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Introduction to Tapas in Spain

Tapas are a quintessential part of Spanish cuisine and culture. The word “tapas” refers to a variety of small dishes that are served in Spanish bars and restaurants.

The origins of tapas can be traced back to the 13th century when Spanish taverns would place a slice of bread or ham on top of wine glasses as a makeshift cover. This practice helped to prevent fruit flies from getting into the wine. The bread or ham slice served this functional purpose but also became a snack for customers to eat while they drank. Over time, the tapa (which means “cover” in Spanish) evolved into a wide array of small finger foods and appetizers.

Today, tapas are hugely popular in Spain and integral to the country’s social culture. Going out for tapas is a beloved tradition where friends and family can relax, converse, and sample a variety of tasty bites and drinks over an extended meal. The serving sizes are petite, allowing you to order several plates to share and try a diversity of flavors. From simple classics like olives and cheeses to more elaborate regional specialties, tapas highlight Spain’s rich culinary heritage. They offer a delicious and convivial way to experience Spanish cuisine.

Are Tapas Free in Spain?

Tapas are generally not free in Spain. They are small dishes that you order in bars and restaurants to accompany drinks. The word “tapas” refers to the small plates or lids that were traditionally placed on top of glasses of sherry to keep flies out.

While the tapas themselves are not free, the tradition is that they are served complimentary with drinks. So when you order a drink at a bar in Spain, you will often get a small tapa to eat with it. This is especially common during happy hour.

The tapas that come with drinks are usually very simple – things like olives, nuts, chips or a slice of bread with tomato. More elaborate tapas dishes that you order separately will have a cost. Tapas dishes are typically priced from €2-5 each.

It’s not expected that you tip at tapas bars in Spain. Tipping is not a common practice and your bill usually just includes the cost of your drinks and any tapas you ordered separately. However, you can leave spare change or round up the bill if you wish to tip for excellent service.

How Many Tapas Dishes to Order

When dining on tapas in Spain, it’s typical to order 3-5 small dishes per person. The variety of tapas options allows you to sample different flavors and ingredients. Some strategies for ordering tapas:

• Order 1-2 meat or seafood tapas, 1-2 veggie tapas, and 1-2 tapas with bread/cheese/eggs. This gives you a nice balanced meal.
• Try ordering dishes you’ve never had before along with a couple familiar favorites. Tapas menus change frequently based on what’s in season.
• Share dishes family-style so you can taste more items. It’s common in Spain to share and pass plates around.
• Ask your server for recommendations on popular or typical tapas from that region or restaurant. This helps you experience authentic Spanish flavors.
• Pace yourself and order tapas in rounds. You can always order more if you’re still hungry.

The joy of tapas dining is getting to taste lots of small plates and discover new flavors. Be adventurous and take the opportunity to try 4-5 tapas dishes each time.

How to Order Tapas

Tapas are traditionally served in small portions, so ordering in Spain can look a bit different than a typical restaurant experience. Here’s a quick guide on the process:

• Tapas are laid out on the bar or brought to your table for you to choose from. You don’t need to order everything upfront.
• It’s customary in Spain to order 2-3 tapas dishes per person to start. You can always order more if you’re still hungry.
• Don’t feel rushed, you can take your time choosing. It’s normal for Spaniards to spend hours enjoying tapas over conversation.
• When ready, tell the server your selections. Tapas are made to order, not pre-made. So feel free to customize or ask questions.
• Most tapas restaurants have communal tables. Don’t be shy about sitting next to strangers and striking up a conversation.
• Only pay for what you eat. The bill is totaled up at the end based on your empty plates and glasses.
• Tipping is not expected but leaving some spare change is appreciated.

The fun of tapas is grazing on small bites and sharing a variety of flavors. Follow the local customs and don’t overthink the ordering process. Immerse yourself in the sociable atmosphere that makes tapas such a beloved Spanish tradition.

Most Popular Tapas Dishes

Tapas encompass a wide variety of small dishes in Spanish cuisine. Here are some of the most classic and popular tapas foods:

Classic Tapas

• Patatas bravas – Fried potatoes in a spicy tomato sauce, often topped with aioli. A staple tapa.
• Tortilla española – A thick omelet made with eggs and potatoes. Cut into wedges for serving.
• Jamón serrano – Dry-cured Spanish ham, served in thin slices. A key tapa.
• Chorizo – Spicy Spanish sausage, grilled and served in slices.
• Gambas al ajillo – Shrimp sautéed in olive oil, garlic, and chili peppers.
• Croquetas – Fried croquettes filled with ham, chicken, seafood or spinach.
• Pan con tomate – Grilled bread rubbed with garlic and tomato. Topped with olive oil and salt.
• Pimientos de Padrón – Padron peppers fried in olive oil and sprinkled with salt.

Regional Specialties

• Pulpo a la gallega – Octopus with paprika, olive oil, salt and potatoes. From Galicia.
• Escalivada – Grilled and peeled peppers, eggplant and onions. From Catalonia.
• Calamares – Lightly fried squid rings. Popular along the coasts.
• Pintxos – Basque style tapas of bread with different toppings.
• Salmorejo cordobés – A thick gazpacho from Córdoba.
• Caracoles – Snails cooked in a spicy tomato sauce. Specialty of Andalusia.

Vegetarian

• Pan tumaca – Toasted bread brushed with tomato.
• Tortilla española – Potato and onion omelet.
• Setas al ajillo – Garlic mushrooms.
• Espinacas con garbanzos – Spinach and chickpeas.
• Berenjenas fritas – Fried eggplant.
• Pimientos de Padrón – Fried Padron peppers.

Tapas menus offer a wide variety of small plates so you can sample different flavors and ingredients. Be sure to try both classic tapas as well as regional specialties on your visit to Spain.

When Tapas are Eaten

Tapas in Spain are traditionally eaten in the early evening as an appetizer before the main dinner meal. However, tapas can also serve as a full meal depending on how many dishes you order. The tapas tradition originated as a way to accompany drinks in bars.

Spaniards will often go “tapeando” (tapas hopping) in the early evening hours. Popular times are between 7-9pm as an appetizer before dinner, or even as late as 10pm-midnight as a meal replacement. Part of the appeal is being able to sample small plates and move from bar to bar.

Tapas pair perfectly with drinks like beer, wine, or sherry. The small dishes complement the beverages and allow you to slowly savor multiple flavors over time. Going tapeando with friends is a beloved Spanish tradition and social experience.

Where to Eat Tapas

Spain is filled with excellent tapas bars and restaurants, but some of the best cities for indulging in tapas include:

Madrid – The capital city has countless lively tapas bars, especially in neighborhoods like La Latina and Malasaña. Calle Cava Baja is known as one of the best tapas streets in Madrid. Read more about tapas in Madrid here.

Barcelona – Head to neighborhoods like El Born and Gràcia to find authentic Catalan-style tapas. The Boqueria Market is a popular spot for sampling tapas while shopping. Read more about tapas in Barcelona here.

San Sebastián – This coastal city in Basque Country is considered the tapas capital of Spain. The Old Town is packed with pintxo (Basque tapas) bars.

Seville – Andalusian-style tapas bars abound in this southern city. Plaza de la Alfalfa and Barrio de Santa Cruz are two areas popular for tapas hopping. Read more about Sevilla here.

The main types of tapas bars in Spain are:

• Traditional tapas bars – Focus on small plates to accompany drinks. Often have a standing-room only interior with bartops to set your tapas and drinks.
• Tapas restaurants – More formal sit-down restaurants that happen to specialize in tapas dishes. Larger portions.
• Pintxo bars – Found in Basque Country and serve bite-sized pintxos (the Basque version of tapas) mounted on bread with toothpicks.

Popular tapas festivals and events include:

• La Ruta de la Tapa – Tapas competition held annually in March across cities like Madrid, Zaragoza, and Valladolid.
• Tapas Fantásticas – Part of Albacete’s annual fair in September, involving special tapas dishes.
• Calle Laurel Tapas Competition – Held each November in Logroño, where Calle Laurel is lined with tapas bars.

Tapas Etiquette

Eating tapas like a local requires understanding some key customs and manners. Here are some tips:

• Don’t be shy about reaching over someone else’s plate for a shared dish. This is very common when eating tapas.
• Only pick up one tapa at a time from shared plates. Don’t take a whole handful.
• Eat tapas with your hands. Utensils are only needed for soupy stews or foods that could get messy.
• Stand while eating at crowded bars. Sitting may mean you’ll miss out on popular items.
• Ordering one drink may only buy you one tapa. Order more drinks to try additional tapas.
• Don’t feel rushed. It’s customary to linger over drinks and tapas for hours.
• Try new foods! Part of the fun is tasting unique Spanish tapas.
• Pay attention to the order tapas are served, as the progression of flavors is intentional.
• Tipping is not expected, as tapas prices include service. Rounding up the bill slightly is appreciated.
• Complimenting the chef by saying “¡Buen provecho!” shows appreciation for a tasty meal.

Eating tapas requires a relaxed, convivial attitude. Follow these etiquette tips to fully enjoy tapas the Spanish way.

Tapas Recipes

Tapas are all about sharing small plates, so having some authentic recipes on hand can help you recreate the experience at home. Here are a couple delicious and easy tapas to try making:

Patatas Bravas

This classic Spanish potato dish is crunchy, spicy and addictive.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb potatoes, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• Salt to taste
• 1/4 cup aioli or mayonnaise

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
2. Toss potato cubes with 2 tbsp olive oil, paprika, cayenne, garlic powder and salt.
3. Roast on a baking sheet for 25-30 minutes, until crispy.
4. Mix remaining olive oil with aioli or mayonnaise.
5. To serve, top potatoes with aioli sauce.

Gambas al Ajillo (Shrimp in Garlic Oil)

This shrimp dish is full of flavor from the garlic and chili.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 lemon, juiced
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in skillet over medium heat.
2. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
3. Add shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink.
4. Stir in paprika, red pepper flakes, parsley and lemon juice.
5. Season with salt.
6. Serve shrimp warm with toasted bread.

Conclusion

Tapas are an integral part of Spanish food culture. They allow you to sample a variety of small dishes and be social over drinks and food. The tradition of tapas has spread beyond Spain, but experiencing them in their homeland provides the full cultural experience.

The key points about tapas are:

• Tapas are small plates or snacks that are shared
• They are not free unless offered by the restaurant, but are very affordable
• Order 2-3 dishes per person and share among your group
• It’s customary to order tapas one round at a time
• Popular tapas dishes include: patatas bravas, gambas al ajillo, tortilla española, jamón serrano, pulpo Gallego
• Tapas are traditionally eaten in the afternoon or early evening before dinner
• The best places to eat tapas are in bars and restaurants in Spain
• Be social, share dishes, and engage with your companions over tapas

The tapas tradition encapsulates the Spanish values of community, conversation, and savoring food and life. Visiting Spain and partaking in the tapas culture allows you to experience the rhythm of daily Spanish life.

FAQ’s

Where in Spain is famous for tapas?

Tapas are popular throughout Spain, but some regions are particularly renowned for their tapas culture. Cities like Madrid, Barcelona, Seville, Granada, and San Sebastián are famous for their vibrant tapas scenes. In Granada, it’s customary for bars to serve a complimentary tapa with each drink ordered, making it a particularly beloved destination for tapas enthusiasts.

What time do you eat tapas in Spain?

In Spain, the timing for enjoying tapas can vary depending on the region and local customs. However, it’s common to enjoy tapas as a pre-dinner snack, typically between 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. Some regions may also indulge in tapas as a late-night snack, especially in cities where nightlife is vibrant, extending the tapas-eating hours until midnight or later.

Are tapas expensive in Spain?

The cost of tapas in Spain can vary depending on the establishment, the city, and the ingredients used. In some places, tapas are relatively inexpensive, especially if they’re served as complimentary snacks with drinks. However, in more upscale restaurants or tourist areas, tapas can be pricier. Overall, though, tapas are generally considered an affordable and accessible way to sample a variety of Spanish cuisine.

What are the three types of tapas?

While there isn’t a strict classification system for tapas, they can generally be categorized into three types:

• Traditional Tapas: These are classic tapas dishes that have been popular for generations, such as patatas bravas (fried potatoes with spicy tomato sauce) or Spanish omelette (tortilla española).
• Modern Tapas: These are innovative tapas creations that draw inspiration from traditional recipes but may feature modern cooking techniques or unusual ingredient combinations.
• Regional Tapas: Different regions of Spain have their own unique tapas specialties, reflecting local ingredients and culinary traditions. For example, in the Basque Country, pintxos (a type of tapa served on bread) are particularly popular, while in Andalusia, you might find a wide variety of seafood-based tapas.

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• Bite-Size Barcelona: A Foodie’s Adventure into the World of Tapas
• Madrid Tapas Scene: Jamón, Queso, and Olives Have My Heart
• Granada, Spain Travel Guide 2024
• Seville Travel Guide 2024