What to eat in Spain: a guide for foodies

With its sun-drenched crops, abundant coastline and a culture of tapas, pintxos and paella, Spain is one of the most foodie-friendly getaways in Europe. The regional culinary distinctions are all part of its appeal – as finding delicious local food is possible wherever you’ve dropped your suitcase. In this article, we’ll get into some of the most iconic Spanish dishes to try while you travel, exploring authentic Spanish food and tasting your way across the different Spanish regions.

What to eat in Spain: authentic Spanish food journeys

Spain’s cuisine is all about locally-produced, high-quality produce, and getting together to celebrate. Here’s a rundown of Spain’s must-try dishes…

Tapas, explained

Along with paella, mention ‘dinner in Spain’ and most will envision a table covered in the traditional small sharing plates, tapas; in fact, the word itself comes from the Spanish verb tapar, which literally means ‘to cover’. The common legend is that bartenders topped glasses of sherry with small plates to keep flies away, which evolved into plates of bite-sized snacks.

Today, tapas are endlessly diverse, ranging from drink accompaniments like aceitunas (marinated olives) and almendras fritas (fried almonds) to more filling dishes such as croquetas de jamón (ham croquettes) and gambas al ajillo (garlic shrimp). You likely know the drill – order as many tapas as you like, order more throughout the evening, and enjoy the Spanish culture of sharing and celebration.

Jamón ibérico and Manchego cheese – the perfect pairing

A delectable pairing of locally-sourced, artisanal ingredients, one can’t beat the iconic Spanish flavors of jamón ibérico and Manchego cheese. There’s a reason this duo is so celebrated: the curing process can take up to five years to produce the rich, nutty flavor of the ham, which is made from free-range, acorn-fed pigs – while Manchego cheese is aged over time in the dry landscapes of La Mancha. Complement with a quince or fig jam and wash it down with a rich Rioja, for a true ‘chef’s kiss’ experience.

Paella valenciana – Spain’s iconic rice dish

Paella was originally the result of Moorish influence, when the Moorish introduced rice from North Africa into Spanish cuisine way back in the 10th century. Paella valenciana is seen as the original paella; a combination of bomba rice mixed with cuts of local rabbit, chicken and even snails, along with garrofó beans.

A true paella is cooked in a wide, shallow pan over an open flame so that the rice develops a caramelized layer, and it’s immensely flavorful and satisfying. International tourists are usually more accustomed to a seafood paella with shrimp, but purists insist that a meaty paella valenciana is the authentic version – see which you prefer and try it yourself when in Valencia.

Tortilla española: the ultimate Spanish omelet

A tortilla española, or Spanish omelet is seen as a hodgepodge dish to many – the result of using up simple ingredients left in the fridge. In some ways, its simplicity is the basis of its appeal. It’s usually made with just potatoes, eggs and sometimes onions (there’s a long-running debate over this!), and every family in Spain has its own preference for the perfect tortilla. In tapas bars you’ll find a pleasing array of different toppings and types – from runny in the middle to firm, some filled with spinach, chorizo or cheese. A filling and satisfying lunch option!

Patatas bravas and pimientos de Padrón

A delicious, much-loved food in Spain and the world over, patatas bravas are the ultimate potato treat. A more exciting twist on boring fries, these crispy potatoes are slathered in a spicy, tomato-based sauce and if you’re lucky, come with a creamy aioli for dipping.

A fresher option but just as hard to resist are pimientos de Padrón, the blistered green peppers seasoned with olive oil and sea salt. Order both together for the ideal accompaniment to your beer or wine.

Churros con chocolate

For a sweet break in either the morning or the evening, try the light crispiness of churros dipped in an indulgent chocolate sauce. With humble origins as a shepherd’s snack, these sugar-dusted treats perfectly round off a savory meal, and are excellent to nibble on either as a dessert or just as a snack while walking. Churros con chocolate is available in hundreds of churrerías and restaurants across the country, so if you’re after something sweet, you won’t be searching for long.

Read more: Unmissable experiences to try in Spain

Regional highlights across Spain

One of the true joys of traveling Spain is experiencing its regional differences – the flamenco of Andalusia, the coastal charm of Catalonia, the intriguing culture of the Basque Country, and everything in-between – and this diversity carries through to its cuisine. Here’s what you can expect in different regions…

The coast: fresh grilled fish and seafood feasts

Unsurprisingly, Spain’s coast on the Atlantic and the Mediterranean produces some of the most delicious and high-quality seafood in the world. Think dishes of delectable sardines, cured anchovies, exquisite octopus salads (a Galician favorite), and the freshest grilled fish. Don’t miss the charming chiringuitos – they’re everywhere in Andalusia, Catalonia, and the Balearic Islands. At these beachside bars you can tuck into abundant seafood platters and order light snacks by the shore.

The north: fabada asturiana to skewered pintxos

In Spain’s northern region of Asturias, a bowl of fabada asturiana is the order of the day. This slow-cooked stew is made with fabes (white beans), chorizo, morcilla (a type of blood sausage), and sometimes pork and other meats – for a deeply flavored dish that is lip-smackingly saucy.

Meanwhile, the scintillating Basque Country offers its own take on delightful skewered pintxos; enjoy bites of shrimp, veggies such as grilled pepper or artichoke, Manchego cheese and cured meats, usually served up with freshly baked bread and drizzled with oils and sauces.

Andalusia: gazpacho, fideuà and more

The rich, sun-soaked landscape of Andalusia is the origin of bold flavors, with an abundance of fresh vegetables, olive oil and local seafood. You may have heard of gazpacho, Spain’s refreshing tomato soup: served cold, it’s a burst of garlicky, vibrant flavors perfect for hot summer days.

This region is also known for fideuà, a comforting seafood dish similar to paella, but made with short noodles instead of rice; creamy soups like salmorejo, and the crisp bite of pescaíto frito (fried fish). Andalusia’s cuisine reflects both the region’s agricultural abundance and its coastal heritage. Whether you’re enjoying a tasty tapas spread or a hearty jamón ibérico, Andalusia is certainly a traditional heart of Spanish cuisine.

Catalonia: where meat meets seafood

Up in northeastern Catalonia, the cuisine marries a blend of resources from the coast and mountains, with cities like Barcelona being experimental with its diverse gastronomy, setting Catalonia apart from the more Spanish traditional fare.

Try well-known Catalan dishes such as pa amb tomàquet (bread with olive oil tomatoes), escudella i carn d’olla (a delicious stew considered the national dish), botifarra sausage, a sweet spoonful of crema catalana, or Catalonia’s coastal take on the beloved paella, woven with fish and prawns.

Spanish wine: popular regions from La Rioja to Andalucia

Spain is one of the world’s leading wine producers for a reason; its resplendent vineyards produce truly unique flavors, and wine buffs are spoilt for choice. La Rioja is renowned for rich reds, mainly from the Tempranillo grape, known for their depth and aging potential. Ribera del Duero produces bolder, tannic reds with dark fruit flavors.

Andalusia is famous for its Sherry, cultivated around Jerez de la Frontera – sip on everything from a dry Fino through to a sweet Pedro Ximénez. Meanwhile, Priorat is another historic wine region celebrated for its powerful, complex reds; and Penedès is bubbling over with Cava, Spain’s iconic sparkling wine.

Read more: Our guide to the top regions of Spain

H2 Vegetarian and plant-based options in Spain

For those who are vegan and/or meat-free, there’s plenty to indulge in despite the nation’s love of cured meat and cheeses. Vibrant soups like gazpacho and salmorejo champion fresh natural produce; veggie-friendly Spanish omelets can be made to your preferences; patatas bravas with spicy tomato sauce are often served with vegan garlic aioli (ask if it’s dairy-free to be certain).

Paella and stews in restaurants can usually be tweaked to a vegetable-rich format if you ask the staff (paella de verduras means veggie paella, but again, ask first). You definitely won’t go hungry even in rural areas, but there is a much wider choice in the cities like Barcelona, Valencia, and Madrid, where you can often find diverse vegetarian or vegan tasting menus.

Practical tips for eating out in Spain

If you’re planning on eating like the locals do (we recommend it!) – here are some things to remember…

Navigating meal times and dining etiquette

When eating out in Spain, it’s worth remembering that everything is slower and later – much as it is in many Mediterranean countries where unrushed enjoyment is fundamental. This means going out for lunch around 2pm, while dinner can start at 9pm or even later. You should be able to eat at any time in many eateries, but be aware restaurants sometimes close between 4-7pm to clean away after lunch customers.

As mentioned previously, dining is a communal activity in Spain, full of sharing and conversation – don’t be afraid to order lots off the menu and try a bit of everything. Also, be patient with staff: service is a little more relaxed than some are used to.

Tipping in Spain: what you need to know

Tipping is optional in Spain but very much appreciated. At dinner it’s custom to leave around 5-10% or more when you pay the bill, though this isn’t necessary if you thought the service was poor. If your bar person gave good service, it’s nice to leave one or two euros for them at the bar; though tipping is less usual in places like cafes or daytime lunch spots.

Read more: The 10 best places to visit in Spain

Make it happen

If you’re ready to dive into this country’s rich culinary heritage and experience authentic Spanish food, get in touch with one of our local travel experts – they’re based in Spain and ready to organize an itinerary that’s perfect for you, with all the food and drink activities you desire.