also be added to give it a unique flavour.
Iberian ham: A luxury dish
Iberian ham is one of Spain’s most sophisticated dishes. It is a perfectly cured ham made from Iberian pork. It is usually served in thin slices with a glass of red wine and good bread. If you want to try the best Iberian ham, you should visit one of the many specialised restaurants for the authentic experience.
Patatas bravas: Bar food
Patatas bravas are one of the most popular dishes in Spanish bars. It is a mixture of fried potatoes served with a spicy tomato sauce. This food is perfect to accompany any drink and is one of the first things Spaniards order when they go out for a drink.
Chorizo: The perfect accompaniment
Chorizo is a perfect accompaniment to any Spanish dish. These cured pork sausages are served in slices and can be added to any meal to give it a special touch. Chorizo is also served as a tapa in bars, accompanied by bread.
Croquettes: An exquisite snack
Croquettes are one of Spain’s most delicious snacks. They are a mixture of potatoes, meat, ham and cheese in batter and fried. This food is perfect with a glass of beer or a glass of wine. If you are looking for a snack, croquettes are the best option.
Tortilla de patatas: A Spanish classic
Tortilla de patatas is one of Spain’s most popular foods. It is a mixture of egg, potatoes and fried onion. This meal can be eaten on its own or accompanied with bread. If you are looking for a quick and healthy meal, tortilla de patatas is the perfect choice.
Creme brulee: A dessert from paradise
Catalan custard is one of the most popular desserts in Spain. It is a mixture of egg, milk, sugar and cinnamon with a layer of caramel on top. This is a perfect meal for hot days and is served with a scoop of ice cream for a special touch.
Galician octopus: A traditional Galician dish
Galician-style octopus is a traditional Galician dish. It is a mixture of octopus cooked on the grill with olive oil, paprika and salt. This meal is very tasty and is served with boiled potatoes or bread. If you are in Galicia, you can’t miss the authentic Galician octopus.
Churros with chocolate: A sweet snack
Churros con chocolate are one of the most popular desserts in Spain. It is a mixture of churros coated in sugar and cinnamon and served with a cup of hot chocolate. This food is perfect for cold days and can be eaten anywhere in Spain.
Garlic prawns: A tasty dish
Gambas al ajillo is a tasty dish perfect for Spanish food lovers. It is a mixture of prawns sautéed with garlic, olive oil and white wine. This meal is usually served with bread so you can enjoy all the flavours.
Olive oil and tomato toast: A simple but flavourful dish
Olive oil and tomato toast is a simple but flavourful dish. It is a mixture of tomato and olive oil served on toast. This meal is perfect for breakfast or an afternoon snack and can be served with cheese and ham.
Cocido madrileño
Cocido madrileño is a typical dish from the Spanish capital, Madrid, and is one of the most popular dishes in Spain. It is a stew of chickpeas, meat and vegetables, with potatoes, tomato and onion. This recipe has been prepared for many years and is one of the most traditional meals in the region. Cocido madrileño is mainly eaten in winter, but can also be found at other times of the year. It is served with bread and accompanied by red wine. It is a very caloric and nutritious dish.
Tripe madrileña style
Callos a la madrileña is a traditional dish from the Madrid region. It is made with beef tripe, tomato, garlic, onion, green pepper and some spices. They are cooked in a pot over a low heat until tender. This recipe is usually served with bread and a good red wine. It is a hot dish full of flavour, ideal for cold days. It is a very nutritious and complete meal.
Galician Empanadas
Galician empanadas are a typical dish from the region of Galicia, in northwestern Spain. It is a thin dough bread filled with pork and other ingredients. These empanadas are baked to preserve the unique flavour and texture. Galician empanadas are a very nutritious meal and are served as an appetizer or as a main course. They can be accompanied with a salad and a good red wine.
Fideuà
Fideuà is a typical dish from the Valencian region in southeastern Spain. It is a paella with noodles instead of rice. This recipe is prepared with noodles, seafood, onion, tomato and some spices. It is steamed, which gives it a unique flavour. Fideuà is served hot with bread and a good white wine. It is a very nutritious dish full of flavour.
Asturian Fabada
Fabada asturiana is a typical dish from the region of Asturias, in northern Spain. It is made with white beans, chorizo, black pudding, bacon and some spices. It is cooked in a pot over a low heat until all the ingredients are tender. This recipe is usually served with bread and red wine. It is a very nutritious dish and very popular in Spain.
Rice pudding
Rice pudding is a typical dessert from all over Spain. It is made with rice, milk, cinnamon, sugar, sultanas and almonds. It is cooked over a low heat until the rice is tender. Rice pudding is served hot or cold, accompanied by a good sweet wine. It is a very nutritious and tasty dessert, perfect for cold days.
Calamari a la romana
Calamares a la romana is a typical dish from the region of Andalusia in southern Spain. This recipe is prepared with sliced squid, flour, egg and breadcrumbs. They are fried in oil and accompanied by a tomato sauce. Calamari a la romana is usually served with bread and white wine. It is a very tasty and nutritious dish.
Garlic soup
Garlic soup is a traditional recipe from the region of Castilla-La Mancha, in central Spain. It is a soup made with garlic, bread, egg and olive oil. This recipe has been prepared for many years and is served hot. Garlic soup is accompanied by a good red wine. It is a very nutritious and tasty dish.
Conclusions
Spanish food is one of the most varied in Europe and there is something for everyone. From Iberian ham to toast with olive oil and tomato, there are many dishes that you should try if you visit Spain. If you want to enjoy authentic Spanish gastronomy, don’t hesitate to try each of these tasty dishes.
