Thousands of tourists visit Spain in order to experience its beautiful local culture and traditions every year. One of the best ways one can do this is by trying out the various types of local dishes available in the region. It doesn’t matter whether you are in Madrid or Barcelona, you can always find an array of excellent Spanish delicacies at every nook and corner of the major cities in Spain. From simple and well-known tapas to a more complex pisto, the country is a treasure trove of delicious dishes in all of Europe.

Find more details on the famous dishes, renowned restaurants, dining etiquette, etc., in Spain by going through the entirety of this page.

Popular dishes to try in Spain

A trip to Spain remains incomplete without trying its local food. Here are a few examples of popular dishes in Spain that you should consider trying out;

• Pan Con Tomate: Known by various names like pa amb tomàquet and pan tumaca, the Pan Con Tomate is a must-try local delicacy in Spain. It is a simple dish made of toasted bread topped with juicy red tomatoes. It is a staple food item in various parts of the country, consumed during breakfast or as snacks throughout the day. Ingredients like sea salt, jamon, cheese, extra virgin olive oil, etc., are also added to the mix to enhance its flavours.
• Pisto: If you are familiar with France’s signature dish, ratatouille, you will find the Spanish Pisto quite interesting. It is basically a vegetable stew made with a number of nutritious ingredients, such as onion, eggplant, peppers, zucchini, olive oil and so on. You can find this delicious traditional dish across several eateries in Spain, served alongside some bread, cheese or an egg.
• Patatas bravas: Among the wide list of tapas in Spain, patatas bravas are the most sought-after ones. Whether you have it as a quick snack during the day or prior to your main meal, you can never go wrong with this tasty yet cheap and simple food item. Patatas bravas includes chunks of fried potatoes and the bravas sauce, which is made of spicy and sweet Spanish paprika.
• Turrón: In Spain, Turrón is a renowned food item consumed during the holidays, especially Christmas. It can be defined as a small, square-shaped block of candy made by mixing egg white and honey with farm-grown almonds. You can find various types of Turrón in Spain, but the Hard Almond Turrón (Alacant) and Soft Almond Turrón (Xixona) are the most famous ones.
• Tortilla Española: Tortilla Española, also called the Spanish Omelette, is one of the most famous local dishes in Spain. It is prepared with ingredients like onions, beaten eggs, potatoes, olive oil, spinach, ham, courgettes, and anything you may find to enhance its taste. It is a bit complicated to prepare yourself, however, you can easily find it across several restaurants in Spain and have a mouth-watering meal to satisfy your hunger.
• Paella: When roaming the major cities in Spain, don’t miss out on the opportunity to try Paella. It is a classic rice dish that is prepared by adding ingredients like vegetables, saffron, chicken, and seafood (mussels, shrimp, etc.). The speciality of this dish is that it is cooked and served on a single pan, and you can enjoy the burst of flavours with each bite.
• Sangria: Though not a dish, Sangria is a signature beverage in Spain. It is prepared by marinating ingredients like peach, lemon, ginger, grapes, berries, mango, apple, orange, etc., in base alcohol, mainly white or red wine. When in places like Barcelona in Spain, make sure to grab a refreshing glass of Sangria.
• Spanish sponge cake: Every tasty Spain meal deserves a sweet ending, and there’s no way better to conclude it than going for some Spanish Sponge Cake. It is a variation of sponge cake made using almonds and lemons, topped with powdered sugar, nuts, freshly chopped fruits, etc. It is a simple yet delightful dessert that you must try during your Spain visit.

Most Spanish dishes are served family-style and have decent portion sizes. So, make sure to enquire about the food before you order. Dishes like Paella are more than enough for a small family dinner, so a single serving should be enough for two or three people.

Best restaurants to visit in Spain

Here are some popular restaurants in Spain that you can check out during your trip for a gastronomical delight;

• Arzak
  If you are looking for a fine-dining experience in San Sebastian, consider visiting Arzak. It is a family-run restaurant that has been in business since 1897. The establishment focuses on preserving and innovating the unique Basque culinary tradition and is known for its excellent personalised service, elegant atmosphere and a great variety of dishes. Some of the must-try items in Arzak include chestnut ice cream, roasted duck and grilled oysters.
• Restaurante Mina
  Based in Bilbao, Restaurante Mina is a great choice for a fine-dining experience in Spain. It is a Michelin-starred restaurant, serving an extraordinary range of delicious dishes since 2006. The lavish setting and beautiful food presentation are some of the key factors behind the popularity of this restaurant. You can go for its 10 or 14-course-tasting menu and enjoy delicious dishes for the next 3 hours or so.
• El Celler de Can Roca
  Referred to as a chic bistro, El Celler de Can Roca is a restaurant based in Girona. It offers innovative variations of various traditional Catalan dishes and has been in business since 1986. It is a three-star Michelin restaurant known for its exemplary ambience, spacious seating, great food quality and presentation, and hospitable service. It also serves some other cuisines, like Spanish, European and Mediterranean. You can opt for their feast menu, which includes 13 courses and about 15 appetisers.
• Paco Roncero Restaurant
  If you are looking to try some delicious food in Madrid, Spain, consider visiting Paco Roncero Restaurant. This beautiful establishment not only offers delicious food but also a fascinating ambience that remains unmatched. It serves Spanish, European, Mediterranean and Contemporary cuisines and is a bit on the expensive side.

Depending on the restaurant you choose, you can get some freebies with your meal. Some of these items can include tapas, chips, olives, etc., which are delicious and will not cost you anything extra. So, make sure to enquire about it when eating out at a restaurant in Spain.

Dining Etiquette and tipping culture in Spain

Here are some helpful information about dining etiquette and tipping culture for when you are eating out in Spain;

• The usual lunch hour in Spain is between 01:30 PM and 03:30 PM. As for dinner timing, it's a bit later than usual, like from 9 PM to around midnight.
• The use of proper cutlery when eating meals is an important thing you should keep in mind. For example, use small spoons for desserts and large spoons for soups, lentils, etc.
• Having a conversation with others at the table while dining is considered normal in Spain.
• Keep your elbows off the tabletop when eating meals in a restaurant in Spain.
• Tipping after dining at a restaurant in Spain is not compulsory or common. However, leaving tips, even in small amounts, is hugely appreciated by waiters and serves.

Waiters at restaurants in Spain will ask you if they can clear your plates after you have finished your meal, but won’t bring you the bill unless you ask them for it. It's mainly because bringing the bill to the table without being asked for it is considered rude. So, ask them politely about the bill when you are done with your meal and ready to move out.

Local culture and traditions in Spain

The regional diversity in the sector of culture and traditions in Spain has massively influenced its cuisine. These influences are also evident in other sectors of the country, such as art, history, music, festival, etc. However, if we stick with the food aspect of the Spanish culture, we can find major differences that set it apart from other European countries. In Spain, the use of olive oil, locally grown vegetables, herbs and homemade sauces play a key role in its food culture. In addition, the various variants of tapas are a signature example of the unique Spanish cooking style, customs and practices.

Tips related to food in Spain

Here are some tips related to food that will help you during your Spain trip;

• Spanish foods are delicious but try not to overeat as it can lead to annoying health issues. Follow a healthy portion, which will allow you to continue your food hunt in Spain without any hassles.
• You can find mouth-watering street food in Spain, however, do enquire about it from the locals before trying them. This way, you will be able to avoid eating unhealthy dishes.
• If you find a long queue of customers outside a food joint, you can generally assume they are serving quality dishes at reasonable prices. So, don’t hesitate to join them and enjoy an exemplary delight.
• Refer to local food bloggers on the internet to find suggestions about popular restaurants and dishes specific to the region you are visiting.
• You can find a wide variety of tasty and quality traditional dishes at local eateries in Spain. So, you can easily avoid visiting luxury restaurants and save a good amount of money on food.

Some selected restaurants and food chains in Salou offer a free kid’s meal under 11 when one adult meal is purchased with the kids eat free Spain card. The cost of this card is around 10 euro and can help save you some chunk of change during the trip if you are travelling with your kids.

Conclusion

When planning a visit to Spain for your foreign trip, always remember to conduct your own research beforehand on the aspects you are excited about. It includes various things, including food, which plays a significant role in tourism in Spain. So when visiting this beautiful country, try at least ten of the most popular traditional dishes.

FAQs

What are popular desserts in Spain?

Some popular desserts in Spain include Tarta de Santiago, Crema Catalana, Creme Caramel, Arroz con Leche, etc.

What are some well-known beverages available in Seville?

When visiting Seville, make sure to try its popular beverages, like Orange wine, Amontillado, Tinto de Verano, etc.

What is the oldest restaurant in Spain?

Sobirno de Botin in Madrid is the oldest restaurant in continuous operation in not only Spain but the whole world.

What is a must-try seafood in Spain?

Some famous seafood you can try in Spain includes Erizo de mar Marisco, Mejillones rellenos, Pescaito Frito, Gambas al Ajillo, etc.