SpainFood and Drink

Food is celebrated and rarely rushed. Sunday lunches unfold unhurriedly. Dinners are eaten after the sun sets. The culture of Spain is personified on the dining table with family and friends talking for hours over favourite dishes and aperitifs, wines, and coffee. The service is often slow, but no one seems to mind. Hard, salty cheeses, dried black olives, almonds in paprika, green olive oil with crusty freshly baked bread, fruity sangria and the meal hasn’t even begun. The Spanish like to take their time and enjoy the bounty of their agriculturally rich land. Fast food still hasn’t taken a hold on this country where hours are wiled away on patios in ancient squares over endless courses.

What is Spain's traditional cuisine?

Spain is diverse and the food reflects this beautifully. The style of cuisine—more seafood by the water and more meat inland—is also dependent on the history and traditions of the region. In the Basque country, grilled tender meats and codfish. In Catalonia wild mushrooms and smoky eggplant pairs with a meaty tempranillo from Rioja. On the islands, sauteed artichokes fill platters and grilled cuttlefish with lemon are simply prepared but perfect. Paella, a saffron infused rice and seafood dish, can be found with regional modifications the country over. Gazpacho, a fresh tomato and vegetable cold soup is so much part of the Spanish diet, McDonald’s in Spain sell their own version. For the very opposite of tradition, explore la nueva cocina, a style of avant-garde cooking invented by visionary chef, Barcelona born, Ferran Adrià. Molecular gastronomy involves freeze drying, liquid nitrogen or dry-ice, in an entirely modern take on traditional Spanish fare.

In Spain, the tradition of eating tapas, referring to a small portion of food, has evolved over centuries from simple small-bites before a meal, to regionally diverse and flavourful small dishes making up an entire meal. Most common basic foods eaten as tapas are uncooked items such as cured meats, olives and cheese. Patatas bravas, fried potatoes with a spicy sauce, calamari, and tortilla de patatas, a spanish omelet, are popular cooked tapas dishes. They’ve become a symbol of Spain, bringing people together over good conversation, and shared food.

What is the dining etiquette in Spain?

Dining hours in Spain are late, and might take some adjustment getting used to. Lunch is typically between 2pm to 4pm, while dinner is normally no earlier than 9pm. That said, in traveller-heavy areas such as Barcelona, finding spots open all day is possible. Meals are a social event, commonly with friends and family, stretched out over many hours. The more the merrier; bringing along an extra friend to an evening is viewed as normal, unless its a dining reservation with a limited number of seats. Slow eating and drinking is the norm.

If dining in a formal restaurant, there will likely be a host to seat you, otherwise it's common to grab a table yourself. Try not to waste food, this is viewed as irresponsible and rude. If you are offered a second serving, it's best to decline rather than leave uneaten food on the plate. When finished eating, place your cutlery parallel on the plate. If there is bread on the table, don’t hesitate to use it to soak up the remaining food sauce or juices.

The service style in Spain is not focused on speed, but rather the guest enjoying their time. You will likely need to politely flag serving staff down for another drink, or the bill at the end of the evening. They typically do not rush guests out, as it's common for locals to remain seated for hours.

What is the drinking etiquette in Spain?

Alcohol and non-alcoholic beverages are readily available across Spain in a wide selection of cafes and bars, such as bodegas, tascas, tabernas, and cervecerías (beer houses). Socializing commonly involves drinks, but enjoyed at a slow pace throughout the evening. That said, public intoxication is not common. Don’t be surprised if a tiny portion of food arrives with your drink, the phenomenon of tapas coming free with a beverage delights many travellers. If enjoying a drink with locals, it is common for the host to toast saying salud, with guests offering more toasts later on in the evening.

Beer is not nearly as popular as wine in Spain, however Madrid’s brew, Mahou, is tasty. Wines are big and bold and even the whites are full bodied in this land where more vineyards exist than anywhere in the world. Internationally, Spanish wine has become immensely popular with the success of wine-producing regions including La Rioja and Ribera del Duero. With 13% of the country planted with grape vines, it’s no wonder the Spanish drink their own.

Does Spain cater to dietary restrictions?

Traditional food from most regions in Spain commonly contain animal products, whether it be pork, seafood or eggs. Finding vegetarian options, or vegan, can be challenging especially in more rural locations, while larger cities have plenty of options to school from. Spain is known for its many traditional dishes that are gluten-free, such as patatas bravas, tortilla de patatas, and many paella rice dishes. Do research before dining out to find spots that are more accommodating to any restrictions. That said, also travel with a card which translates any dietary restrictions you may have to attempt to communicate with restaurant staff. Staff will likely be gracious and attempt to accommodate any needs in cities Barcelona, Granada, and Madrid. Spain also maintains a list of halal certified establishments. Pre-packaged foods in grocery stores will be labeled for major allergens, as Spain follows the EU labeling regulations.

What do meals typically cost in Spain?

A lunch time fixed meal, known as menú del día, is a popular option, generally offering three courses including a small glass of house wine straight from the barrel. Depending on where you are in Spain, expect to pay $10-18. These fixed menus are less frequently found at night, often times with the pricing higher on weekends, or a slightly more elaborate offering. An even less expensive offering to find is a plato combinado, when one plate is served with a couple of mixed grill items, such as a meat, potatoes, egg or salad often for $8-11.