What to eat in Spain: 50 Spanish Foods to Savor

Spanish Tapas

Spanish cuisine is like a flamenco dance - full of passion, rhythm, and unexpected twirls. At its heart, it's about fresh, quality ingredients, with an emphasis on seafood along the coasts, hearty stews in the inland regions, and an array of vegetables and legumes. Tapas, small plates meant for sharing, are a hallmark of Spanish dining.  Other iconic foods include paella, vibrant saffron rice and mixed proteins, jamón ibérico, a cured ham delicacy, and churros with chocolate for dessert. Spanish is where food is a mosaic of flavors, deeply rooted in regional diversity and historical influences, from the Moors to the Roman, and where meals often extend late into the evening, celebrating life with every bite.

Tapas

1. Jamon Ibérico - The finest of Spanish cured hams, often served thinly sliced. It is one of the best-known Spanish products

2. 

   Croquetas - With fillings like ham, chicken, or cod, these deep-fried balls are a tapas staple.

3. Tostada - Grilled bread with various toppings like tomatoes, ham, seafood, or cheese.

4. Boquerones en Vinagre - Fresh anchovies marinated in vinegar will tingle your taste buds.

   

5. Coca - Flatbread that can be sweet or savory.

6. Gambas al Ajillo - Shrimp cooked with garlic in olive oil makes a tasty snack.

7. Pulpo a la Gallega - Galician-style tender cooked octopus with paprika, salt, and olive oil.

   

8. Albondigas - Small meatballs in a rich sauce. A must-try in Madrid.

9. Mejillones a la Mariner - Mussels cooked in a rich, tomato sauce for a flavorful dish.

10. Patatas Bravas - Cubed fried potatoes served with spicy tomato sauce and garlic aioli is a Catalan treat.

    

11. Pimientos de Padrón - Small green peppers fried until blistered. Might get a spicy one!

12. Pan con Tomate - Bread with tomato, olive oil, and sometimes garlic is a staple at breakfast.

13. Manchego - From La Mancha, Spain's most famous cheese, made from sheep's milk is eaten raw and without the rind. It's sweet with a lingering salty aftertaste.

    

14. Chorizo a la Sidra - A spicy pork sausage cooked in hard apple cider.

15. Huevos Estrellados - A simple dish of potatoes, topped with fried eggs often with chorizo or ham.

16. Empanadas - One of the most popular foods in Spain, this pastry is filled with various ingredients like tuna, meat, chicken, or vegetables.

    

17. Calamares a la Romana - Deep-fried golden and crispy squid rings, often served with aioli and lemon.

18. Tortilla Española - A thick potato, onion, and egg omelet, that is versatile enough to eat any time of day.

    

19. Pisto Manchego - Ratatouille - With Arabic origins, it's a popular vegetable stew.

20. Escalivada - Roasted vegetables (typically peppers, eggplant, and onions) from Catalonia.

21. Aceitunas (Olives) - Olives, often marinated or stuffed, are a staple in tapas culture.

    

    
    

    Mains and Soups

    
    

22. Paella - Iconic rice dish with various meats, poultry, seafood, or vegetables. The famous Spanish saffron gives it a unique savory flavor. Try it as a street food or in a restaurant.

    

23. Fabada Asturiana - Hailing from Asturias, this delicious hearty bean stew with pork products like chorizo.

24. Fideuà - Similar to paella but made with short noodles instead of rice. It's popular on the coast of Valencia and Catalonia.

25. Rabo de Toro - Oxtail stew, slow-cooked to be tender with vegetables is emblematic of Spanish cuisine.

    

26. Cocido Madrileño - A hearty, comforting, multi-course stew made with various meats, vegetables, and chickpeas.

27. Cochinillo Asado - This tender and juicy roast suckling pig is especially famous in Segovia. Try it for lunch during a day trip to Segovia from Madrid.

    

28. Lechazo - Roast suckling lamb, is tender and delicate with a mild flavor.

29. Churrasco - Refers to grilled steak or any grilled meat. It's popular in street markets or at outdoor festivals.

    

30. Sopa de Ajo - This rustic soup combines the flavors of garlic, stale bread, and smoky paprika, and the velvety texture of eggs.

31. Gazpacho - Cold crouton and tomato soup from Andalusia, perfect for summer.

32. Salmorejo - A creamier cousin of gazpacho, often topped with ham and egg. Very delicious.

    

33. Langostinos - Large prawns, grilled or boiled to bring out their sweetness in flavor.

34. Zarzuela de Mariscos - A Catalan seafood stew with a variety of shellfish and fish cooked in a rich sauce.

    

35. Bacalao con Tomate - Salted cod with tomato sauce, a simple yet flavorful dish.

36. Caldo Gallego - Galician broth made with greens, potatoes, and beans.

37. Arroz Negro - Black rice cooked with squid ink and a variety of seafood.

    

38. Bacalao al Pil-Pil - A Basque specialty. Salt cod cooked in its own emulsion-like sauce with garlic and olive oil.

39. Espetos - This best beachside dish consists of skewered sardines grilled over fire. Just drizzle with lemon for perfection.

    
    

    Desserts

    
    

40. Crema Catalana - A Catalan dessert similar to crème brûlée is smooth, sweet, and indulgent. It's often flavored with citrus and cinnamon.

    

41. Ensaimada - Spiral pastry from Mallorca, often filled with cream or jam.

42. Churros con Chocolate - A popular fried dough pastry served with thick hot chocolate for dipping. It's often eaten for breakfast.

    

43. Arroz con Leche - Spanish rice pudding, flavored with lemon, cinnamon, and vanilla.

44. Bunuelos - Sweet, doughy treats, often filled with cream or chocolate.

45. Sangria - A sweet wine and fruit beverage.

    

46. Leche Frita - "Fried milk," an amazing sweet dessert. The milk custard is fried and can be served hot or cold.

47. Flan - It's a smooth and creamy custard dessert with a layer of caramel sauce. It's a very popular dessert across Spain.

    

48. Turron - Traditional nougat, especially popular during Christmas. Ingredients are almonds, honey, egg whites, and sugar.

49. Membrillo - Quince paste, usually served with cheese to add sweetness.

50. Cafe con Leche - Coffee with milk. It has a pleasant sweetness.