10 Spanish Foods You Must Try in Your Lifetime

Spain indeed started a little late when it came to recognizing the superpower of food, but when it did, there was no going back.

Spanish cuisine is full of fresh, delicious, and healthy ingredients cooked with love and passion. From seafood to meat, bread to pastries, people get to celebrate the extraordinary flavours of the food that Spain has to offer from its produce.

Curious about Spanish cuisine? You are at the right place as we are going to take a dig into some of the famous dishes in Spain that one must try in their lifetime.

1. Gazpacho

Also called Andalusian, Gazpacho is a Spanish delicacy that originated from the southern regions of the Iberian Peninsula. It is a cold soup of raw, blended vegetables that is widely eaten in Spain and Portugal, particularly during the summer months. While people can use any vegetable they like, the standard usage implies tomatoes.

There are many theories about the origin of Gazpacho. Some say it is a soup of olive oil, water, garlic, vinegar, and bread that arrived in Spain with the Romans. Further, its tomato version called red gazpacho is said to have arrived during the 19th century and remains the popular choice of food in Spain.

2. Paella

Paella is the Khichdi of Spanish cuisine, which is surprisingly one of the famous dishes in Spain. It is a classic recipe of rice, saffron, vegetables, chicken, and seafood cooked and served hot. Also considered as the traditional or national dish of Spain by some people, Paella originates from the Valencian region and is considered one of their identifying factors.

Perhaps the most famous dish of all, Paella is preferably eaten during lunchtime to give you that appropriately filling mid-day meal.

3. Patatas Bravas

Yet another staple food in Spain, that is mostly eaten as a snack or appetizer. The dish is native to Spain and typically consists of white potatoes fried in oil and served with a spicy sauce. The sauce is said to be rare on the land and will surely tickle your palate.

Perhaps a dish that is quite a bit around Spain, it has various evolved versions based on regional food preferences. Like in Madrid, the sauce is made up of sweet and spicy Spanish paprika, flour, olive oil, and stock but others prefer adding tomatoes as their main ingredient. Some even put garlic, fino sherry, and other secret ingredients that they refuse to disclose. But, you can always play around with the ingredients and make your own Patatas Bravas at home.

4. Pollo Al Ajillo

Pollo Al Ajillo is the best garlic chicken one can ever have, be it in Spain or elsewhere. Its secret is not in the recipe but the love and passion of the Spanish grandmothers. It is a simple dish cooked with unpeeled garlic cloves fried in olive oil, chunky chicken pieces, and some rosemary, thyme, and dry sherry.

Just a classic Spanish recipe that will give you a rich flavour of the Spanish produce. All you need to do is explore the less-known places to visit in Spain in the interiors. Since Spanish people love to spread their flavours, you will definitely spot a grandma making some. If going to Spain is not an option, try your hand at cooking.

5. Tortilla Espanola

Also called Spanish omelette, tortilla espanola is the most common and famous food in Spain. Some even consider it to be a typical staple food in Spain as it is easy to cook. All one needs to do is add caramelized onions, olive oil, fried potatoes, and eggs in a pan and slow cook until everything sticks together. It is more like a quiche than an omelette and is served with bread.

Legends say that the dish was invented during the siege of Bilbao, Carlist general as a quick nutritious meal to satisfy the scarcities of the Carlist army. While the truth remains, the recipe has gained immense popularity both within Spain and outside.

6. Salmorejo

Next on our list of Spanish savouries is a tomato soup called Salmorejo. Spanish people just love tomatoes and the La Tomatina festival in Spain makes that pretty evident. Besides being a source of entertainment, they also use it as a main ingredient in various dishes like Salmoreja.

Salmorejo is a version of gazpacho and originally comes from the town of Cordoba in Andalusia. However, the difference between both the dishes is that salmorejo is made of tomatoes, garlic, bread, and vinegar only while gazpacho has vegetables too. Some people also top it up with egg or ham to enhance the taste.

7. Croquetas

Croquetas or croquettes is another famous food in Spain that makes its way in the snacks and appetizers section. They are fried breadcrumbs and food leftovers mashed together with potatoes and some bechamel sauce. Besides, some people also like to make it with ham, codfish, cream cheese, black sausage, or blue cheese.

Though originated from France in the 17th century and loved by the Spanish people, Croquettes have evolved to cater to the taste of countries across the world and are not just limited to France or Spain.

8. Tarta De Santiago

Talking about famous food in Spain and not mentioning the desserts is a sin. Spain has some of the most incredibly delicious desserts that will leave you wanting more and Tarta De Santiago is the best to start with. It is a super moist almond cake with a powdered sugar coating on top, adding a little sweetness to its crunchy almond flavour.

Tarta De Santiago originates from Galicia, specifically the town of Santiago De Compostela. It is easily available in local stores and coffee shops across the country.

9. Torrijas

Torrijas is a cinnamon-spiced slice of fried bread, similar to french toast but sweet. This Spanish dessert is rare on the land and available only for the Easter months from March to April. During the Torrijas season, you will find it everywhere at cafes, restaurants, and local shops. It comes in three different flavours, namely honey-soaked, mike and cinnamon, and wine and syrup.

Torrijas is actually the traditional Easter dessert of Spain but scrumptious enough to be made available throughout the year. Luckily, the recipe is easy to make at home!

10. Miguelitos

Actually, a puffed pastry, these little squares of sweetness are a must-try after your meal. Made from layers of thin pastry with chocolate ganache, cream, or fruits filled inside, it melts inside your mouth into a million flakey pieces in no time. The taste is such that one is not enough and the entire box is a bit too much.

Miguelitos originated from La Roda when a chef named Manual Blanco created and served it to his friend Miquel, from there the name Miguelitos was given. After him, many other chefs created the dessert, resulting in its expansion and popularity across the country.

Your Spain tour package experience is incomplete without trying these dishes. Make sure you grab a bite of all!