In brief
- A complete tour of the 30 great classics of Spanish cuisine
- Culinary journey from north to south, including the islands
- Simple and authentic recipes, deeply rooted in the local terroir
- A delight for the taste buds and an invitation to share
A Spanish cuisine that celebrates its roots
The pleasure of savoring a Spanish dish is fully experienced during a stay on-site. Each region reveals its culinary treasures, and each table tells a story. From the humblest Spanish specialty served in a tapas bar to the typical Spanish dish proudly offered in Michelin-starred restaurants, the diversity is immense.
Spanish dishes are appealing for their generosity and their connection to the land. Here, cuisine is alive, marked by the seasons, markets, and local traditions. From a mountain village in Aragon to an Andalusian port, each Spanish specialty bears the imprint of its territory and the know-how of the cooks.
Here is a selection of 30 typical Spanish dishes that you must absolutely savor. An invitation to a sensory journey through Spain, from the lush north to the sun-drenched coasts, not forgetting the islands.
Get ready: this gourmet itinerary might just awaken your appetite!
30 typical dishes to enjoy during your trip to Spain
1. Tortilla de patatas
Simple and essential, this omelet with potatoes and eggs is a topic of debate: with or without onions? Everyone has their opinion, but the pleasure remains universal.
2. Paella
An iconic dish from the Valencian Community, it symbolizes Spanish cuisine internationally. Rice, seafood, meats… a delight for all palates.
3. Croquettes
Small crispy bites, filled with ham, cod, poultry, or vegetables, often held together by a creamy béchamel. A classic of tapas.
4. Gazpacho
Cold Andalusian soup made from tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, and olive oil, perfect for hot weather.
5. Salmorejo
Originating from Córdoba, this thicker preparation than gazpacho combines tomatoes, garlic, bread crust, and olive oil, garnished with ham and crumbled hard-boiled egg.
6. Iberian ham
Flagship product of Spanish gastronomy. Thin slices to enjoy as an appetizer or on toast, accompanied by a glass of local wine.
7. Patatas bravas
Diced fried potatoes, topped with a spicy tomato-based sauce. A classic from tapas bars in Barcelona to Madrid.
8. Patatas a la riojana
Hearty stew made of potatoes, chorizo, and paprika, typical of La Rioja.
9. Cod with pil pil sauce
Slowly prepared in a casserole with garlic, olive oil, and chili, this Basque dish celebrates marine flavors.
10. Galician octopus
The famous pulpo a feira: tender pieces of octopus, seasoned with olive oil, salt, and paprika, served on a wooden board.
11. Squid
Fried or in sauce, they can be found in sandwiches in Madrid or as tapas in bars in Granada.
12. Fabada asturiana
Hearty dish made with melting white beans and smoked meats (chorizo, bacon, blood sausage), perfect for the cold days in Asturias.
13. Pisto manchego
Mix of Mediterranean vegetables stewed: tomatoes, peppers, zucchini… An Iberian version of ratatouille.
14. Papas arrugadas
Small Canarian potatoes cooked in their skins and served with mojo sauces, including the famous mojo picón.
15. Merlu with green sauce
Merlu fillet stewed with garlic, parsley, clams, and a fragrant broth. A simple and delicious Basque recipe.
16. Rabo de toro
Oxtail slow-cooked in red wine, typical of Andalusia, especially in Seville and Córdoba.
17. Galician seafood
Platters of assorted seafood: razor clams, spider crabs, mussels, clams, all served with a glass of Albariño.
18. Garlic shrimp
Cooked in olive oil with garlic and chili, these flavorful shrimp delight lovers of bold tastes.
19. Escalivada
Catalan specialty of grilled vegetables: eggplants, peppers, onions, sometimes accompanied by cod.
20. Roast suckling pig
In Segovia, this traditional dish is distinguished by its crispy skin and tender meat.
21. Cocido montañés
Typical stew from Cantabria made with white beans, bacon, blood sausage, chorizo, and cabbage.
22. Baked rice
Valencian dish baked with chickpeas, pork, and bacon, which reveals powerful aromas.
23. Basque pintxos
Creative small bites served on bread, to be enjoyed with a glass of wine in the bars of the Basque Country.
24. Callos
Madrilenian specialty of stewed tripe, spiced with chorizo and blood sausage.
25. Migas
Rustic dish of stale bread crumbs sautéed with oil, garlic, chorizo, or ham. Comforting and indulgent.
26. Espeto de sardinas
On the Andalusian coast, sardines are grilled on skewers on the beach, offering an irresistible fragrance.
27. Huevos rotos
Simple but tasty combination of fried potatoes, broken eggs, and Serrano ham.
28. Pincho moruno
Skewers of marinated and grilled meat, inherited from the Arab culinary tradition.
29. Torreznos
Fried slices of pork belly, perfectly crispy, ideal for pairing with a cold beer.
30. Churros
These fried sticks dusted with sugar are usually enjoyed with thick hot chocolate.
And many other treasures to savor
Each region of Spain is full of typical dishes. Cachopo from Asturias, cocido madrileño, calçots from Catalonia, fideuá from Valencia… This diverse culinary heritage deserves to be explored on every trip. Because in Spain, every meal is a celebration.
