A Culinary Odyssey Across the Iberian Peninsula
Spanish food includes some of the most savory dishes in the world! From legendary pans of paella to the large array of tapas and wines to choose from, Spain is a flavorful paradise for any foodie. Join us on a virtual gastronomic journey through the diverse and delectable world of Spanish cuisine in this epic Spain food tour! We tried meals from various regions across the country and got a great taste of the regional diversity. Here are the some of the best signature foods to try in Spain!
Spain Food: Iconic Tapas Plates
First for a quick distinction in terminology. What everyone considers as tapas is a small plate of food which is usually enough for one person. Raciones which has been used interchangeably with tapas, are larger appetizer style plates meant for sharing. Here we’ll go over the culinary treasures of Spain’s starter plates:
Patatas Bravas
Patatas bravas is a popular Spanish tapas dish that features crispy golden fried potatoes served with a spicy tomato-based sauce and cut into bite-sized chunks. The dish is often garnished with mayonnaise or aioli, adding a creamy element to balance the heat of the sauce.
Pimientos de Padron
This dish is like the Russian roulette of Spanish cuisine. While most peppers have a mild and slightly sweet flavor, about 1 in 10 will surprise you with a little extra unexpected spiciness. The peppers are pan-sizzled until lightly charred and sprinkled with sea salt which enhances the bold flavors.
Boquerones / Anchoas
Boquerones, also known as anchoas in Spanish cuisine, refer to marinated white anchovies. They are prepared by marinating fresh fish in a mixture of vinegar, olive oil, garlic, and herbs.
Gambas al Ajillo
Gambas al Ajillo, which Translates to “garlic shrimp”, is another classic Spanish tapas dish renowned for its simplicity and bold flavors. It consists of fresh shrimp cooked in a sizzling pan with olive oil, garlic, and red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
Mejillones en Escabeche
Mejillones en Escabeche is a Spanish dish featuring mussels marinated in a tangy and flavorful sauce composed of olive oil, vinegar, garlic, and paprika. The dish can be enjoyed cold or at room temperature and showcases the Spanish culinary emphasis on bold and harmonious flavors.
Jamon Iberico
The culinary treasure of Jamon Iberico is a highly esteemed Spanish cured ham made from native Iberian acorn fed pigs. The thinly sliced pieces of meat boast exceptional quality, rich flavor, and a velvety texture that seem to melt with each bite. It can be quite expensive but definitely one of my favorite foods to eat in Spain.
Pulpo a la Gallega
Also known as Galician-style octopus, Pulpo a la Gallega is a traditional Spanish dish that originated in the region of Galicia. The octopus is typically boiled until tender and then drizzled with high-quality Spanish olive oil and sprinkled with paprika.
Chorizo
Spanish chorizo is a flavorful and robust cured sausage made from coarsely chopped pork and seasoned with smoked paprika (pimentĆ³n), garlic, salt, and other spices. Different variations of chorizo include “chorizo dulce” (sweet chorizo) and “chorizo picante” (spicy chorizo).
Albondingas
AlbĆ³ndigas are Spanish meatballs that typically consist of ground meat mixed with breadcrumbs, eggs, garlic, and various herbs and spices. They are a savory tapa that can be enjoyed in sauce and even rival the Italian varieties.
Croquetas
Croquetas are a tapa, consisting of small, cylindrical-shaped fritters with a crispy exterior and a creamy, flavorful filling. The filling typically involves a base of bƩchamel sauce mixed minced meat, ham, seafood, cheese, or vegetables and coated in breadcrumbs and deep-fried until golden and crispy.
Spanish Olives
Spain is one of the largest producers of olives globally, and its olives are a staple in Mediterranean cuisine. Olives typically are served as free tapas or in combination with other cheese or meats on a toothpick. I gotta say I think they are better than the ones we tasted in Greece.
Escalivada
Escalivada is a traditional Catalan dish renowned for vibrant flavors of roasted vegetables. Similar to the French Ratatouille platter, you can find in Catalonian regions like Barcelona.
Gazpacho
Not to be confused with the Puerto Rican version, Gazpacho is a classic cold soup that originates from the southern region of Andalusia. The soup is traditionally made with fresh vegetables including ripe tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, onions, and garlic blended together with olive oil, vinegar, and a touch of salt. I know I said I would never eat another tomato after La Tomatina, but it was pretty refreshing on a hot summer day.
Spain Food: Authentic Spanish Meals
Tortilla EspaƱola
Also known as Spanish omelette, tortilla EspaƱola is the ideal Spain food to try for breakfast lovers. It is a simple yet hearty dish made with eggs, potatoes, olive oil, and optionally onions.
Paella
You can’t visit Spain without tasting the quintessential rice pan of paella. Paella is an iconic Spanish meal that originated in the Valencia region, but is regarded as the country’s national dish. The traditional Paella Valenciana is a combination of green beans, rabbit, chicken and lima beans all cooked in olive oil and chicken broth. Other varieties of include Seafood Paella, Vegetarian Paella, and Arroz Negro, which is dyed black with squid ink and served with calamares. No Spain food tour is complete without trying a delicious plate of paella.
Bocadillos de Calamares
Bocadillos de Calamares, which translates to “squid sandwiches” is a popular street food typically found in Madrid’s bustling centers. Preparation involves a delightful combination of succulent squid with a crunchy exterior placed inside a baguette creating a flavorful sandwich.
Signature Spanish Drinks
Sangria
Sangria fruit-infused beverage that is synonymous with the Spanish delight of celebrating amongst friends. This fruity and flavorful drink is made with red wine as its base, combined with a mix of chopped fruits such as oranges, lemons, limes, and berries to enhance the sweetness and complexity. It is usually served in a pitcher and shared at the table.
Cava
Cava is a sparkling wine that originates from Catalonia and is highly regarded for its effervescence and celebratory nature and is Spain’s contender to French Champagne. It is light and refreshing, pairing perfectly with any tapas.
Wine
Spanish wine holds a rich and diverse heritage, reflecting the country’s extensive vineyard landscapes and a deep-rooted winemaking tradition. we experienced a wine & tapas tour during our last visit to Madrid and really enjoyed tasting a variety of flavors!
Tinto de Verano
Tinto de Verano, which translates to “red wine of summer”, is a popular and refreshing beverage enjoyed throughout Spain, especially during the warm months. red wine is typically mixed with a carbonated beverage, often sparkling water or a lemon-lime soda to make the perfect refreshing drink.
Augua de Valencia
Another fantastic creation out of Valencia, this famous Spanish cocktail is referred to as the “Water of Valencia”. It includes a mix of fresh orange juice, cava, gin, and vodka. The combination of these ingredients results in a bubbly, citrusy cocktail with a pleasant kick. Sign up for a food tour in Valencia for a unique insight into the city’s traditions!
Spanish Food: Delectable Desserts
Crema Catalana
Crema Catalana is a classic Spanish dessert with its roots in Catalonia. Often considered the Catalan version of the French crĆØme brĆ»lĆ©e, Crema Catalana is a deliciously creamy and indulgent dessert that typically consists of a smooth custard made with milk, egg yolks, sugar, and cornstarch with addition of citrus zest.
Churros con Chocolate
Churros con Chocolate is a popular breakfast or snack commonly enjoyed in Madrid. The chocolate sauce is a dense and velvety concoction made with dark chocolate, sugar, and sometimes a touch of milk or cream. It is then heated until it reaches a thick, luscious consistency, perfect for coating the churros.
A Spain food tour is an essential experience for those wanting to immerse their self in the Spanish culture. With so many unique and traditional tapas to try, the eclectic food markets found in each city are the best place to indulge in a variety of delicacies. While the highlights are undeniably Paella, Jamon Iberico, and Sangria, there’s a plethora of gastronomic delights to discover from savory snacks to fresh seafood. Spanish cuisine can definitely hold its own against some of the other best foods in the world. If you’re looking for to save over 50% on some of the top attractions in cities like Barcelona, check out the Go CityPass! Thanks for reading and keep leveling up!
Join us on our epic Spain food tour to experience the best of Spanish cuisine!
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