Spain is one of the best European destinations, a delightful blend of culture, architecture, history, friendly faces and of course, food!
From the delicious tapas, which you’ll find in any self-respecting restaurant and bar in any city across the Iberian Peninsula, to the gastronomic seafood celeb of paella and not forgetting lots and lots great wine, the options are endless.
Each region in Spain is fiercely proud of its local identity and culture and regardless of where you find yourself in this vast and fascinating country, you’ll quickly discover that one of the cornerstones in every regional self-image is the local food.
We’ve collected (and sampled) the tastiest dishes, yet these are just a few examples of the great variety of dishes you’ll find.
Here are some of Spain’s ultimate culinary destinations you need to have on your list.
1. Pintxos – Basque Country
Tapas is one of the main food pillars of Spanish society and an absolute mainstay in every bar on the Iberian Peninsula. In the northern parts of Spain, tapas has a culinary sibling that, particularly in the Basque Country, is an absolute must for any bar-dwelling visitor.
Knowns as pintxos, this delicious snack usually consists of a little piece of bread, whereupon various ingredients, such as small sausages, anchovies or cured ham, are fastened to it by a toothpick, making it an easy thing to pinch(o) when you’re feeling a bit peckish.
2. Gazpacho – Andalucia
The midday heat of the Andalusian sun can be relentless during the summer months. Luckily, locals have invented a dish that is as refreshing as it is delicious.
Served cool, gazpacho is a dish that comes with numerous different twists and is said to have been introduced to the region originally by the Romans.
The dish mainly consists of bread, raw vegetables, olive oil, vinegar and of course tomatoes. The latter was added to the recipe by locals a couple of centuries ago, and although today you’ll find many gastronomic variations on the theme, nothing beats the classic version of chilled Gazpacho.
3. Sobrasada – Balearics
Selections of cured meat is a favourite snack throughout the country, and if you’re holidaying in either Majorca or Menorca, you must try the local delicacy that is known as the Sobrasada sausage.
Consisting mainly of ground pork, paprika and other spices, the soft content of this sausage means that it is usually spread across bread when served. If you’re a fan of the more famous Spanish snack, chorizo, then a slice of Sobrasada is definitely something to try in between basking in the Balearic sun.
4. Arepas – Canary Islands
For centuries the Canary Islands were the main stopping point for sailors travelling between Spain and South America.
These seafarers not only brought things from their native lands with them, they also introduced many South American things to these small islands in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. One of these is the Venezuelan arepa.
A fried corn pancake, they are served with lots of fillings and trimmings, usually including shredded beef or chicken, black beans and salsa.
Throughout the islands, you’ll find this delicious street food and you can usually choose between a wide range of ingredients, meaning that you can create the exact combination that your taste buds are searching for.
5. Crema Catalana – Catalonia
A delicious dessert similar to crème brulee (although if you’re ordering this in Barcelona, it’s probably wise not to mention any relation to its French counterpart, apparently it’s a touchy subject).
The Crema Catalana is a great conclusion to any dinner when holidaying in Barcelona and the northern parts of Spain. The desserts differ from the French “other”, by using milk rather than cream, as well as being prepared in a slightly different way.
The main point, however, is that regardless of anything, this is a dessert that has to be sampled at least once –and preferably more, when you’re dining in Catalonia.
6. Churros and Chocolate in Barcelona
Everyone knows about Barcelona‘s La Boquería Market and the Catalan city’s tapas bars with their irresistible pintxos.
One of Barcelona’s lesser known culinary centres is Calle Petritxol, a narrow street running parallel to La Rambla – one of Spains most stylish shopping streets. This decadent calle, full of chocolaterías and art galleries, is where many locals come for a churros con chocolate hit. It’s a haven for anyone with a sweet tooth.
Two chocolaterías which exude an air of a Barcelona from the past, and where the chocolate is thick and smooth and the churros fresh and crispy, are Granja La Pallaresa and Granja Dulcinea.
A seriously sweet speciality in La Pallaresa is the suizo – hot chocolate topped by cream; lots and lots of cream.
Related Article: Must visit destinations in Barcelona.
7. Wine and Tapas in Almeria
Imagine you’re on the town in Almeria, but don’t know where to go for a sample of real local flavour. You’re craving a glass of crisp Spanish white and some smoky jamon – not soggy tapas at tourist prices. Don’t despair.
To enjoy some of the best Almerian tapas and wines, set aside three hours and target these establishments near Convento de las Claras – all are renowned for a commitment to quality and the use of local food and wine.
La Encina is located inside a lovely 19th century townhouse. The tapas menu has a leaning towards smoked and marinated fish and seafood although there are plenty of alternatives. Even the simple patatas a lo pobres (poor man’s potatoes) is quite special – not such a poor man at all.
A relative newcomer to Almeria‘s tapas scene, Taberna Nuestra Tierra on Calle Jovellanos is considered one of the top tapas bars in the city. The owners are passionate about tradition, reviving ingredients that may have fallen out of fashion and matching them with the best local wines.
No-fuss La Cantinela serves equally super tapas, with over twenty local specialities to choose from laid out on menus conveniently printed on the napkins.
8. Tapas and Flamenco in Malaga
To keep in spirit with the rhythm of Malaga, take a twirl around a few classic tabernas before seeking out a sultry flamenco bar. Sating the thirsts of artists and writers since 1840, Antigua Casa de Guardia on Alameda Principal is an old school tapas bar, serving sweet Moscatels from huge casks.
There are lots of great tourist attractions in Malaga, and places to eat. Opposite the Picasso Museum, El Gallo offers a contemporary setting whilst maintaining traditional culinary values. It’s a friendly place to pick at tapas like flamenquines (pork, jamón and cheese rolled together, coated in breadcrumbs and deep fried).
A couple of streets away is Cerveceria Los Gatos, a buzzing tapas bar that’s perfect for a pre-flamenco bite. Sitting at the bar is best, but you may have to take what you can get to enjoy great tapas and the best beer in Malaga.
Liceo Flamenco on Calle Beatas is both tablao flamenco (flamenco bar) and a cultural project designed to showcase the best of Andalucia’s evocative combination of dance and music. As such, the flamenco at Liceo is heart-pounding stuff.
Catching a show here is an exhilarating way to end the evening; except it isn’t. Afterwards audiences are so pumped up there’s a desire to seek out one more tapas bar, just to let the sizzling atmosphere cool down a few degrees.
Do You Need to Tip in Spain?
Context is everything in Spain. If you order a meal at a tapas bar, there’s often no need to tip. At restaurants a service charge is generally included in the bill but, if your meal was exceptional, add in a euro or two. Cabbies are rarely tipped, but rounding up to the next euro, especially if your bags were carried, is a good way of saying gracias.
Plan Your Spanish Culinary Adventure
No matter where you set out from in Spain, you’re promised an unparalleled culinary Before visiting you might like to learn some basic Spanish phrases which will make communicating and ordering food easier and more fun.
You might even like to view some easy to make Spanish recipes if you would like to try cooking the local delicacies at home.
Now book your flights and start planning your Spanish food tour!
