Traditional Dishes in Spain Worth Trying

Traditional dishes in Spain are an important part of the country's culture and one of the main reasons why tourists fall in love with Spain.
Spanish cuisine is diverse, rich in flavours and varies greatly from region to region.

If you are planning a trip and want to know what to try in Spain, below you will find a list of the most famous and popular traditional dishes found on restaurant menus throughout the country.

Popular traditional dishes in Spain

Here you can find a wide variety of traditional dishes and local delicacies!

Spain is a real paradise for foodies! 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 one of Spain's most famous traditional dishes, 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 a snack, 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 a 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

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

Features and diversity of Spanish cuisine

Spanish cuisine has been shaped by the climate, geography and cultural traditions of different regions of the country. That is why traditional Spanish dishes can vary greatly depending on the area — from hearty meat dishes in inland regions to light Mediterranean cuisine on the coast.

In Spain, it is not only the food itself that is important, but also the culture of eating. Traditional lunches and dinners take place at specific times, and shared meals with tapas are an important part of social life.

If you are interested in learning more about Spanish cuisine, we recommend exploring individual regional cuisines and traditional drinks.

• Traditional drinks of Spain — wine, sangria, cava and other popular drinks that accompany Spanish cuisine.
• Catalan cuisine: dishes worth trying in Barcelona — the distinctive features of Catalan cuisine and the region's most famous dishes.
• Traditional Food in Madrid — hearty dishes from the capital and gastronomic traditions of central Spain.
• Traditional Valencian cuisine: what you must try — the homeland of paella and other Mediterranean dishes.
• Andalusian cuisine — what to try in southern Spain — light dishes, gazpacho, tapas and gastronomy of the southern regions.