The cuisine of Spain
Tapas, gazpacho, and the Mediterranean diet are just a few of Spain’s famous culinary exports. The quality, creativity, and above all, flavour of Spain’s cuisine have earned it international fame and it is now one of the country’s main tourist attractions. Did you know Spain is the world’s biggest olive oil exporter? Could you see yourself making a traditional Spanish potato omelette? Spain brings both tradition and innovation to its cuisine, and its climate and terrain have made it Europe’s market garden. This is a place to enjoy good, delicious, healthy food.
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What are Spain’s most beloved food products?
There is a huge variety. Olive oil is the liquid gold that adds a subtle or strong flavour to many Spanish recipes. And as it is rich in oleic acid, it’s also healthy and helps to balance cholesterol. Spanish cooking is particularly healthy thanks to its use of fresh ingredients. It produces excellent fruit and vegetables: bananas, citrus fruits, strawberries, grapes, apples, pears, tomatoes, onions, garlic, and so on. Seafood and especially shellfish, meat, a wide range of cheeses, full-flavoured seasonings like paprika and saffron, round out the list of ingredients that are the essence of Spain’s cuisine.
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What are the most traditional local specialities in Spain?
Every place you go will have its own local dishes. The most famous is probably paella (originally from the region of Valencia), and the most popular tapa in the country could be tortilla de patatas - potato omelette. Tender roast meats are popular, such as lamb, known as ternasco in Aragon and cordero elsewhere. Some of the most notable seafood dishes include the little fried fishes or pescaíto frito of southern Spain, and pulpo a la gallega: octopus with paprika. If you’re visiting in summer, a refreshing gazpacho or salmorejo is a must. And the most traditional holidays, Christmas and Easter Week, also have special delicacies for the occasion.
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What are tapas?
These little nibbles and portions of food are a traditional accompaniment to drinks in many bars in Spain. They range from a simple dish of olives or chips to elaborate culinary creations chosen from a menu. In Spain the custom is to go out for tapas with friends, wandering from bar to bar to enjoy the specialities each one has to offer.
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Why is Spanish cuisine healthy? The Mediterranean diet
Spain is one of the leading exponents of the Mediterranean diet, which is based on olive oil, fresh vegetables, and other fresh seasonal food. This healthy, flavourful tradition has earned Spanish cuisine UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage status. Another feature of the Mediterranean diet is that every meal can be a social occasion. Going out for tapas is a great way to try it out for yourself.
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International recognition for Spanish chefs
In recent decades, the world’s most prestigious publications have given their culinary awards to Spain. At present, 291 Spanish restaurants boast Michelin stars, and several of them can usually be found on the list of “The World's 50 Best Restaurants”. In addition, Dabiz Muñoz has been named “Best Chef in the World” three times in a row at “The Best Chef Awards” and the Spanish sommelier, Josep Roca, from Celler de Can Roca, has been distinguished as best sommelier in the world.
