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As foodies whose hobbies include eating our way through some of the most delicious destinations, Spain is high on our list. Specifically Spanish tapas.
One of our favorite ways to experience this Mediterranean gem is through tapas, where bite-sized portions of cured meats, savory olives, crusty bread smothered in garlic and tomato, and more pair perfectly with – depending on where you are in the country – a glass of sparkling white wine, a bit of sherry or vermouth!
When To Eat Tapas?
In Spain, tapas are also the perfect in-between mini-meal but the thing is, there’s a bit of an art to eating tapas in Spain – also known as pintxos in the Basque region — from how to order them, when to go (hint: much later than you think!) and what to order.
Whether it’s your first time to the country or just need a refresher course for your next visit, here’s everything you need to know about Spanish tapas to help you enjoy them like a pro.
Spanish Tapas Origin
But before we dive in on everything you need to know about Spanish tapas, let’s look back at the origin story. How tapas became the Spanish tradition they are today is debatable, but the origins do make for some interesting stories.
Some of the more popular tales explain that tapas are a result of bar keepers who would use a piece of bread or some meat and cheese to cover customers’ glasses to keep out debris and flies. Fun fact: In Spanish, tapa literally means “cover” or “lid.”
There’s also another story that goes way back to King Alfonso X ‘The Wise’ who noshed on small portions of food to offset the effects of the large amounts of wine he drank while he was bedridden. When he got better, he declared the small bites and wine combination mandatory to his people.
Whatever the story is, we think a proper tapas crawl is a great way to feed our appetite in a quintessentially Spanish way. Here are your essentials to tapear (yes, there is a verb for going to eat tapas!) like a local:
How To Order Tapas
Generally, going for tapas is a casual affair and is most commonly enjoyed standing up at the bar counter, though you could also grab a small table if available or a seat outside (though note: you’ll likely pay a little more to sit out on the terrace).
In a bar full of people, your best bet is to order all at once, food and drinks included. In some places, you might receive a complimentary tapa when you order a beer – order a caña – or drink. This used to be customary and is a rare find these days, though you can still find the tradition in some cities throughout Spain, including Barcelona.
If you’re out on a crawl though, don’t order too much to save room for the next bar (and the next). Feeling more than peckish? Order a larger portion to share, also known as raciones, which are probably too large to tackle on your own but perfect amongst friends. You might also be able to order media raciones, or a portion that is half the size of a ración.
Oh, and don’t worry about paying upfront, ask for la cuenta when you’re finished.
When To Eat Tapas
If you wander in to an establishment before 9PM and find it completely empty, no need to panic, this is totally normal. In other words, eating any time before 9PM is early by Spanish standards. This is probably much later than you’re accustomed to stateside, which is why going for tapas makes it the perfect holdover before dinner.
Since tascas (or bars) begin to get packed after 9PM, if you’re newer to the tapas scene or aren’t a fan of super crowded places where you really have to assert yourself for the barkeeper’s attention, we recommend heading out before then for a more mellow experience
Classic Tapas To Try
Now that you’re armed with a few practical tips on how and when to eat tapas, here are some of the most popular tapas to try:
Pa amb tomàquet, or Pan con tomate
Here, tomato is rubbed over a slice or piece of toasted bread and drizzled with quality olive oil and a sprinkle of salt. It is best associated with the Catalan region, which means you’ll find this all over in Barcelona. Pan con tomate is a Catalan classic.
Patatas Bravas
Chunky fried potatoes are topped with bravas sauce, made with red pepper, chili and other spices and an aioli. You’ve probably tried this in the States but we think these crispy snacks are best enjoyed the traditional way (meaning spicy), which Madrid gets credit for and is available throughout Spain.
Jamon Iberico
Cured ham is thinly sliced and often served with cheese and bread. Though this isn’t your ordinary ham. In Spain, the best Jamon Iberico is made from acorn-fed black Iberian pigs.
La Bomba
A Barcelona specialty, bombas are breaded and fried balls stuffed with potato and meat, and dressed in brava sauce and aioli, similar to a croquette (another popular tapa).
Gambas al Ajillo
Spicy, fried garlicky shrimp is another typical Spanish tapa. The best part? Sopping up the flavorful, leftover oil with a piece of bread.
How about you? What is your favorite Spanish food? Let us know in the comments below.
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Photo Credit: Ingrid Hofstra
