Spain is a paradise for food lovers, offering rich flavors, diverse regional cuisines, and a strong tradition of tapas culture. If you’re visiting Spain for the first time, here are the must-try dishes and drinks that will make your trip unforgettable.
By exploring Spain’s diverse food culture, you’ll experience the heart of Spanish life through its flavors.
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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Tips for First-Time Visitors
Try Regional Specialties
Each region in Spain has unique dishes—don’t just stick to paella!
Eat Like a Local
Lunch (Comida): 1:30 PM – 3:30 PM (the biggest meal of the day)
Dinner (Cena): 8:30 PM – 10:30 PM (often lighter meals or tapas)
Mistakes to Avoid
Ordering paella for dinner – It’s traditionally a lunch dish.
Not making reservations – Some of the best restaurants book up fast.
Assuming all tapas are free – In places like Madrid and Barcelona, you often have to pay.
Must-Try Food and Drinks In Spain
1. Paella (Valencia & Beyond)
What It Is:
Spain’s most famous rice dish, paella is a flavorful combination of saffron-infused rice, seafood, meat, or vegetables.
Where to Try It:
Best in Valencia, where the dish originated
Authentic Paella Valenciana is made with rabbit, chicken, and snails
Seafood paella is popular in coastal cities like Barcelona and Málaga
Travel Tip: Avoid tourist traps—real paella is never pre-cooked and takes at least 30-45 minutes to prepare.
2. Jamón Ibérico
What It Is:
A high-quality cured ham, often sliced paper-thin and served as tapas.
Where to Try It:
Jamón Ibérico de Bellota (the best quality) is found in Salamanca, Seville, and Madrid
Many bars serve it with bread and olive oil
Travel Tip: Try montaditos, small sandwiches filled with jamón, for a budget-friendly option.
3. Tapas & Pintxos (Best in Andalusia & Basque Country)
What It Is:
Small appetizer-style dishes served in bars, often paired with wine or beer.
Where to Try It:
Seville, Granada, and Madrid are known for the best tapas
San Sebastián is famous for pintxos, which are bite-sized snacks served on bread
Patatas Bravas – Fried potatoes with spicy tomato sauce
Gambas al Ajillo – Garlic shrimp
Pulpo a la Gallega – Octopus with paprika and olive oil
Croquetas – Creamy fried croquettes (ham, cheese, or seafood)
Travel Tip: Some cities, like Granada, offer free tapas with your drink order.
4. Tortilla Española (Spanish Omelet)
What It Is:
A thick omelet made with eggs, potatoes, and onions. It can be served hot or cold.
Where to Try It:
Any traditional Spanish bar or market in Madrid, Seville, or Barcelona
Travel Tip: If you see Tortilla de Betanzos, it’s a creamier version with a runny center—worth trying!
5. Churros con Chocolate (Breakfast & Dessert – Madrid & Barcelona)
What It Is:
Crispy fried dough sticks, served with thick hot chocolate for dipping.
Where to Try It:
Chocolatería San Ginés (Madrid) – The most famous churro spot
Barcelona’s Granja Dulcinea – A historic café
Travel Tip: In Spain, churros are a popular breakfast, not just a dessert.
6. Gazpacho & Salmorejo (Andalusia – Cold Soups)
What It Is:
Gazpacho: A refreshing cold soup made from tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, garlic, and olive oil.
Salmorejo: A thicker version from Córdoba, topped with jamón and boiled egg.
Where to Try It:
Best in Seville, Córdoba, and Málaga
Travel Tip: Salmorejo is creamier than gazpacho and more filling.
7. Pimientos de Padrón (Galicia & Tapas Bars)
What It Is:
Small green peppers, fried in olive oil and sprinkled with sea salt. Some are mild, while others can be very spicy.
Where to Try It:
Galicia, Madrid, and Barcelona tapas bars
Travel Tip: Eating Padrón peppers is like a game of Russian roulette—you never know if you’ll get a spicy one!
8. Bacalao (Salt Cod – Basque Country & Madrid)
What It Is:
Dried and salted cod, rehydrated and prepared in a variety of ways.
Where to Try It:
Bacalao a la Vizcaína (Basque Country) – Cod in tomato and red pepper sauce
Bacalao al Pil Pil (Bilbao) – Served with a garlic and olive oil emulsion
Travel Tip: In Madrid, visit Casa Revuelta, famous for its fried bacalao tapas.
Must-Try Drinks in Spain
1. Sangria (Best in Madrid & Seville)
What It Is: A fruity, wine-based drink with oranges, lemon, and brandy.
Travel Tip: The best sangria is made fresh—avoid pre-made versions in tourist spots.
2. Tinto de Verano (Best in Andalusia & Madrid)
What It Is: A mix of red wine and lemon soda, lighter than sangria.
Travel Tip: Locals drink Tinto de Verano more than Sangria.
3. Cava (Best in Catalonia)
What It Is: Spanish sparkling wine, similar to Champagne.
Travel Tip: Visit Penedès (near Barcelona) for a cava winery tour.
4. Horchata (Best in Valencia)
What It Is: A sweet, nutty drink made from tiger nuts (chufas).
Travel Tip: Try it with fartons (sweet pastries) for the full experience.
5. Rioja & Ribera del Duero Wines
What It Is: Spain’s most famous red wines.
Travel Tip: Visit La Rioja or Ribera del Duero for wine tastings.
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.