Smart Traveller

Sunny Spain is famed for its sandy beaches, musical and dance culture, fine and contemporary art and popularity amongst British ex-pats. Nation of the late, great, artist Salvador Dali and hosting some of Europe’s best contemporary art museums in Madrid and Barcelona, Spanish cuisine and food culture have been somewhat overshadowed by neighbouring France, although with the popularisation of spicy foods amongst the British, this doesn’t seem set to last. Most famed for seafood and chicken dishes with a spicy edge, Spanish cuisine has a lot to offer, so without further ado, here is our list of top ten mouth-watering foods you should try when you journey into Spain.

Pescado frito (fried fish)

A simple dish, usually served freshly-fried, made most often from white fish, fried in a salt-seasoned batter and served with fresh lemon to squeeze over. Originating amongst 16th century Andalusian Jews as a traditional Shabbat (holy day) fish dish, the light batter means it is delicious eaten hot or cold and is best enjoyed with a lager or light beer.

The Almeria area of Andalusia is great for authentic pescado frito, most notably the well-named harbour, Rambla del Pescado Frito. Here there are several local restaurants and tapas houses that serve fried fresh-caught fish as an appetizer.

Gazpacho (cold tomato soup)

An excellent summer dish, as its cold serving temperature and refreshing flavours cleanse the palate. Thought to have originated from the Middle Ages, when Spain was part of the Arab world, gazpacho is made from tomatoes, bread, cucumbers, garlic and peppers, although there are now many variations on this traditional dish. Hailing from the countryside areas of Andalusia, including areas such as Seville and Cordoba, the traditional version is best found in this region, although popular alternatives can be found in Malaga.

Gambas Ajillo (garlic prawns)

Made with peeled, butterflied king prawns that are sauteed in olive oil with garlic and chili flakes, this is a simple but flavourful dish that originates from the Catalan region of Spain, but is now most popular in Madrid. A great place to sample gambas ajillo is La Casa del Abuelo, Madrid, a tiled taberna that has been serving this dish as a house specialty for around 100 years.

Patatas Bravas (spicy potatoes)

Literally meaning “fierce”, “ferocious” or even “angry” potatoes, patatas bravas is one of the spiciest tapas dishes available and was first conceived of in Madrid. Consisting of fried potatoes smothered in a spicy sauce made of tomatoes, vinegar and chili, it is usually served hot and can be found in most bars and tapas restaurants.

For a twist to the traditional recipe, try finding patatas bravas in Valencia, where the sauce is made of olive oil, chili, paprika and vinegar.

Paella (Spanish rice dish)

Ubiquitous with the idea of Spain, paella is thought to have originated in the Valencia region of Spain, where the original recipe features chicken, pork and rabbit. However, several versions have since become popular, often featuring ingredients such as prawns and other seafood, chorizo and even squid ink, which turns the dish black (known as “arroz negro”).

Although there are many variations on this classic theme, for an original paella, the Valencia region is the best way to experience the authentic Spanish paella. The town of paella’s birth, namely El Palmar, is reputed to have some of Spain’s best traditional paella.

Tortilla Espaaola (Spanish omlette)

Made from eggs, onions and potatoes, this thick omlette is a vegetarian specialty that is first referenced in a text dating back to 1817. Popularised during the early Carlist wars, the Spanish omlette has many varieties, but the best place to try the original recipe is the Basque region in the north of Spain, where the recipe is rumoured to have been conceived.

Pulpo a la Gallega (Galician octopus)

Unlike the more famous calamari (fried squid), pulpo a la Gallega boils the squid, before adding paprika, rock salt and olive oil. The simple seasoning means the flavour of the fish isn’t disguised, which is a great way to experience the fresh flavour of the seafood.

The best region to try this delicious seafood dish is Santiago de Compostela or A Coruua, in the Galician region of Spain, where you should enjoy the dish with a cold glass of white wine.

Cochinillo Asado (roast suckling pig)

Cochinillo asado is a whole roast piglet, with crispy skin and succulent meat in the centre, traditionally served for celebrations and large events. The meat should be tender enough to cut with a spoon and the pigs are usually 21 days old, having only been suckled on mother’s milk before they are slaughtered. Segovia is the most famous region for the dish, which is best enjoyed with a glass of red wine, such as a Spanish rioja.

Chufas Horchata (tigernut milk)

A refreshing and uniquely Spanish soft drink made from tiger nuts (small tubers that grow in warm temperatures and sandy soils, such as the Spanish climate), water and sugar. A great alternative to milk for the lactose intolerant, tigernut milk is a refreshing and nutritious drink that originates from the Muslim occupation of Valencia between the eighth and thirteenth centuries.

Tigernut milk is a typical drink especially in summer, as it is served ice-cold. The best place to find tigernut milk is the Alboraya region of Valencia, where the tigernuts are grown.

Chorizo (spicy Spanish sausage)

Chorizo is a traditional smoked Spanish sausage, flavoured with Pimenton, a smoked Spanish paprika, to leave it with a spicy flavour, resulting in a spicy red oil being released from the sausage when it is cooked. Often used in paella and other dishes, chorizo has a unique flavour that differs according the paprika used during the smoking process. It can be eaten hot or cold and can be found in any good tapas restaurant in Spain.

Those wanting to enjoy an authentic visit to Spain should be sure to try each of the above dishes to get a true appreciation for the delicious Spanish cuisine.

David Wilcox is a travel writer for Travel Supermarket. He developed a passion for travelling at a young age and has been lucky enough to visit some amazing countries on his travels including Thailand, America, Mexico, Sri Lanka, Dubai, Spain, Gambia and many more.