One of our favorite things to do when we travel is to try as many of the traditional local foods as possible. Of course, in order to try all the different traditional foods from Spain, you need to know what they are! That’s where we come in, providing you with the list and some ideas on where to find them. Keep in mind that different regions of Spain are known for different foods, so if you’re going to a region that is well known for something, definitely try it!
Foods to Try from Spain
There are so many different delicious foods to get in Spain. From the local, fresh seafood in the Catalunya region to the fresh paella in Valencia, to all the great potato dishes throughout the other regions of Spain. Of course, you can’t forget the pulpo that is so famous in Spain.
Breakfast Foods from Spain
Pan con Tomate
Pan con Tomate literally translates to “bread with tomato”. It is so simple but so delicious! A fresh piece of bread is toasted, then rubbed with garlic and topped with grated tomato, some olive oil, and salt. I highly recommend trying this dish. It is so simple that you can even make it at home (we do!). Some places may even give you the tomato on the side so you can build it yourself.
Pincho de Tortillas
Tortillas de patatas- or tortillas de papa, or in English, potato omelette- is a staple in Spanish cuisine. A pincho de tortilla is a slice of tortilla that is perfect for breakfast. In Spain, you’ll find the tortillas in many restaurants and even in the food markets. You’ll notice that the tortillas de papa are runnier than you might expect.
Huevos Rotos
Aside from pincho de tortilla, huevos rotos might be my favorite breakfast (or really any time food) from Spain. Huevos rotos literally translates to “broken eggs.” It is two (or more) fried eggs over a bed of potatoes with some sauce. You break the egg yolks and really enjoy the best breakfast.
Tapas from Spain
Bocadillo
A bocadillo is a salty small sandwich. It can be filled with any number of different types of fillings. Most commonly, you’ll find that they have jamón iberico, calamari, or different kinds of cheese. Manchego is a type of cheese that is made in Spain. It can also be a delicious breakfast.
Croquettes
Croquettes are probably my absolute favorite tapa! These little fried bites are so good. It is a bechamel sauce usually mixed with another filling, then breaded and fried. In Spain, you’ll find a lot of jamón croquettes. You can find them in most restaurants for tapas and even in the food markets.
Padron Peppers
Padrón peppers, also known as piquillo peppers, are from Spain. These have a spicy and sweet flavor. For tapas, they are heated up until they have a nice roasted skin, then served. If you are a lover of spice, I’d recommend trying these peppers.
Albondigas
Albondigas are meatballs. They are usually served in a tomato sauce as tapas. Usually, albondigas are larger than the ones you’ll find in spaghetti and meatballs. They are definitely a must-try tapas.
Gambas al Ajillo
Gambas al ajillo is a delicious tapa made with shrimp with a garlic sauce. It is easy and quick to make, which makes it the perfect tapa. It is a great way to experience the local, fresh seafood from Spain!
Jamon Iberico
Spain is a great place to explore a love affair with ham. Jamón Iberico is the best ham in Spain. As a tapa, you’ll get a board of jamón to eat. You’ll also find many Jamón Iberico legs hanging in grocery stores and restaurants. We recommend going to the Museum of Jamón for some Jamón Iberico. Also, markets have cones of jamón you can eat (my favorite).
Patatas Bravas
Patatas bravas are one of my favorite foods from Spain. The potatoes or patatas are perfectly fried, then smothered in a brava sauce. This is a red, flavorful sauce. Honestly, they never serve it with enough sauce, but we will survive. It is an excellent side to any meal, or if you’re enjoying the potatoes, get it as a full meal. While the sauce is red, it is not spicy because it’s made with sweet and smoky paprika.
Food from Spain
Pulpo a la Gallega
This traditional Galician dish is octopus. Traditionally, it is boiled then served with a sauce. Personally, I prefer my pulpo chargrilled to give it a nice flavor. It is an incredibly popular dish that showcases Spain’s fresh seafood. If you are feeling adventurous, I’d recommend trying it.
Gazpacho
Do you love tomato soup? What about tomato juice? Well then, gazpacho is for you!! It is a cold tomato soup. So you get the creaminess of the tomato soup with the chilling summer vibes of the tomato juice. Perfect for the summer when the tomatoes are at their best. Get some with a pinch of tortilla.
Paella Valenciana
If you’re traveling through Valencia, Spain, like we did, then you have to try their traditional Paella. Paella is probably the food Spain is most known for. It is a rice dish that is cooked in a giant skillet with spices, broth, and several proteins. Traditionally, the Valencian Paella is made with “land” animals, making it a land paella. You will see it with lamb, chicken, duck, and even snails. You can also get a seafood paella made with all sorts of local, fresh seafood. But if you cannot decide, then get the mixta, which is both land and seafood!
Bacalao
Bacalao can refer to two different things. The first is a dried and salted cod. The second is a flavorful and slightly spicy stew with tomatoes, roasted peppers, potatoes, and olives. Of course, it also includes the salted cod. It is a great meal to really enjoy local seafood (which I’ve said many times, I know!).
Desserts from Spain
Churros
Churros are well-known desserts from Spain. These fried pieces of dough are coated in sugar. In Spain, you’ll find both thin and thick churros. Churros will also be served with a hot chocolate for you to dip the churros into. I wouldn’t recommend getting a chocolate for each person as they’re thick and very chocolatey, and a little goes a long way, perfect for sharing.
Tarta de Santiago
If you enjoy almond cakes, this one is for you! With its origin in the Middle Ages and from the Camino de Santiago area of Spain, this cake is truly a traditional part of Spanish culture. You can find this cake in most parts of Spain. It is made with almonds, lemon, and cinnamon for a bright, light cake! Traditionally, it has a Cruz de Santiago outlined with powdered sugar.
Crema Catalana
This is Spain’s version of a crème brûlée. Instead of being made with cream and vanilla, crema catalana is made with milk, citrus, and cinnamon. Just like its French counterpart, it has a caramelized sugar on top. Definitely a dessert worth getting.
Leche Frita
From northern Spain, you get fried milk! It is made by cooking flour with milk and sugar until it creates a thick, firm dough, which is portioned and then fried. Leche frita gives French toast vibes. It is a firm, milk pudding with a warm and crunchy shell. A sweet treat worth trying.
Turrón
Turrón is one of the things we recommend bringing home as a souvenir from Spain. It is made with honey, sugar, egg whites, and toasted almonds. There are hard and soft turróns, plus they have more flavors mixed in. It is a very popular dessert and treat in Spain, especially over Christmas.
Final Thoughts About the Food from Spain
Spain has so many delicious dishes and desserts to try. From its famous tapas to paella to turrón, you can totally eat your way through Spain. Each region has its own local traditional foods that you should try locally. But thankfully, even if you aren’t traveling around Spain, you’ll be able to try all the food above. Let us know which is your favorite Spanish food!
