Our guide on What to Eat and Drink in Spain for your next trip.
Spain is renowned for its rich culinary heritage, regional diversity, and flavorful dishes that celebrate fresh, local ingredients. Whether you’re exploring the vibrant streets of Barcelona, the coastal beauty of Andalusia, or the historic cities of Madrid and Seville, Spain’s food and drink offer a wide range of delicious experiences.
Spain’s culinary landscape is diverse, flavorful, and deeply tied to its regions and culture. From the seafood-rich coasts to the hearty inland stews, there’s something for every palate. Whether you’re sipping on cava in Catalonia, enjoying tapas in Seville, or indulging in churros in Madrid, you’ll find that eating and drinking in Spain is an essential part of the travel experience. Make sure to explore local markets, try regional specialties, and immerse yourself in Spain’s rich culinary traditions!
Here’s a guide to the must-try foods and beverages when visiting Spain.
Read here best things to know before visiting Spain, Planning an Itinerary in Spain: 3 Days Madrid Itinerary and 4 Days Barcelona Itinerary
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Must-Try Dishes in Spain
1. Paella (Valencian Region)
What It Is: Spain’s most famous dish, originating from the Valencia region, paella is a rice-based dish traditionally cooked in a large, shallow pan. The classic version includes rabbit, chicken, and sometimes snails, though seafood paella is also very popular.
Where to Try It: Valencia, but it’s served throughout Spain, especially in coastal cities.
Tip: Look for paella cooked fresh in traditional restaurants rather than tourist-heavy spots.
Read here how to make Paella
2. Tapas
What It Is: Tapas are small plates or snacks meant to be shared, and they form a cornerstone of Spanish cuisine. Tapas can range from simple dishes like pan con tomate (bread with tomato) to more elaborate fare like gambas al ajillo (garlic shrimp) or jamón ibérico.
Where to Try It: Tapas bars are found all over Spain, especially in cities like Seville, Granada, and Madrid.
Tip: In some regions like Granada, tapas are complimentary with a drink order.
3. Tortilla Española (Spanish Omelette)
What It Is: A simple yet hearty dish made with eggs, potatoes, and onions (though some versions skip the onions). Tortilla Española is often served as a tapa or eaten for breakfast.
Where to Try It: Available throughout Spain, from small cafés to tapas bars.
Tip: Try both the traditional and the “tortilla de patatas con cebolla” (with onions) to see which version you prefer.
4. Jamón Ibérico (Cured Ham)
What It Is: One of Spain’s most prized delicacies, jamón ibérico is a cured ham made from acorn-fed Iberian pigs. It’s thinly sliced and often served as an appetizer or alongside cheese and bread.
Where to Try It: Available at tapas bars and specialty food shops across Spain. Visit Museo del Jamón in Madrid for a variety of ham options.
Tip: Jamón ibérico de bellota is the highest quality, with a rich, nutty flavor.
5. Gazpacho and Salmorejo (Andalusia)
What It Is: Gazpacho is a cold tomato-based soup, perfect for hot summer days, originating from Andalusia. Salmorejo is a thicker version made with tomatoes, bread, garlic, and olive oil, often garnished with jamón and hard-boiled eggs.
Where to Try It: Best enjoyed in Andalusia, especially in Seville and Córdoba.
Tip: Pair it with a cool glass of sherry or tinto de verano.
Read here how to make Gazpacho
6. Pimientos de Padrón (Galicia)
What It Is: Small green peppers from Galicia, typically fried in olive oil and sprinkled with coarse sea salt. Most are mild, but every once in a while, you’ll get a spicy one—adding a fun twist to eating them!
Where to Try It: Popular in tapas bars across Spain.
Tip: Enjoy them alongside a cold beer or glass of Albariño wine.
7. Fabada Asturiana (Asturias)
What It Is: A hearty white bean stew made with chorizo, morcilla (blood sausage), and pork. This dish hails from the northern region of Asturias and is perfect for colder days.
Where to Try It: Try it in Asturias or in traditional Spanish restaurants throughout the country.
Tip: Pair it with sidra (cider), a drink typical of Asturias.
Read here how to make fabada
8. Churros con Chocolate
What It Is: Crispy fried dough, churros are served with a rich, thick hot chocolate for dipping. This treat is often enjoyed for breakfast or as an afternoon snack.
Where to Try It: Chocolatería San Ginés in Madrid is a famous spot for churros.
Tip: For an authentic experience, order porras, a thicker version of churros, also dipped in chocolate.
9. Pulpo a la Gallega (Galicia)
What It Is: This Galician dish features boiled octopus, sliced and seasoned with paprika, coarse sea salt, and olive oil. It’s often served over a bed of potatoes.
Where to Try It: Best enjoyed in Galicia, but it’s found in seafood restaurants across Spain.
Tip: Pair it with a crisp glass of Albariño wine from Galicia.
10. Croquetas
What It Is: Croquetas are bite-sized, breaded and fried balls filled with creamy béchamel and ingredients like jamón, chicken, or cod. These crispy, savory treats are a tapas bar staple.
Where to Try It: Found in almost every tapas bar in Spain.
Tip: For something unique, try croquetas de bacalao (salt cod croquettes).
Read here how to make Croquetas
What to Drink in Spain
1. Sangria
What It Is: A famous Spanish punch made from red wine, fruit juices, soda water, and chunks of fruit. Sangria is refreshing and perfect for hot afternoons.
Where to Try It: Found in restaurants, tapas bars, and beachside cafés across Spain.
Tip: For a more authentic drink, try tinto de verano, a simpler, less sugary mix of red wine and soda water.
Read here how to make Sangria
2. Cava (Catalonia)
What It Is: Spain’s sparkling wine, Cava is produced mainly in Catalonia. It can be dry (brut) or sweet, and it’s often served to celebrate special occasions.
Where to Try It: In Catalonia, especially in Barcelona or at wineries in the Penedès region.
Tip: Pair Cava with seafood or as an aperitif before dinner.
3. Sherry (Jerez de la Frontera)
What It Is: Sherry (or Jerez) is a fortified wine from Andalusia, ranging from dry (like Fino) to sweet (Pedro Ximénez). It’s commonly enjoyed as an aperitif or paired with tapas.
Where to Try It: Best enjoyed in Jerez de la Frontera, but widely available in tapas bars throughout Spain.
Tip: Try a Fino or Manzanilla with salty tapas like olives or jamón.
4. Tinto de Verano
What It Is: A simple and refreshing mix of red wine and soda (often gaseosa, a lemon-flavored soft drink), tinto de verano is a lighter and less sweet alternative to sangria.
Where to Try It: Available in most restaurants and bars across Spain, especially in the summer months.
Tip: This drink is perfect for pairing with tapas or light meals.
5. Sidra (Cider)
What It Is: A traditional fermented apple cider, sidra is particularly popular in Asturias and the Basque Country. It’s often poured from a height to aerate it and enhance the flavor.
Where to Try It: Sidrerías (cider houses) in northern Spain, especially in Asturias.
Tip: When visiting a sidrería, ask for a demonstration of the traditional cider-pouring method.
6. Vermouth
What It Is: Spain has a strong tradition of drinking vermouth as an aperitif, often served over ice with a slice of orange or an olive. It’s slightly sweet, bitter, and herbal.
Where to Try It: Vermouth is commonly served in tapas bars, particularly in Madrid and Barcelona.
Tip: La hora del vermut (vermouth hour) is often before lunch. Pair it with olives, anchovies, or cheese.
About the Author: Ruben, co-founder of Gamintraveler.com since 2014, is a seasoned traveler from Spain who has explored over 100 countries since 2009. Known for his extensive travel adventures across South America, Europe, the US, Australia, New Zealand, Asia, and Africa, Ruben combines his passion for adventurous yet sustainable living with his love for cycling, highlighted by his remarkable 5-month bicycle journey from Spain to Norway. He currently resides in Spain, where he continues sharing his travel experiences with his partner, Rachel, and their son, Han.