Mon-Fri: 9am-6pm Sat: 9am-5pm Sun&BH: Closed
ROOM OF YOUR OWN GUARANTEED
RATED EXCELLENT ON TRUSTPILOT
Over 25 Years Expertise
Spain's culinary delights are a testament to its rich cultural heritage and diverse regional influences. From the succulent jamón Iberico to the aromatic paella Valenciana, the country's gastronomic treasures offer a delightful journey for your taste buds.
In this article, we will take you on an exploration of delectable Spanish dishes and beverages that showcase the best of what Spain has to offer. Prepare to embark on a flavour-filled adventure through the vibrant world of Spanish food and drink.
Spain’s national dish, paella, is a vibrant combination of saffron-infused rice, succulent seafood, chicken, vegetables and aromatic spices. Among traditional Spanish delicacies, jamón Iberico is a popular dish as this rich ham is beautifully tender, while Spanish cheeses offer a great variety of flavours and textures.
If you're curious about the culinary delights that Spain is renowned for, here are 20 diverse and delectable dishes to tempt your tastebuds.
At the top of our list is paella, a traditional Spanish dish from Valencia. This mouthwatering creation combines saffron-flavoured rice with seafood, meat, spices and vegetables. The dish was originally cooked by field labourers and it’s a colourful symbol of traditional Spanish cuisine.
This prized Spanish ham originates from the Iberian Peninsula and is enjoyed nationwide. It is typically served as a tapa or appetiser. It is produced from specially bred Iberian pigs and delivers a rich, savoury flavour that simply melts in your mouth.
Spain's diverse landscapes give rise to a wide variety of delicious cheeses. Whether you are craving the creamy richness of manchego or the bold flavours of blue-veined Cabrales cheese, there is something for every palate. Spain’s cheese-making history dates back to ancient times and was influenced by the Romans.
These delightful baguettes are filled with tasty ingredients like omelette or scrumptious cured meats such as jamón Ibérico and make a great snack or lunch option. Bocadillo's history goes back to the early 20th century, and they have evolved from simple street food to become a beloved national staple.
Not only are tapas a popular choice for casual dining, but pinchos or pintxos also provide delightful bite-sized options. These appetisers showcase an array of delicious toppings on bread slices and are famously served at bars across northern Spain. Pinchos come in various forms and are often made with chorizo, olives, cheese and seafood.
This classic Spanish omelette is enjoyed throughout Spain, often as a hearty breakfast or tapas dish. It’s made with eggs, potatoes and sometimes onions and then pan-fried to perfection. This dish first became popular in the early 19th century and has become an iconic part of Spanish cuisine.
From enjoying them as a snack with your favourite drinks to incorporating them into mouthwatering recipes like paella, Spanish olives are versatile ingredients that bring depth and texture to a variety of dishes. These small wonders are just one example of Spain's abundant agricultural traditions.
If you're a fan of sausages, then Spain is the place for you. From Spanish chorizos to other delicious meaty treats, this vibrant country has it all. Whether they're cooked in sidra (cider) or added to stews, these sausages are sure to add a burst of flavour to any meal.
This popular fried fish dish is a speciality in Andalucia, especially in coastal towns like Cadiz and Malaga. It’s typically eaten as either an appetiser or tapa and features small fish, usually sardines or anchovies, coated in seasoned flour and deep-fried until crispy. This culinary tradition has been enjoyed for centuries along the southern Spanish coast.
Spain's scorching summers inspired refreshing cold soups like gazpacho and salmorejo, a blend of ripe tomatoes, cucumbers, olive oil, garlic, bread crumbs and vinegar, perfect for cooling down on a hot afternoon. Gazpacho’s Moorish roots and salmorejo’s Cordoban origins, both highlight Andalucia’s culinary heritage.
Empanadas are delicious pastries that can be filled with a variety of savoury ingredients, from meat to vegetables. Their smaller counterparts, empanadillas, make for great bite-sized snacks. This Spanish twist on stuffed bread is truly deserving of worldwide acclaim. These pastries go back to mediaeval times, enriched by Jewish and Moorish influences.
Segovia is known for its cochinillo asado, a traditional dish of roast suckling pig. The succulent meat is delicately cooked and perfectly complemented by the irresistibly crispy skin, showcasing the city's mastery of the art of roasting. Often served on special occasions, this dish has a long history, as far back as Roman times.
A staple from the shepherd's cookbook, gazpacho manchego originates from the La Mancha region in central Spain. It is a hearty stew traditionally prepared with unleavened bread, rabbit, hare, or game meat, saffron, tomatoes and rice, resulting in a distinctive and unique flavour. You’ll find various variations based on local ingredients and family recipes.
This comforting stew from the region of Asturias is filled with hearty white beans, chorizo, blood sausage (morcilla) and various pork cuts. It's the perfect dish to warm you up during the colder months. It became a staple of the region’s cuisine thanks to its nourishing qualities.
This simple yet delightful dish is a common favourite in Catalonia. A crusty bread topped with juicy tomatoes and generously drizzled with fragrant olive oil, it’s often enjoyed as breakfast in the warmer months or as an appetiser and is a great way to begin any authentic Spanish meal.
It's hard to resist the temptation of these crispy, golden deep-fried potatoes found in bars and restaurants across Spain. First created in Madrid in the early 20th century, they are made even more irresistible when served “bravo” style, with a tempting drizzle of spicy sauce that adds an extra kick to every bite.
Originating in Padron, Galicia, these small green peppers can be heated until blistered and provide a rather challenging but addictive combination of sweet and spicy flavour. They’re typically served sauteed in olive oil and sprinkled with sea salt. Their history dates back to the 16th century when Franciscan monks first introduced them.
Affectionately known as "polbo á feira", this dish features tenderised octopus seasoned with paprika and served with potatoes. Hailing from Galicia in northwestern Spain, it’s a popular appetiser and symbol of Galician cuisine that is part of the region’s maritime heritage.
This tasty seafood stew hails from Catalonia, especially the coastal areas. It’s typically enjoyed as a main course, particularly on festive occasions. It features a rich tomato and wine sauce with an assortment of fish and shellfish, such as prawns, mussels and squid. Its roots lie in traditional Catalan fishing communities.
You can find Migas in various regions of Spain and it is often served as a hearty winter breakfast or tasty appetiser. It’s made from a combination of breadcrumbs, garlic, olive oil and spices and is typically accompanied by vegetables or chorizo sausage. This dish has roots in Spanish rural communities, where stale bread was repurposed to create a flavourful and hearty meal.
No Spanish culinary experience is complete without exploring their exquisite range of desserts. From the famous churros, which make for a perfect snack or treat, to lesser-known but equally delightful dishes like Carbayon, every region in Spain adds its own unique contribution to the vast repertoire of desserts. Each delicacy holds a story of love, tradition, and celebration.
These delightful treats consist of crispy fried dough pastries covered in sugar and paired with rich, thick drinking chocolate for dipping. They are an absolute indulgence that provides a delicious treat at any time and are frequently enjoyed for breakfast in local cafes.
This creamy dessert from Spain’s Basque Country is enjoyed all year round and is baked until the top is caramelised, giving it a unique flavour. Made with cream cheese, eggs, sugar and heavy cream, it first gained popularity in the early 1990s at La Vina, a San Sebastian restaurant, before becoming an international favourite.
Crema Catalana, often called Catalonia's creme brulee, is enjoyed all year round. This delectable dessert features a luscious custard base infused with the delightful flavours of lemon and cinnamon. Its crowning glory is a perfectly caramelised sugar topping that creates an enticing crunchy contrast.
Hailing from the culinary traditions of Catalonia, mel i mato features fresh cheese, known as mato, generously drizzled with delectable honey. Not only is it gentle on the stomach, but it also serves as a refreshing palate cleanser after indulging in hearty and savoury Spanish cuisine.
A delectable delight from the charming town of Oviedo in Asturias, this treat showcases a captivating combination of almonds, eggs, and sugar nestled within layers of golden-brown puff pastry. To add an extra touch of sweetness, it's finished with a delicate syrup glaze after baking.
Originating from Granada, these mini sponge cakes filled with sweet custard cream are simply irresistible. Whether you have them as cake slices or individual rolls, a dusting of cinnamon adds the perfect finishing touch to these delicious items. Don't miss enjoying this iconic Spanish creation while enjoying the breathtaking views of Granada.
Now, let's examine the world of traditional Spanish beverages as we continue exploring the must-try delights in Spain. Just like its impressive cuisine, Spain boasts a rich cultural heritage reflected in its diverse range of drink options.
This aromatic fortified wine is a staple of Spanish culture, most often enjoyed as an aperitif before meals. Served over ice with an orange slice or olive garnish, it’s flavoured with herbs and spices that give it a balanced combination of bitter undertones and sweet caramel nuances.
In the sun-soaked southern region of Andalucia centred around the city of Jerez de la Frontera, you'll find many varieties of the fortified wine known as sherry, ranging from dry to sweet. Dry styles like fino or manzanilla pair beautifully with dishes such as salmorejo or fish, while rich Pedro Ximenez sherries are the ideal accompaniment for desserts.
Found in the Basque Country, this traditional cider is made from locally grown apples and has a natural, slightly effervescent and tart taste, making it a versatile companion for various Spanish dishes. Basque cider has deep-rooted cultural significance, with cider houses dating back centuries.
This Spanish coffee-based drink can be found in bars and restaurants across Spain. It’s typically enjoyed after a meal or in the morning. It combines espresso with a spirit, usually brandy or rum. Carajillo is believed to have originated in Cuba during the Spanish colonial era before later becoming a popular after-dinner drink in Spain.
During your tour of Spain, you’ll not only explore the breathtaking scenery and culture but also get the chance to savour the authentic flavours of the country. We believe in creating unforgettable experiences and that includes sampling authentic local cuisine.
Visit Spain and explore the Basque Country and enjoy a traditional lunch in the pretty village of Molinaseca as part of the Walking the Camino de Santiago tour. Why not enjoy a traditional Spanish coffee in Ronda as part of a tour of the Treasures of Andalucia tour?
We’re passionate about immersing you in the culture and culinary delights of Spain. Our food and drink-tasting experiences are just a glimpse of Spain’s gastronomy that awaits you on our tours.
Spain’s national dish is paella, a flavourful rice dish that typically includes saffron-infused rice and chicken, seafood or rabbit, and spices and vegetables. It is considered the quintessential Spanish dish.
Three famous foods in Spain are jamon Iberico, a rich and tender cured ham from specially bred pigs and tortilla de patatas, a hearty potato omelette. Finally, there are churros, crispy fried dough sticks served with thick hot chocolate.
Spain’s desserts offer a delightful blend of flavours and textures, such as Basque burnt cheesecake, known for its creamy filling and caramelised top. Then there’s crema Catalana, a rich custard dessert with a burnt sugar crust and pionono, a sweet roll filled with cream.
Spain boasts a diverse catalogue of famous drinks. Vermut is an aromatic fortified wine, often enjoyed as an aperitif before meals. Sherry comes in dry to sweet varieties, while carajillo is a coffee-based drink with a splash of spirit, such as brandy or rum.
