Spain is a culinary paradise that entices food lovers from around the world. From the vibrant streets of Barcelona to the sun-drenched plazas of Seville, every corner of Spain boasts a unique gastronomic identity. Here are 10 Spanish foods you have to try when in Spain that capture the essence of this country’s rich culinary heritage.
And don’t worry, you don’t have to go to Barcelona and Seville to try them; most can be found anywhere in Spain!
1. Paella
No trip to Spain would be complete without sampling paella, a rice dish that originated in Valencia. Traditionally cooked in a wide, shallow pan, paella comes in many variations. The most iconic is paella de marisco (seafood paella), loaded with fresh shrimp, mussels, and squid, seasoned with saffron for its characteristic golden hue. However, nowadays, paella mixta has perhaps become more popular, which combines seafood and meat.
In the know: Only chicken, rabbit and snail are meats that have a place in a paella. Everyting else is verbotem, especially chorizo!
2. Jamón Ibérico
Spain’s legendary cured ham, jamón ibérico, is a treat for the senses. This ham is made from the Iberian pig breed. Bear in mind that prices and quality can vary significantly and that you get what you pay for. As a free tapa with your drink, you will probably not be served the highest quality jamón ibérico de bellota, which is ham produced from free-range Iberian pigs that feed several months on acorns. Thinly sliced and served on its own or paired with bread and cheese, jamón ibérico is a staple in Spanish tapas culture.
In the know: Pair your jamón with a glass of Spanish Rioja red wine for the ultimate culinary experience.
3. Tortilla Española
The Spanish omelette, or tortilla española, is a simple yet satisfying dish made with olive oil, salt, eggs, potatoes, and onions (optional). Fried slowly to achieve a creamy texture inside, this dish can be served hot, warm, at room temperature, or even cold! Whether you enjoy it as a tapa, a light lunch or dinner, breakfast, or part of a picnic, tortilla española is a quintessential taste of Spain.
In the know: We do not call it a tortilla española, but simply, a tortilla. Now imagine the confusion when we travel to the US or Mexico.
4. Gazpacho and Salmorejo
When the Spanish sun blazes, locals turn to chilled soups like gazpacho and salmorejo. Gazpacho, a refreshing blend of tomatoes, onions, garlic, cucumbers, peppers, and olive oil, is a classic from Andalusia. Its richer cousin, salmorejo, hails from Córdoba and features a thicker consistency, without the cucumber, and garnished with hard-boiled eggs and crispy bits of jamón. Both are perfect for cooling off during hot summer days.
In the know: The J in Spanish is pronounced as an English H. So, salmorejo is pronounced: sal-mo-re-ho.
5. Churros con Chocolate
For those with a sweet tooth, churros con chocolate is a must. These golden, crispy dough sticks are fried to perfection and dusted with sugar. They’re typically served with a cup of thick, rich hot chocolate for dipping. A popular breakfast or late-night snack, churros can be found in almost any cafeteria across Spain. Be sure to enjoy them fresh and piping hot!
In the know: The best churros are found in churrerías, which typically double up as cafeterias. A churreria is where a churros are made.
6. Manchego cheese
Manchego cheese is a culinary treasure from Spain, crafted from the milk of sheep from the La Mancha region in the middle of Spain, south of Madrid. It boasts a firm yet creamy texture and a bold, nutty flavor with hints of grass and herbs. Aged to perfection, its flavor evolves from mild and buttery to sharp and complex, making it a must-have for any cheese lover!
In the know: Go crazy and pair your Manchego cheese platter with the lesser know Valdepeñas or La Mancha red wines that are produced in this region. Don Quixote would approve.
7. Pulpo a la Gallega
A specialty from Galicia and the Camino de Santiago, pulpo a la gallega (Galician-style octopus) showcases Spain’s love of seafood. Tender octopus is boiled, sliced, and served on a wooden platter with a drizzle of olive oil, a sprinkle of coarse salt, and a dash of paprika. Often accompanied by crusty bread and a glass of local white wine, this dish is a testament to the simplicity and quality of Spanish ingredients.
In the know: Every pilgrim knows that the octopus capital on the Camino is the town of Melide in Galicia.
8. Pimientos de Padrón
Hailing from the small town of Padrón in Galicia, pimientos de Padrón are small green peppers fried until blistered and sprinkled with coarse salt. Most are mild, but every so often you’ll encounter a spicy one, adding an element of surprise to the dish. Served as a tapa, these peppers pair wonderfully with a cold beer or a glass of albariño white wine.
In the know: Padrón is a town on the Camino Portugués route, where Saint James lived and preached during his time in current Spain. At the Church of Santiago in Padrón, you can admire the original stone where he moored his boat on arrival.
9. Tapas and Pintxos
Spain’s dining culture revolves around tapas and pintxos. Tapas are small plates that range from simple olives to elaborate seafood dishes. Found in bars and cafeterias across the country, they are more of a social event that doubles over as meal. Indeed, for many Spaniards, it’s almost considered bad manners to drink and not eat. Pintxos are what locals in northern Spain, especially the Basque Country, call tapas. However, pintxos also tend to be much more elaborate and refined than your average tapa. Exploring a variety of tapas and pintxos is a delicious way to experience Spain’s regional diversity.
In the know: Half of Spain serves a free tapa with your drink. So, if a small plate of food is placed in front of you after ordering your drink, take it, it’s free! Alas, pintxos are never free.
10. Croquetas
Croquetas are crispy, breaded, bite-sized delights filled with a creamy mixture of béchamel sauce and ingredients like ham, chicken, or cod. These golden nuggets are a staple of Spanish tapas menus and are perfect for sharing. Every family and bar in Spain has its own recipe, so sampling different versions is half the fun.
In the know: Everyone in Spain agrees that homemade croquetas are the tastiest. However, everyone also believes that their mother makes the best croquetas in Spain!
A Culinary Adventure Awaits
Spain’s cuisine is as diverse and vibrant as its culture. Each dish tells a story, reflecting the country’s history, geography, and traditions. Whether you’re dining in a Michelin-starred restaurant or enjoying tapas at a local bar, the flavors of Spain will leave an indelible impression on your palate. So pack your bags, bring your appetite, and prepare to savor the unforgettable tastes of Spain!
There are currently 291 Michelin-Starred restaurants in Spain.
