Discover the art of eating tapas in Spain
This tradition, so characteristic of Spanish culture, is a way of life that you'll love to experience. So much more than simply dining or snacking, going for tapas is about tasting, pairing and, most importantly, exploring the lively gastronomic corners of each city, in good company. Whether at midday or in the evening, Spanish tapas can be an appetiser before a main meal or the lunch or dinner itself. From patatas bravas to Iberian ham... it all depends on how many tapas you dare to try! There is much debate about the true origin of Spanish tapas. Some historians situate them in 19th century Andalusia, while others trace them back to the time of King Alfonso X in the 13th century. It's now an established custom throughout the country and each region has its own version of this delicious ritual. There are even places where tapas come free with your drink. We encourage you to discover places for tapas in some Spanish cities. Let's go out to the bars!
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Tapas and pintxos from the north
In Vigo, the area around Pescadería Street, often referred to as oyster street, is the most popular area for tapas. There you can taste the authentic cuisine of Galicia and, especially, one of the jewels of the Vigo estuary: oysters. Just a few metres away, you'll also find the Mercado de la Piedra, a space with open-air stalls dating back to the 19th century and currently offering quality local foods such as cheeses, wines, fruits, vegetables and seafood. Plaza del Rey and Monte de O Castro or Plaza de Compostela, are other recommended places to try pulpo a feira (Galician-style octopus) or Galician empanada. In the capital of Cantabria, Santander, the Plaza de Cañadío and the nearby streets of Arrabal and Medio comprise an essential tapas route. Puertochico or the Barrio Pesquero are other great areas to try the popular rabas (fried squid), Santoña anchovies, northern bonito and other fish delicacies and fresh seafood dishes. At the Mercado del Este, in addition to choosing from a varied gastronomic offering, you can visit the Museum of Prehistory and Archaeology of Cantabria. In Pamplona, the Plaza del Castillo, a symbol of the city for its magnificent historic buildings, iconic taverns and restaurants, is the busiest area. The area is full of sunny terraces where you can savour typical pintxos such as eggs with chistorra (a type of Spanish sausage), lean pork with tomato, small casseroles of cod or pochas a la navarra (a type of bean), stuffed piquillo peppers and the so-called 'béchamel appetisers'.
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Tapas and heritage in the interior of Spain
The traditional appetisers of Ávila, a place well known for its impressive city wall, are served in San Segundo, the street par excellence for tapas, next to the famous Plaza de la Cathedral. The popular patatas revolconas, made with mashed potatoes, paprika and torreznos (fried pork rinds). The pedestrian zone of San Francisco in Cuenca is known for its charming little bars and great atmosphere. There, you'll find popular pork cold cuts, morteruelo (a type of meat pâté), zarajos (lamb tripe wrapped around a vine stick), gachas manchegas (a traditional manchego dish), breadcrumbs with egg, or game dishes like stewed partridge and braised rabbit. In Toledo, one of the largest heritage sites in Europe awaits you. In the old town, just a few steps from Plaza de Zocodover, we recommend trying the iconic bomba, a potato stuffed with meat covered in aioli and tomato sauce, or the carcamusas a la toledana, made with pork and spicy sauce.
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The generous tapas of Andalusia and the flavours of the orchard in Murcia
In the heart of Jaén, in the San Ildefonso neighbourhood, you can find generous amounts of tapas in both traditional taverns and more avant-garde restaurants. You'll find everything from olives, capers, or the classic panaceite (bread with olive oil) that highlight the importance of olive oil in this region and much of Andalusia, to the traditional migas serranas (a traditional dish of breadcrumbs, garlic, and olive oil, often with chorizo or pork). If you visit Murcia, you should know that the entire city centre is a tapas area. The areas surrounding the Cathedral, Plaza Santo Domingo and Gran Vía, Plaza San Juan and the famous Plaza de las Flores are ideal places to enjoy typical appetisers such as meat pies and empanadillas (small savoury pastries filled with meat, fish or vegetables), marineras (small pieces of bread topped with tuna salad and anchovies) and spicy mussels, baked octopus and all kinds of montaditos (small open-faced sandwiches). With michirones (bean stew) or zarangollo (scrambled eggs with courgette, onion and potato), you'll discover why this land is famous for its fresh garden produce.
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‘Póngame un pizco y enyesque’
Did you know that in the Canary Islands, tapas are called enyesque? 'Póngame un pizco y enyesque' is a local expression used to order a drink with a tapa. The Mayor de Triana Street in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria is the trendy area where you can sample everything from classic Canarian dishes – such as potatoes with red mojo sauce or the famous rancho canario (pork or beef with meat, potatoes, beans and vegetables) – to pokes or baos.
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Awards for the best tapas
The art of tapas in Spain is so deeply rooted that there are an increasing number of competitions that reward the quality and originality of tapas. An important national award is given at the well-attended gastronomic conference Madrid Fusion. The World Tapas Day is another of the great Spanish events where culinary art is served. This annual event invites all the country's restaurateurs to unleash their creativity and present their proposals to pay tribute to these exquisite and tempting delicacies.
We’re sure your mouth is already watering... Just a heads up, one tapa always whets your appetite for the next, and before you know it, you’ll have spent a great time laughing and chatting. So let’s go for tapas!
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