Food in Spain

Spain, a country renowned for its vibrant culture and rich history, also boasts a diverse and delectable cuisine that is integral to the Spanish experience. Tourists flock to this Iberian nation not only for its scenic beauty and architectural marvels but also to indulge in its gastronomic offerings. From the tantalizing tapas to the sumptuous seafood dishes and the traditional paella, Spanish cuisine is a feast for the senses. This article guides you through the must-try dishes and culinary traditions to fully savor while vacationing in Spain.

Spanish Dishes

Paella

Originating from Valencia, paella is a globally recognized Spanish dish. It's a rice-based meal traditionally cooked in a large, shallow pan called a "paellera." The classic version, paella Valenciana, includes rabbit, chicken, green beans, and sometimes snails, cooked with saffron and rosemary-infused rice. Seafood paella, bursting with prawns, mussels, and clams, is also widely popular, especially along the Spanish coast.

Gazpacho

Gazpacho is a refreshing, cold soup hailing from Andalusia, perfect for Spain’s hot summers. Made from ripe tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, garlic, onion, and stale bread, this dish is blended until silky smooth and served chilled, often garnished with diced vegetables and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil.

Tortilla Española

Also known as Spanish omelette, Tortilla Española is a staple in Spanish cuisine. It's a simple yet satisfying dish made with eggs, potatoes, and onions, sometimes with the addition of chorizo or bell peppers. It's served hot or cold and is a common tapa in bars across Spain.

Jamón Ibérico

One of the most prized delicacies in Spanish gastronomy is Jamón Ibérico, a type of cured ham produced from the Iberian pig. The ham is cured for up to 36 months, resulting in a rich, savory flavor and silky texture. It's often served thinly sliced as a tapa or used to enhance the flavors of other dishes.

Pulpo a la Gallega (Octopus Galician Style)

A classic dish from Galicia, pulpo a la Gallega, or "polbo á feira" in Galician, consists of tender boiled octopus served on a wooden platter, sprinkled with paprika, coarse salt, and drizzled with olive oil. It's traditionally eaten with toothpicks, accompanied by boiled potatoes and crusty bread.

Churros con Chocolate

While technically a dessert or snack, churros con chocolate deserves mention for its iconic status. Churros are long, fried dough pastries, often dusted with sugar and served with a thick, hot chocolate for dipping—a beloved treat in Spain, particularly for breakfast or a late-night snack.

Pisto

Often referred to as the Spanish ratatouille, pisto is a vegetable stew that includes tomatoes, peppers, zucchini, onions, eggplant, and garlic, slowly simmered in olive oil. It can be served as a side dish, a tapa, or even with a fried egg on top for a hearty meal.

Fabada Asturiana

This hearty bean stew from the Asturias region in northern Spain is a comfort food favorite, especially in colder months. It's made with large white beans (fabes), chorizo, morcilla (blood sausage), pork shoulder, and saffron. Slow-cooked until the flavors meld, it's a filling and flavorful dish.

Cochinillo Asado (Roast Suckling Pig)

Cochinillo Asado is a celebratory dish from the region of Castilla. The suckling pig is roasted until the skin is crisp and the meat is tender and juicy. It's traditionally cooked in wood-fired ovens and served with a simple side of potatoes or a salad.

Calçots and Romesco Sauce

Calçots are a type of scallion from Catalonia, typically grilled over a flame and eaten with a romesco sauce made from nuts, red peppers, and tomatoes. This seasonal delicacy is enjoyed at "calçotadas," social gatherings held from January to April where calçots are the star of the show.

Spanish Desserts

Flan

Flan is a ubiquitous dessert throughout Spain, known for its creamy caramel flavor. It's a custard made with milk, eggs, and sugar, topped with a layer of soft caramel sauce. This simple yet elegant dessert is a staple in Spanish households and restaurants alike.

Crema Catalana

Similar to French crème brûlée, crema catalana is a rich custard dessert topped with a crisp, caramelized sugar crust. It's flavored with cinnamon and lemon or orange zest, giving it a distinctive Spanish twist.

Polvorones and Mantecados

These crumbly shortbread cookies are a Christmas tradition in Spain. Polvorones are made with flour, sugar, milk, and nuts, while mantecados are typically made with lard. Both melt in the mouth and are often enjoyed with a cup of coffee or sweet wine.

Turrón

A traditional Christmas confection, turrón is a nougat made from honey, sugar, egg whites, and almonds. There are many varieties, but the two most common are turrón de Alicante (hard and crunchy) and turrón de Jijona (soft and chewy).

Ensaimadas

Originating from the Balearic Islands, ensaimadas are spiral-shaped pastries with a light and airy texture. They can be plain or filled with sweet fillings like cream or almond paste and are often dusted with powdered sugar.

Roscón de Reyes

Roscón de Reyes is a ring-shaped cake traditionally eaten on January 6th to celebrate Epiphany, known as "Three Kings' Day" in Spain. It's a sweet, brioche-like bread adorned with candied fruits and sometimes filled with whipped cream or custard. Hidden inside the cake is a small figurine or bean, and finding it is said to bring good luck.