We think one of the best ways to experience a country and connect with the locals is by eating! From Padron peppers to patatas bravas, and turrón to tapas, Spain knows how to pull out the stops when it comes to delicious food. Spanish food is simple and uses fresh, local ingredients, so its no wonder dishes like paella and tapas have rightfully put the country on the world foodie map. Heres our guide to some traditional foods to try on your trip to Spain.
Tapas is woven into the fabric of Spanish culture, and its also one of the main reasons why Spanish cuisine is so famous around the world. But what is it exactly? Tapas are small share plates of food eaten as a snack or appetizer. It could be anything from a board of olives, cured meats and bread to garlic prawns and fried octopus. Socialising starts and ends late in Spain, so locals often order a few tapas dishes to keep going until the main meal. Sharing tapas and a few drinks with friends is also a popular way to socialize. We encourage you to order lots of tapas in Spain, as its a fantastic way to sample as many Spanish dishes as possible thanks to the small portion size.
Widely regarded by tourists as Spain’s national dish, paella is always a crowd-pleaser and family favorite. While it’s now a staple in households and restaurants throughout Spain, the dish originally hails from the country’s Valencia region.
Foods to try on your trip to Spain
Paella is probably Spains most well-known food. This delectable, saffron-flavored rice dish originated in Valencia hundreds of years ago when hungry servants would combine rice with leftovers from Moorish kings lavish banquets. There are different takes on the dish throughout Spain, but the mixed version with chorizo, mussels and prawns is the most popular internationally. But, if we had to recommend just one type, it’s got to be the original Valencian version with rabbit, chicken and butter beans.
Tortilla, or Spanish omelet, is one of the simplest and most authentic Spanish foods. Its similar to a regular omelet made with eggs, except it also has potato and extra virgin olive oil. A plain tortilla is delicious, but you may also like to add chorizo, cherry tomatoes, peppers or other vegetables. Tortilla is often served as part of a tapas spread and is a great option for vegetarians wanting something hearty.
Every country seems to have a signature potato dish of some kind, and Spains is patatas bravas. This crowd-pleasing tapas dish consists of crispy, shallow fried potatoes topped with a spicy sauce made from olive oil, garlic, tomato and smoked paprika. You may also like to top it with chorizo, fried fish or aioli, because why not?
Spains jamón, or cured ham, is pretty legendary. Much like how prosciutto is ubiquitous when you travel to Italy, you’ll see legs of salty jamón hanging at market stalls and on restaurant and bar menus all across Spain. There are two types of jamón –serrano from white mountain pigs and Ibérico (the finest and most expensive ham) from black Iberian pigs. You can eat slices of plain jamón on fresh bread as a snack or as part of a cheese board washed down with a glass of sherry.
Croquettes are another tapas favorite, and this time vegetarians can easily get involved. These delightful fried balls of bechamel sauce enclosed in breadcrumbs come with several fillings from beef, salted cod and ham to broccoli and goat’s cheese. They’re best enjoyed as finger food with a cold cerveza (beer).
This comforting dish of meatballs swimming in a spicy tomato sauce always goes down a treat. Typically made from veal and pork mince, albondigas is simple to make and even easier to eat, particularly when accompanied by a glass of Rioja.
Calamares a la Romana
Theres nothing better than picking at a bowl of calamari at a beach-side bar. Made by frying tender squid rings in a batter which is then seasoned with salt, pepper and a splash of lemon juice, its a great dish to eat on its own or in a tapas mix.
If you cant get on board with the idea of chilled soup, just wait until youve tried gazpacho. A bowl of gazpacho is a cool solution to Spain’s intense summer heat, made by blending raw tomatoes, cucumber, peppers, onions, garlic, and olive oil. Mop it up with some crusty bread drizzled in more olive oil.
Churros are Spain’s answer to doughnuts. If you need a sugar hit, you can’t go wrong with these deep-fried dough sticks dipped in chocolate for good measure! Theyre usually eaten for breakfast or as a sweet afternoon snack. Find them at open-air food stalls, bars and cafes – don’t worry about using Google Maps, the sweet aroma of fried dough will guide you in the right direction.
This delightful treat is famous throughout Spain, especially during the festive season. Each region has its spin, but the basic turrón recipe includes toasted nuts (usually almonds, but pistachios are also common), sugar (lots of it!), honey and eggs. It can either be squishy and chewy, or firm and brittle.
Top 10 Spanish Foods
FAQ
What is Spain’s favorite food?
What is Spain’s national dish?
What is eaten a lot in Spain?
What food goes well with Spanish food?
All of them pair perfectly with typical food in Spain, although some combinations are more common than others. When most people think of Spanish cuisine, a few specific things come to mind: paella, sangria, maybe even gazpacho. But in reality, there are dozens of dishes that distinguish this country’s cuisine.
What to eat in Spain?
Olives are pretty much everywhere in Spain. Locals love them and chow down on them all day long, be them as simple snacks or appetizers, in salads, and on top of pintxos. Salty olives are also a great pairing option for a number of Spanish drinks, from beer to wine to vermouth. The first olive trees were introduced in Spain over 3,000 years ago.
Why is Spanish food so popular?
Spanish food is one of this kingdom’s most attractive and unique features. Greeks, Romans, Moors, and Arabs have helped shape the diversity found in Spanish cuisine today – making it truly one-of-a-kind! It’s no surprise that gastronomic tourism is so popular in this country. At first glance, some Spanish dishes may seem too simple to praise.
What are the different types of Spanish food?
This Spain famous food comes in a range of flavors, from salty to nutty and bitter to sweet, as well as all shades of green and black. With over 200 varieties to choose from, you will often find every region – and sometimes every restaurant – offers a different type.