Everyone knows that one of the many joys of traveling is getting to experience the local cuisine and try the dishes that make up the local culture. Sampling new and delicious foods is one of the simplest ways to understand more about the place that you’re visiting. Spain is a country that is known for its rich, inviting, and delectable cuisine, so here are 5 dishes that you absolutely need to try when you visit!

A bit about Spanish cuisine

Spanish cuisine is so diverse from region to region, as each part of the country has its own dishes that mark the uniqueness of its history and heritage. The Spanish utilize the best of the local ingredients at hand, whether they be fresh, seasonal produce, seafood from the Mediterranean and Atlantic, or meat from the interior of the country. However, there are many dishes and tapas that every Spaniard can agree upon that make up the heart of the country’s cuisine, some of which are selected here.

Paella

Without a doubt, the first dish that you need to try is Spain’s national dish, paella. This savory rice dish is full of flavor and features some of the best local ingredients around. While there are many varieties, the original recipe, paella valenciana, is by far the most popular. This version includes chicken, rabbit, and vegetables, and is quite hearty. However, there are paella recipes for all tastes, as this dish can also contain any number of vegetables, seafood, or meats.

Spanish ham

There’s no way we can talk about Spanish cuisine and not mention Spanish ham! Jamón ibérico is the king of Spanish hams, with a buttery texture that almost seems to melt in your mouth. It’s best eaten as is, in paper-thin slices straight from the ham leg. However, Spanish ham also tastes delicious when paired with Spanish cheese, Spanish tomato bread, or on a baguette to fill in a sandwich. 

Croquetas

Croquetas are one of the most popular tapas in Spain since they are easy to share, can be eaten in just a few bites, and are absolutely delicious. These little bites are filled with ingredients like Spanish ham, chicken, or vegetables, mixed with bechamel sauce, and then fried until golden and crispy. They are one of the ultimate comfort foods since they are crunchy, salty, and definitely hit the spot when you’re craving something fried. Want to try some of the best? Join Food Lover Tour on an amazing food adventure and you can sample some of our favorites!

Gazpacho

A healthier alternative, but still amazingly flavorful, is gazpacho. Mostly a summertime specialty, this chilled tomato soup is light, refreshing, and quite delicious for how simple it is. Spain is known to have intensely hot summers, so cooling down with a cold bowl of gazpacho is one surefire way to beat the heat. It’s also a tasty way to get in a couple servings of veggies, since this soup is packed with tomatoes, cucumbers, and bell peppers!

Tortilla de patatas

Tortilla de patatas, or Spanish omelet, is a dish that every Spaniard says that their mother prepares the best. This omelet is filled with fried potatoes and cooked until golden on the outside, resulting in the most delicious, comforting egg dish you will ever try. It’s another tapas bar favorite since it’s simple, easy to eat and share, and really fills you up. 

If you want to really see what Spanish cuisine is all about, come join Food Lover Tour on a food tour you’ll never forget! Our culinary adventures will show you where the locals themselves love to eat, drink, and shop in Barcelona, Madrid, Seville, Granada, and Malaga in Spain, and in Porto and Lisbon in Portugal!