Traditional dishes in Spain

Features and variety of Spanish cuisine

Each region of Spain is a separate world with its own traditions, culture, music and of course cuisine. Spaniards are very fond of tasty and varied meals. Meal times are sacred here. Lunch and dinner are held at a certain hour, and very often they eat out of the house. And, if you come from another country and come to have lunch for example at 16:30, you will be disappointed - you will be told that lunch time has passed and the maximum that they can offer is sandwiches, if they do not close at all after lunch. Yes, they do, you need to be prepared for this and plan your day. Same with dinner - most local restaurants don't serve it until after 20:00-21:00.

Famous traditional dishes in Spain

Here you can find a wide variety of traditional dishes and local delicacies! Spain is a real paradise for gourmets! The cuisine of southern, northern and central Spain varies greatly, but regardless of the region, the following dishes are almost always available in local restaurants:

Paella

Paella is probably the most famous Spanish dish, originating in Valencia. It is based on rice, seafood or meat, as well as a variety of spices. The secret to a great paella is the right balance of ingredients and the chef's ability to control the cooking process. There are many variations of paella, from the classic with chicken and rabbit to vegetarian with vegetables.

Gazpacho

Gazpacho is a cold soup made from fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers and sometimes garlic (depending on taste), originating in Andalusia. It is ideal for hot summer days. Gazpacho is not only refreshing, but also rich in vitamins, making it both delicious and healthy. What's more, this soup is easy to make - just blend all the ingredients together and it's ready!

Tortilla

Traditional Spanish tortilla consists of eggs, potatoes and onions. It can be found in every shop and restaurant, and is quite easy to make yourself. It is essentially a potato omelette, which is served as a separate dish or, as an appetiser, a small piece of tortilla is placed on bread.

Chorizo

Chorizo is Spain's most popular sausage, made from pork with added spices, mainly paprika, which ensures long-term storage and a unique flavour. It can be eaten raw or used as an ingredient in hot dishes.

Jamón

Jamón is a gastronomic symbol of Spanish cuisine, the perfect appetiser for any occasion, pairing beautifully with wine, cheese and olives. It is cured pork leg. There are two main types: jamón serrano, made from white pigs, and the more expensive jamón ibérico, made from the meat of Iberian black pigs that feed on acorns.

Churros

These are crispy strips of fried dough sprinkled with sugar. They are served with hot chocolate.