The importance of food to the Spanish can be seen throughout the country. Their food carries a tradition that infiltrates all parts of life. From meals cooked at home, to the locals’ secret spots, to the most innovative Michelin stared establishment, the dishes are crafted with pride and perfection to create the ultimate Spanish food experiences.
Throughout Spain, you’ll find these customs and their regional specialities. From tapas in Grenada to Jamon from the Iberian peninsula, innovative dining in Madrid to drinking Cider from the cast in the Basque country, Spain is somewhere that must be visited to try the best of the cuisine.
Avoid disappointment from eating in the touristy streets and sticking to the places with English menus. Let us show you the 14 Spanish food experiences you need to try.
1. Free tapas in Grenada
Free Tapas? Tell me more. Is it too good to be true? Strictly speaking, they are not free, but they are included with every drink you buy! Did we mention that they are very tasty as well? If you plan on having some drinks, then there is no need to order additional tapas, although a number of these are well worth looking into if you like the sound of a particular dish.
The best way to sample the local eats is to do it as part of a tapas crawl, allowing you to try the specialities of each place. All you will need to do is order a drink and they will bring you a free plate of tapas. Most places will not let you choose and will bring out their specialities or something seasonal, generally, with something different coming out for each drink you order (to a certain degree).
Try the giant Croquettes at Los Manueles, meatballs at La Sitarilla or fried anchovies at Cunini, For fans of the late Anthony Bourdain, Taberna La Tana is one to try. It was featured in an episode of parts unknown and is a great spot to add.
2. Try real Paella in Valencia
Paella is perhaps the most popular Spanish food in the world and if you’re going to try it, then there is no better place than its Birthplace, Valencia.
Paella has evolved over the years from a simple rice and vegetable dish for those working on farms, to a more complex dish of meats, vegetables and saffron rice. Although Valencia is the best place to try it, be wary of touristy spots that often sell very average Paella. Avoid places with large menus in English or with flashy billboards. It is also best to stay away from any places that greet you in English. Be wary of places in the main tourist areas as well!
If you’re looking for one of the true Spanish food experiences, then eating Paella at Restaurant Levante is a good place to start. They serve it in the traditional Valencian style, with meats including rabbit and chicken along with beans. Alternatively, try Casa Carmela which also does an amazing classic Paella.
If you’ve tried the original or would prefer one with seafood or vegetables, try La Pepica. Although not strictly as traditional, seafood Paella is popular among locals and visitors alike. The venue has waterfront views and was a popular eatery of Ernest Hemingway during his stay in Valencia.
If you can’t make it to Spain or would like to try and recreate the magic you ate, give this authentic recipe a go.
3. Russian roulette with Pardon peppers
Pardon Peppers are a popular tapas dish in Spain, originating in the Northwest of the country in the Pardon area. The peppers are blistered over high heat with Spanish olive oil and are served with a sprinkle of salt.
Most pardon peppers are mild. However, they are unique in that some are hot! Although the spicy ones are not crazy hot, they will still have you guessing when you take a bite!
4. Be part of a Tuna fishing trip in Cadiz
If you’re looking for a sustainable fishing trip that dates back thousands of years, then a Tuna fishing trip off the coast of Cadiz is for you. It’s an early rise to get out there, but it is well worth it!
The style of fishing was invented by the Phoenicians over 3000 years ago and uses a special type of net to catch the large fish. The design of the net ensures that other animals such as whales or dolphins are not harmed. The net is often very long to catch the Tuna. Once in the net, the fisherman will dive in to get this fish.
Tours are a once-in-a-lifetime experience and generally include the fishing charter, Tuna tasting and a cooking lesson.
5. LA tomatonia near Valencia
The La tomatonia festival is held in the town of Bunol, near Valencia on the last Wednesday in August. The festival is the largest food fight in the world, with 20000 people taking part in the throwing of over 100 tons of tomatoes. The tomatoes used are generally poor quality tomatoes that are going off or not suitable to be sold.
The festival was thought to have started in the year 1944 or 1945. No one knows the exact cause of the start of the festival but some theories include it started from a broken food cart to a food fight between friends or throwing them at a city council worker.
Whatever caused it, the festival has grown and become a popular tradition for locals and tourists alike. It is truely one of the must do Spanish food experiences you must try!
6. Pintxo hopping in San Sebastian
Pintxos are the Northern version of a Spanish tapa. Pintxo or Pinchos means a skewer or Spike. Therefore, you will find many (but not all) Pintox held together with a skewer. Quite often these will have a base of bread but some preparations will not.
One thing that you will find with the Pintox from San Sebastian is that they are delicious! Something unique about Pintxos is how they are ordered. Typically, cold Pintxos are placed on trays on the bars counter, providing a tantalising selection in front of you to choose from. You will pick out your choices and put them on a plate to enjoy. There are generally also warm tapas on offer which can be ordered from a menu to be made to order.
Some people will eat a couple of Pintox before the main meal as an appetiser but the best way is to go, Pintox Hopping, trying a variety of these tasty bites from across the city. Bar sport is one of the best places to try a variety of Pintxos or otherwise Bar Txepeta is a great spot to try their famous Anchovies.
7. Calcot festival (spring onion festival) in Catalonia
While many of Spain’s festivals are in the warmer months, the Calcot festival takes place in January in the Catalonia province. Thousands of Calcots (similar to a spring onion) are grilled over the fire, perfuming the streets with their scent. These are typically eaten with Romesco sauce, a creamy mix of red peppers, Spanish olive oil, Almonds, tomatoes, garlic and vinegar.
The festivities also involve a variety of other local products such as hams and cheeses along with loaves of bread made with Calcot. You can also expect street carnivals with local live music and people dressed as Calcot’s. If you’re looking for a festival where you can mingle with the locals, then this is the place to go!
Before eating, you must watch the eating competition to see who can eat the most Calcot’s. Following this, you will buy a ticket which gets you Calcots, bread, romesco sauce, red wine and one orange. The perfect meal to show off the local produce!
8. Eat at a 3-star Michelin restaurant at DiverXO Madrid
Considered by many to be one of the top restaurants in the world, DiverXo in Madrid is the brainchild of Dabiz Munoz. Known for his creativity, Dabiz forms a menu that elevates food to an art form, both in visuals, taste and experimentation. The dishes are served on Porcelain canvases in an Avant-grade style of edible art.
Expect a series of dishes such as Iberican pork dumplings with a Spanish broth, Strawberry Gazpacho with smoked chilli, shrimp and liquid croquette or duck hearts that are roasted and served with an abstract splattered sauce. You can also indulge in desserts such as Guava pie with calamansi, beetroot, white chocolate, Thai basil, Lychees and cookie powder.
Reservations should be made well in advance as it is extremely popular. Add this one to your splurge list of Spanish food experiences. You won’t regret it!
9. Drink cider at a Basque cider house
Along with eating Pintox, drinking cider at a Basque cider house is one of the must-try food experiences while in the Basque country. The best time to do this is from December to may when people flock to cider houses across the region.
If you’re visiting San Sebastian, then you can check out Astigarraga, a close-by town with a choice of cider houses. To ensure you get a place, it’s best to book ahead. Many establishments will offer an all-included package with all-you-can-drink cider.
As part of the experience, you must soak up that cider with the local dishes. These often include traditional dishes to match such as omelettes with salt cod, T bone steaks and paprika spiced sausage.
10. Search for the best eats and drinks (Cava) in Barcelona
Barcelona is Spain’s most popular city for travellers and attracts visitors from all walks of life. From towering cathedrals to Unique architecture from Gaudi to buildings from the Roman times. Add the sun-drenched beaches and vibrant nightlife and you’ve already got enough of a reason to visit.
However, if this isn’t enough, it is well worth exploring the city’s amazing dining scene. From local Catalan favourites such as Jamon or seafood, tapas or Michelin stared, there is a wide variety of foods for everyone. In saying that, there are many subpar eateries within the tourist areas, so it’s important to do your research or let the experts take you on a tour.
If you’re going to eat, then you will need something to wash it down. While champagne often is the sparkling wine of choice for many, Cava from the Catalan region is high quality and dry, a perfect drink to eat with local seafood or tapas.
11. Eat the finest Jamon
Spain is home to arguably the best ham in the world, Jamon Iberico. Jamon Iberico comes from a special breed, the black-foot pig. The pigs are fed a strict diet (the best mostly acorn) and are generally aged between two and four years. For some foodies, this is up there with the top foods in the world to try.
If you wish to try this ham, then the best place is on the Iberian peninsula. Much like champagne in the Champagne region of France, Jamon Iberico is produced in a strictly defined area.
If you’re unable to get your hands on Jamon Iberico, then a well-aged Jamon serrano is a nice alternative. Though not as extravagant, there is a nice flavour profile and a good fat ratio. In saying that, we’d recommend you get your hands on some Jamon Iberico! It may be the best ham you’ve ever had and truly one of the top Spanish food experiences!
12. Look for truffles in Aragon
One of the most expensive foods per gram in the world, truffles present a rich earthiness that enhances almost anything they touch. This touch of luxury is produced mainly in the Zaragoza or Turuel regions of Spain. Zaragoza is roughly 3 hours from either Barcelona, Madrid, Valencia or San Sebastian, making it the perfect spot to spend a few nights and join in a tour.
If you’re lucky enough to be there from December to March, you can join the truffle farmers and their dogs in a truffle hunt! Many of the experiences on offer will also include a truffle tasting and/or a truffle-based dinner at a nearby Michelin stared restaurant.
13. Eat percebes from the cliffs
If you’re a fan of seafood, then eating percebes is an experience that should really be on your bucket list. They are said to have a taste of the ocean somewhat like a clam but also the sweetness and richness of a lobster, it is a local delicacy worth travelling for. You’ll find these along the Galician coastline in North Western Spain.
These little bites don’t come cheap, costing up to 200 euros a kg, making them one of the most expensive seafood items in the world. Their expense comes partly due to their taste but also due to the difficulty in harvesting. To obtain them, locals will brave the wild surf and climb the sheer cliffs to remove the percebes.
14. Take a cooking class
Unleash your creative side and experience a cooking class while on your trip to Spain. Recreate Paella in Valencia, and make tapas in Barcelona or Salmorejo in Seville. The cooking classes on offer focus on creating authentic dishes in a fun environment. Some will involve local wine parings or visits to food markets to search for your ingredients.
If you’re serious about cooking, you can take multi-day classes where you can learn techniques used in Michelin-starred restaurants. Other Multi-day classes focus on a fully immersive experience of the local food customs and traditions with accommodation included. Whichever class you choose, you will be sure to add this to your top Spanish food experiences list.
Like next door Portugal , Spain has a number of must try foods and experiences. What experience are you most keen to try? Let us know in the comments or let us know if there is something else that’s amazing that we missed.
[…] If you’re looking for some spots to try it check out our guide to the best Spanish food experiences which includes trying Paella in Valencia! […]