Spains Most Popular Tapas Dishes
History of tapas
There are a number of theories of the origin of the custom of eating small snacks with drinks. Legend has it that because of illness the thirteenth century Castilian king Alfonso X (the Wise) had to eat small snacks with his wine between meals to maintain his strength, and after recovering passed a law that wine or beer served in taverns had to be accompanied by food. More probably the origins were practical, with bread or a small plate of ham or olives being used to keep dust or insects out of the drink (the literal meaning of “tapa” is “lid”). It was also the custom for agricultural and other manual workers to eat small snacks so that they could continue working until the main meal of the day.
How to order
The first thing to do is check whether you can order tapas at the tables. In some places they only serve tapas at the bar and you have to order raciones (large plates) at tables or out on the terrace. Once seated, don’t order everything at once. Many tapas are already prepared and you could end up with 5-6 dishes arriving at once. Also, you may see something “walk by” that looks good, so best to start with just one or two tapas each and take it from there.
If they are all displayed in units, just point to what you like the look of, there is no need to worry about the Spanish names.
The barman will usually run a tab for you, which is paid after you have finished eating. Some bars, where food and drink is taken outside, charge with each round of tapas and drinks. it is a general rule to tip 10% if you have been served at the table (and have had good service). If it´s only had a quick snack and a drink standing at the bar then just leave the change.
Tapas, Pinchos and Montaditos - Whats the difference
Tapas has evolved over the years and varies depending on region and the selection is vast to say the least and most are so beautifully presented that they look like little works of art. The British normally associate the word tapas with all the little snacks, but officially they are categorized as either tapas, pinchos and montaditos. Traditionally Tapas come in little terracotta dishes, which can be hot or cold but need to be eaten with a folk. Pinchos or Pintxos are more from the North of Spain and are served on a toothpick, pintxo" in Basque language or "pincho" in Spanish means thorn or spike. Montaditos more from the South of Spain are slices of bread with things on top and generally served cold, just to confuse things these can also be found with toothpick in them to stop toppings falling off the bread. Basically they are all tapas ie small portions of food.
Montaditos Small sandwiches that are often served toasted with a variety of meat, fish, and vegetarian fillings.
Popular Tapas Dishes
Morro Frito - If you like pork scratchings then you’ll like this dish. It is essentially pieces of fried pork snout covered with a liberal coating of salt and a very popular tapas in Spain to snack on whilst enjoying a drink. When it’s perfectly crunchy, it’s a delight to eat.
Magro con Tomate - Chunks of lean pork served covered with a thick tomato sauce.
Ham Jamon. And if it is Iberian, even better. This is one of the Spanish products most-liked by visitors and as a tapa is usually served with bread or picos and colines (small dish of crunchy bread typical in Spain).
Cheese In Spain there are many varieties and you will most typically be offered a local cheese. Some of the most well-known are Manchego (typical of Castilla – La Mancha), Idiazábal (Basque Country), Roncal (Navarre), Mahón (Balearic Isalnds) and Majorero (Canary Islands). More information on Spanish Cheese HERE
Tortilla de patatas, or tortilla española, is an omelette made with potatoes bound with egg and is usually flavoured with onions. As tapas, they are commonly served in small wedges.
Arroz del Día rice of the day, with meat and/or seafood, served at lunchtime
Huevos rotos - Also known as huevos estrellados, these are fried eggs with a runny yolk served over a bed of ham and fried potatoes. The yolk is broken up and runs over the other ingredients. It is usually served with bread to dip into the egg yolk. There are other popular versions which substitute the ham for baby eels, prawns or other cured pork products.
Cuttlefish - Served grilled with mayonnaise or alioli sauce In many places, fried chopitos (similar to cuttlefish but smaller in size) are popular, which in Andalusia are known as puntilliutas.
Paella - The most popular dish in the Valencia region. Its main ingredient is rice and it is made with vegetables and, depending on the type, with meat or seafood.
Pescaíto frito - Fresh breaded fish and fried in olive oil. This is found mostly in Andalusia where it is often served in a paper cone, prepared with a flavourful spice mix. There it is also known as bienmesabe.
Pinchitos moruños (Moorish kebabs): Little meat cubes (usually pork) marinated in oil, garlic, and spices--cumin, coriander, sometimes turmeric and chili--threaded on skewers and grilled.
And to drink?
The most popular drinks are beer and wine. Also common are cider, vermouth and sangria.Beer is often served in a caña (20 cl. glass) but can also be a doble (double the quantity), quinto or botellin (20 cl. bottle), or jarra (half litre). Lager is the most popular beer. As for wine, the most well-known is Rioja.
FIND LOTS MORE SPANISH RECIPES HERE We offer a terrific selection of Spanish Recipes to help bring a little bit of your holiday in Benidorm home to your dining room. Follow the link to find more favourites
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