Tapas: The Heart of Spanish Dining

Tapas are small plates meant for sharing, and they are an essential part of Spanish food culture. Here are some of the most popular tapas:

• Patatas Bravas – Crispy fried potatoes served with a spicy tomato sauce and aioli.
• Croquetas – Creamy, breaded, and fried bites filled with ingredients like jamón, cheese, or seafood.
• Gambas al Ajillo – Shrimp sautéed in olive oil with garlic, chili, and parsley.
• Pimientos de Padrón – Small green peppers, blistered and sprinkled with sea salt; some are mild, while others are surprisingly spicy.
• Tortilla Española – A thick omelet made with eggs, potatoes, and onions, served warm or at room temperature.

Paella: Spain’s Signature Rice Dish

Originating from Valencia, paella is one of Spain’s most iconic dishes. There are several varieties:

• Paella Valenciana – The traditional version made with rabbit, chicken, and beans.
• Paella de Mariscos – A seafood paella with shrimp, mussels, squid, and clams.
• Paella Mixta – A combination of seafood, chicken, and vegetables.

Jamon Iberico: Spain’s Finest Ham

Spain is famous for its Jamón Ibérico, a dry-cured ham made from Iberian pigs. It is aged for years and has a rich, nutty flavor. You’ll find it sliced paper-thin and served on its own or with bread.

Gazpacho & Salmorejo: Refreshing Andalusian Soups

Perfect for hot summer days, these chilled soups are Andalusian classics:

• Gazpacho – A refreshing tomato-based soup blended with cucumbers, peppers, garlic, and olive oil.
• Salmorejo – A thicker, creamier version of gazpacho, topped with Jamón Ibérico and hard-boiled egg.

Churros con Chocolate: The Ultimate Sweet Treat

Churros are deep-fried dough sticks, crispy on the outside and soft inside. They are served with a cup of thick, rich hot chocolate for dipping. A popular breakfast or late-night snack!

Seafood Delicacie

Spain’s coastal regions offer incredible seafood dishes:

• Pulpo a la Gallega – Octopus served with paprika, olive oil, and sea salt, a Galician specialty.
• Bacalao a la Vizcaína – Salted cod cooked in a rich tomato and red pepper sauce from the Basque Country.
• Boquerones en Vinagre – Anchovies marinated in vinegar, garlic, and olive oil.

Cochinillo Asado & Cordero Asado: Traditional Roasts

For meat lovers, Spain has incredible slow-roasted specialties:

• Cochinillo Asado – Roast suckling pig, famous in Segovia, with crispy skin and tender meat.
• Cordero Asado – Roast lamb, often cooked in a wood-fired oven, a favorite in Castile and León.

Spanish Cheeses: A Delight for Cheese Lovers

Spain produces some of the world’s best cheeses. Don’t miss:

• Manchego – A firm, nutty sheep’s milk cheese from La Mancha.
• Cabrales – A strong, blue-veined cheese from Asturias.
• Tetilla – A mild, creamy cheese from Galicia.

Desserts & Sweet

Spain has a variety of delicious desserts:

• Tarta de Santiago – A Galician almond cake dusted with powdered sugar.
• Flan – A creamy caramel custard found throughout Spain.
• Polvorones & Mantecados – Traditional Spanish shortbread cookies, popular during Christmas.