top of page
Search

What to eat in Spain - 5 Spanish food you must try

Updated: Jun 28, 2022

by Ho Mei Ying


Talking about food, Spain is definitely later than some countries in Europe in the game. Countries such as Italy and France are internationally recognized for their rich culture in cuisines, and while Spain is busy with football, Flamenco dance and beaches. However, one shouldn’t judge a book by its cover. Spain has a variety of delicious cuisines that you shouldn’t miss too! If you’re a first timer to Spain, this Top 5 food list and it’s definitely a good start and you simply can’t miss them without leaving Spain!


1. Paella

Paella is one of the most famous and traditional foods from Spain. It is a rice dish that is originally from Valencia, and there are 3 main types of them. Valencian paella, which contains rice, vegetables, rabbit, chicken or duck meat, snails, beans and seasoning. Seafood paella, which consist of rice, seafood and seasoning. Lastly, mixed paella which is a combination of meat and seafood, with vegetables, beans and seasoning.



2. Tapas

You’re not allowed to leave Spain without trying this iconic dish! Like Paella, Tapas is also one of the most popular Spanish dishes. Tapas are not a particular type of food, they’re actually food that comes in small portions and small plates, and they normally serve as bar snacks alongside wine or beer. As European countries have been notorious for having their dinner super late, Spain is not an exception. To Spaniards, they are a wonderful snack before dinner. Alternatively, as a tourist you can go bar hopping and order several tapas to enjoy instead of eating a traditional set meal dinner.


Image Source: https://www.bigoven.com/recipe/festive-papas-tapas/1117267


3. Tortilla Espanola

Tortilla Espanola, also called Tortilla de patatas, is a traditional Spanish omelette that contains potatoes, eggs and onions. It is the most common dish in Spain, and it’s like any other regular omelette, you can add any seasoning or ingredients according to your preferences.


A simple recipe for you to make your own Tortilla Espanola:

Cut the potatoes into thick slices and fry them in a pan with a little olive oil until soft, not brown. Next step – drain the potatoes and mix them lightly with the chopped onions and the raw beaten eggs. Put the mixture back in the pan (preferably a ceramic, lid-like utensil), let it fry first on one side for a few minutes, and then flip it over with the help of a plate and let it fry on its other side.


Image Source: https://cookidoo.international/recipes/recipe/en/r716411


4. Jamon Iberico

Spain is the world’s number 1 producer of dry cured ham, and until today it’s still produced in Spain using century-old techniques. Jamon Iberico is a ham made from black Iberian pigs, and is very commonly seen in Madrid. Restaurants or Tapas bars will hang those huge chunks up on the ceiling to attract customers and tourists. You can enjoy these delicious hams with a drink or cheese!



5. Gazpacho

Made from ripe tomatoes, olive oil, garlic, cucumber, garlic and vinegar, Gazpacho is an authentic Spanish dish that originated from Andalucia, southern Spain. It is a refreshing soup that is served with crouton, ice cubes and vegetables. It’s not simply just a normal tomato soup, the ingredients are all blended together to create a smooth taste, which makes it perfect for the summer! Like any other Spanish dish, this can be cooked in more than one way. They can be warm or cold, and poured into glasses or bowls.





Comments

bottom of page