What to eat in Spain
It’s easy to eat like a local when you're with one – but here’s a guide just in case
We think one of the best ways to experience a country and connect with the locals is by eating! Taste your way through tapas on a foodie trip through the country, or lean on your local leader to let you know which region specialises in what, so you don’t miss out. To get you inspired – and hungry – here’s your guide to some traditional foods to try on your trip to Spain.
Small bites
There's nothing better than enjoying a bowl of calamari at a beachside bar. Made by frying tender squid rings in batter seasoned with salt, pepper and a splash of lemon juice, it's a great dish to eat on its own or in a tapas mix. Of course, this is best served in a coastal city like Valencia or San Sebastian.
Spain's jamon, or cured ham, is pretty legendary and you’ll see legs of salty jamon hanging at market stalls and on restaurant and bar menus all across the country. There are two types of jamon – serrano from white mountain pigs and Iberico from black Iberian pigs. You can eat slices of plain jamon on fresh bread as a snack or as part of a cheese board washed down with a glass of sherry.
Every country seems to have a signature potato dish, and Spain's is patatas bravas. This crowd-pleasing tapas dish is popular in Madrid and 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?
Croquettes are another tapas favourite 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 cheese. They’re best enjoyed as finger food with a cold cerveza (beer).
Main dishes
Paella is probably Spain's most well-known food. Spain has different takes on this saffron-infused rice dish, 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 omelette, is one of the simplest and most authentic Spanish foods. It's similar to a regular omelette made with eggs, except it has potatoes and extra virgin olive oil. A plain tortilla is delicious, but you may also like to add chorizo, cherry tomatoes, peppers or other vegetables.
This is a comforting dish made of meatballs swimming in a spicy tomato sauce. 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.
If you can't get behind the idea of chilled soup, just wait until you've 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 and you’ve got yourself a refreshing, savoury meal.
Sweet treats
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. They're 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 (and so will your local leader).
This delightful treat is famous throughout Spain, especially during the festive season. Each region has its spin, but the basic turron recipe includes toasted nuts (usually almonds, but pistachios are also common), sugar (lots of it!), honey and eggs. The turron can either be squishy and chewy or firm and brittle.
Santiago Cake is an almond cake made of ground almonds, eggs and sugar with the added flavour of lemon zest, brandy or sweet wine. It is well known in Galicia, Spain, as a dense and moist cake with powdered sugar. It is one of many treats you can try on a Real Food Adventure across northern Spain!
What are tapas?
Tapas are woven into the fabric of Spanish culture and is partly why Spanish cuisine is so famous around the world. Tapas are small, shared 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 with friends is a popular way to socialise in Spain, so sitting down for some good food and good drinks with your small group of fellow Intrepid travellers will have you fitting right in.
Does Spain have good vegetarian options?
Vegetarians certainly won’t go hungry in Spain. And while vegans might need to do a little detective work in small towns and villages, there’s still a lot on offer if you know where to look – plus, your local leader will help you find the best dining options to fit your needs, navigate the menu, and will be there to translate when you need a little help.
You’ll find vegetarian food in most bars, restaurants, cafes and markets. Major cities like Madrid and Barcelona are packed with vegan-friendly spots. When in doubt, just tell the waiter, ‘Sin jamon y sin huevo’ - no ham or eggs – or let your local leader do the translating for you. You know, just in case.
You might want to know
The best time to visit Spain is in the shoulder seasons of spring and early autumn, but there are perks to visiting any time of year. When to go depends on what you want to do!
Sangria's the obvious choice, but there are many regional specialities to try. From cocktails set on fire to mocktails cooling you down, you might just want to sip your way through Spain.
Spain's festivals are where the country's spirit truly comes alive with music, dancing, and lots of traditional food to try. Time your visit right and you could join in on the celebrations.
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