When it comes to culinary delights, Spain offers a treasure trove of flavors, and at the heart of this gastronomic bounty lies the beloved and now internationally popular tradition of tapas. These small, savory dishes, originally served on a saucer covering the drink glass (the tapa), offer a delightful way to explore the rich culinary heritage of the country. My short dictionary of tapas will guide you on a delicious, but not alphabetical, journey through Spain's most popular and tastiest tapas, their region of origin, how they came about - and my favourite restaurants to try them. While not every tapa is my personal favorite, I'm pretty sure you will find you favorite among them! Table of Contents 1. Patatas Bravas 2. Gambas al Ajillo 3. Tortilla Española 4. Pulpo a la Gallega 5. Salmorejo 6. Huevos Rotos 7. Jamón Ibérico 8. Albóndigas 9. Boquerones en Vinagre 10. Pimientos de Padrón 11. Chorizo a la Sidra 12. Calamares a la Romana 13. Croquetas 14. Pan con Tomate 15. Berenjenas a la Miel 16. Pinchos Morunos 17. Espinacas con Garbanzos 18. Setas a la Plancha Put a Tapa on it Don't Miss 1. Patatas Bravas Region: Madrid and Nationwide Description: These crispy fried potatoes are served with a spicy tomato sauce and a creamy aioli. The contrast between the fiery bravas sauce and the cool aioli makes this dish a must-try. Where to Try: Taberna do Bispo in Santiago de Compostela is renowned for its exceptional patatas bravas, boasting perfectly crispy potatoes and a sauce that strikes the ideal balance between spice and flavor. They are truly some of the best I've - and I've had more than my share! They also serve a spectacular tapa of fresh cod and eggplant jam by the way - but it's so unique I couldn't fit it on this list... Beyond that, it's one of my top spots in Santiago and a excellent place to celebrate a triumphant and epic Camino arrival! 2. Gambas al Ajillo Region: Andalusia Description: Succulent shrimp sautéed in a sizzling garlic and chili oil, often served in a terracotta dish. The aroma alone is enough to make your mouth water. Where to Try: La Cava del Europa in Seville offers some of the best gambas al ajillo in Andalusia, with a recipe that has been perfected over generations. 3. Tortilla Española Region: Nationwide Description: This iconic Spanish omelette is made with eggs, potatoes, and onions. It's simple, yet deeply satisfying. So satisfying in fact that it has made its way around the world, but is seldom served better than in Spain! Where to Try: Parrillada Pensión Castro in Samos, across from the iconic Monastery of Samos, serves an almost legendary, thick, hearty tortilla, cooked to golden perfection and served warm or cold. With an ice cold beer on a hot day, in the middle of a challenging Camino journey, it's hard to beat! 4. Pulpo a la Gallega Region: Galicia Description: Tender octopus slices seasoned with olive oil, paprika, and sea salt, often served on a wooden platter. Where to Try: O Fiuza in Santiago de Compostela is the go-to place for this Galician specialty, offering octopus so tender it practically melts in your mouth. 5. Salmorejo Region: Andalusia Description: A thicker cousin of gazpacho, this cold tomato soup is blended with bread, garlic, and olive oil, and topped with hard-boiled eggs and jamón. Where to Try: Taberna Salinas in Córdoba serves a rich and creamy salmorejo that perfectly balances the flavors of its fresh ingredients. The best thing is that they serve it on toast with a perfectly thin slice of Jamon Iberico, simply delish! You can try this tasty tapa on our Andalucia bike tour! 6. Huevos Rotos Region: Madrid and nationwide Description: Literally "broken eggs," this dish features fried eggs served over a bed of crispy potatoes, often with slices of jamón or chorizo. Where to Try: Los Huevos de Lucio in Madrid is an offshoot of the famed Casa Lucio, dedicated entirely to the restaurant’s iconic dish, huevos rotos. Located just a few steps from the original restaurant in the heart of La Latina, Los Huevos de Lucio offers a more casual yet equally authentic experience. Their version of huevos rotos is just as legendary—perfectly fried potatoes topped with runny eggs, ready to be "broken" and mixed together for a satisfying, hearty bite - perfect for a mid ride snack in my opinion! 7. Jamón Ibérico Region: Extremadura Description: Thinly sliced, cured Iberian ham made from free-range pigs fed on acorns. It’s rich, nutty, and a true Spanish delicacy. Where to Try: Cinco Jotas in Jabugo is an institution when it comes to jamón ibérico, offering an unparalleled experience of this prized delicacy. Located in the heart of the Sierra de Aracena, in the Extremadura region, Cinco Jotas has been crafting the finest jamón ibérico for over a century. After a day of cycling through Extremadura's scenic landscapes, there's nothing more satisfying than savoring the world-renowned jamón ibérico at Cinco Jotas with a cold caña or glass of Rueda wine. 8. Albóndigas Region: Andalusia Description: These juicy meatballs are typically made from a mix of beef and pork, simmered in a rich tomato sauce. Where to Try: Casa Ricardo in Granada is a beloved local spot that has earned a reputation for its tender and flavorful albóndigas, making it a must-visit for anyone exploring Andalusian cuisine. Tucked away in the charming streets of Granada, Casa Ricardo offers a welcoming atmosphere where tradition is at the heart of every dish and every dish has it's drink! 9. Boquerones en Vinagre Region: Andalusia (or Cantabria!) Description: Boquerones en Vinagre are a classic Andalusian tapa, showcasing the region’s love for fresh seafood and bold, bright flavors. These fresh anchovies are carefully marinated in vinegar, which "cooks" the fish and gives them a delicate, tangy flavor. Boquerones en vinagre are a quintessential example of how simple ingredients can be transformed into something truly special in Andalusian cuisine. Where to Try: El Pimpi in Málaga is a legendary spot where you can savor these zesty fish while soaking in the ambiance of one of the city’s most iconic venues - if you can find a spot! Located in the heart of Málaga’s historic district, El Pimpi is more than just a restaurant—it’s a cultural institution. The walls are adorned with photos of famous visitors, and the atmosphere is lively and quintessentially Andalusian. I go there to gaze out at the stunning views of the Alcazaba, a Moorish fortress that adds a historical backdrop the experience! 10. Pimientos de Padrón Region: Galicia Description: Pimientos de Padrón are a quintessential Galician tapa, beloved for their simplicity and the element of surprise they bring to the table. These small green peppers are lightly fried until their skins blister and then sprinkled with coarse sea salt. The fun—and the challenge—comes from the fact that while most of the peppers are mild, every so often you’ll bite into one with a fiery kick which inspired the cheeky Spanish rhyme: "Pimientos de Padrón - Unos Pican y Otros Non". Where to Try: Abastos 2.0 in Santiago de Compostela is on of the premier spots to experience the thrilling game of culinary Russian roulette in the heart of Galicia. Situated near the bustling Mercado de Abastos, this renowned tapas bar is celebrated for its commitment to fresh, local ingredients and innovative takes on traditional dishes. I make a religious stop there at the end of every Camino Tour, and it's not just for the pimientos. The lively, market-inspired atmosphere of the bar adds to the experience, and the rest of the menu is superb! 11. Chorizo a la Sidra Region: Asturias Description: Chorizo a la Sidra is a classic Asturian dish that perfectly captures the essence of the region's bold flavors and culinary traditions. This dish features spicy chorizo sausage, which is slow-cooked in Asturian cider. The cider not only tenderizes the chorizo but also infuses it with a subtle sweetness that balances the spice. Where to Try: La Sifonería in Cangas de Onís is my ultimate destination to enjoy chorizo a la sidra in an authentic Asturian setting. This charming, rustic bar sits on the main street in the picturesque town of Cangas de Onís and offers the best local eats. The owner, Celso will make sure you try your hand at pouring cider in the local fashion- and he won't take no for an answer! Experience this and other Asturian delisghts on our Picos de Europa bike tour. 12. Calamares a la Romana Region: Valencia Description: Rings of squid, battered and fried to golden perfection, often served with a wedge of lemon. Where to Try: La Pepica in Valencia offers some of the crispiest and most flavorful calamares, perfect for a seaside snack. 13. Croquetas Region: Nationwide Description: Creamy béchamel sauce mixed with ham, chicken, or even cod, breaded and fried to golden perfection. These crunchy, creamy bites are irresistible. Where to Try: Casa Labra in Madrid is a historic tavern famous for its exquisite cod croquetas, beloved by locals for over a century. 14. Pan con Tomate Region: Catalonia Description: Pan con Tomate is a quintessential Catalonian dish that embodies the region's love for simplicity and quality ingredients. This tapa is as straightforward as it is delicious: slices of toasted bread are rubbed with ripe, juicy tomatoes, then drizzled with high-quality olive oil and sprinkled with a pinch of salt. The result is a fresh, flavorful bite that has become a nationwide breakfast staple - and a requirement for any Catalan eatery of repute. Where to Try: Les Cols in Olot offers an exquisite take on pan con tomate, where simplicity meets sophistication. Located in the volcanic crater town of Olot, Les Cols is celebrated not only for its innovative cuisine but also for its deep respect for traditional Catalonian flavors. I confess, the pan con tomate is not the reason I go. The mind blowing tasting menu is. While it's not as famous as the other Catalan restaurants that exploded onto the world food scene, the unique creativity of mother and daughter duo Fina Puidgevall & Martina Puigvert ensure you will have a dining experience like no other! Experience Les Cols on our Catalan Adventure bike tour. 15. Berenjenas a la Miel Region: Andalusia Description: Thinly sliced eggplant, lightly battered and fried to golden perfection, then drizzled with a rich, dark honey or molasses. The combination of the crispy, savory eggplant with the sweet, sticky honey creates a delightful contrast that is both unexpected and utterly delicious. Where to Try: Casa Pepe de la Juderia in Córdoba is famous for its berenjenas a la miel, offering a beautifully balanced version of this Andalusian favorite that perfectly captures the essence of sweet and savory, with a crispy bite and creamy center. Whatever you order to go with your tapa will no doubt be excellent as well. Taste this unique Moorish treat after a relaxing session at the nearby Arab baths, on our Andalucia Bike Tour! 16. Pinchos Morunos Region: Andalusia and Extremadura Description: Pinchos Morunos are the ironically named (Moorish skewers) and flavorful testament to Spain's rich and diverse culinary history, particularly influenced by the Moorish occupation and the subsequent Reconquista. These spicy marinated pork skewers are grilled to perfection, showcasing the bold flavors of paprika, cumin, and other aromatic spices. Originally inspired by Moorish cuisine (and make with lamb at the time), the dish became a popular way to demonstrate Christian identity in post-Reconquista Spain by incorporating pork - a meat that was forbidden in Islamic culture. Regardless of the rather ironic name, the result is a deliciously spiced, tender skewer that's a staple of Andalusian tapas. Where to Try: Peña Flamenca in Palma del Río is a fantastic spot to savor authentic pinchos morunos. This local institution is not only known for its mouthwatering food but also for its lively atmosphere. If you're lucky, you might even catch an impromptu flamenco show, just as we did the very first time we went back in 2002! These days you can see a scheduled show, but the food is just as tasty as it was then and is still a part of our Andalucian Bike Tour. 17. Espinacas con Garbanzos Region: Andalusia Description: Espinacas con Garbanzos is a rather unique Andalusian dish that perfectly blends the earthiness of spinach with the satisfying bite of chickpeas. This tapa is typically seasoned with garlic, cumin, and paprika, which infuse the dish with warm, smoky flavors. It's not pretty, but it is delish! Where to Try: Bodega Mingalario in Carmona is my favourite place to experience this Andalusian classic at its best. Located in the historic heart of Carmona, this old school bodega offers a genuine atmosphere, popular with locals and visitors from Sevilla. As you savor this tasty tapa, you can soak in the ambiance of the bodega and a few glasses of fino, making for an authentic Andalusian dining experience! Stop there for lunch on our Andalucia Bike Tour. 18. Setas a la Plancha Region: Catalonia Description: Grilled wild mushrooms drizzled with olive oil and sprinkled with garlic and parsley. These earthy bites are a vegetarian delight. Where to Try: El Quim de la Boqueria in Barcelona offers a fantastic selection of grilled mushrooms, sourced fresh from the famous market. Put a Tapa on it Embarking on a tapas tour of Spain is a culinary adventure that promises to delight your taste buds and introduce you to the diverse flavors and traditions of Spanish cuisine, culture and history. From the bustling streets of Cordoba to the green landscapes of Galicia, each region offers its own unique take on these beloved small plates. So, grab a glass of vino or a caña, and let the tapas journey begin! And remember, the joy of tapas lies not just in the food, but in the shared experience of savoring each bite with friends and family. ¡Buen provecho! Don't Miss Regional Food Guide to Spain The Nearly Ultimate Guide to Spanish Wine A Short Guide to Andalucia Olive Oil
