Spain was the first trip where I began actively assessing foreign foods, as I have always been a foodie but not a dedicated one. Keep in mind these are just the unique foods on the list, as I did not have any of these until I came to Spain (except churros!). Most of my meals with the host family included unlimited bread, white rice with tomato sauce, chicken, steak, homemade pizza, vegetable puree, etc…
In addition, Spanish food is always fresh and absent of the fatty and processed ingredients of American food, which makes it so much better! This is why I don’t go into a food coma, even if I eat too much, and why it takes longer for me to become full. This goes for any dairy products as well. For example, anytime I eat cheese or chocolate I don’t limit myself because in Europe, neither gives me stomach issues!
These foods all range from main courses, tapas (snacks), and desserts. Keep in mind that this list is my own personal opinion, I hope this will give travelers wanting to visit Spain an idea what to eat there. From my least favorite to my favorite, here is a list of the dishes.
10. Palmeras
First dessert on the list, this puff pastry is often in the shape of a heart and covered in chocolate. This pastry is actually French, but the Spanish adopted it. I liked it, but it just wasn’t my type of dessert and one bite out of these things, crumbs fall everywhere. It’s worth trying at least once, but I am more of a cake and ice cream type person.
9. Patatas Fritas
Or as most of the world calls them, “French fries!” Even though this is universal, I still put this on the list because they hit different in Europe. In Europe, they do not soak their fries in oil and fat. In fact, they are freshly made and you can tell they came straight from the potato! However, these fries are not normally salty like American fries, and I actually like my fries salty. Other than that, I would choose patatas fritas over French fries any day!
8. Calamari Sandwich
I only want to eat this if it’s with sauce, haha! As you might have seen in my Madrid article, this is very popular in that area, but people often forget to get it with sauce. The moment I tried the sandwich and sauce, I was like “I want more sauce!”
7. Octopus
When I told everyone I like octopus, they were surprised! But grilled octopus is very popular in Spain, and it is only the legs people will eat. Octopus is even better with any kind of sauce, just ask for some at the restaurant.
6. Spanish Lasagna
So instead of using pasta for lasagna, the people in Spain use POTATOES. These actually did a better job of absorbing the cheese than pasta does. The dish I had was cheese and ground beef between the potato layers.
5. Paella
Believe it or not, it took me almost 2 months to get a chance to eat Paella. In my defense, it is not very popular in Castilla y Leon, but very popular in Barcelona. I made it a must for myself to try paella in Barcelona and I did! This dish consists of rice and meat, but mostly seafood. I had it at a restaurant called La Ciudadela, which has all sorts of paella. I had the seafood one without the shells and it was delicious! Very filling as well.
4. San Jacobo
Also known as, “cordon bleu”, this is a popular Spanish dish my host family frequently serves. This consists of a fried breadless ham and cheese sandwich and the first time I had it, I fell in love! I’m curious how good it will be if I remake it in America.
3. Tortilla Espanola
Also known as the “Spanish omelette”, this dish is pretty self explanatory. It is made up of eggs and potatoes and a very popular dish all throughout Spain. Sometimes, it is even served with red tomato sauce that makes it significantly more delicious! There was also one time where my host family served this but stuffed with chorizo as well, also delicious!
2. Croquetas
Similar to San Jacobo, this is a deep fried dish stuffed with cheese and meat. Instead of a deep-fried square, this is a deep-fried roll and super creamy on the inside. The moment I tried one, I wanted more! Fair warning, these rolls may be very hot when first biting into them, but once they cool down a bit, that’s when you taste the flavor.
1. Churros
I waited a few weeks to finally have a churro in Spain, and I ate them in Madrid as intended! As mentioned in my Madrid article, you MUST get them with chocolate sauce or else the taste is just too bland. In addition, I visited another churro place in Barcelona. This shop was specical because there were FILLED churros with white chocolate, caramel, and various chocolate sauces. I had one that was chocolate on the outside and white chocolate on the inside! 100/10 would have again!
While there are many Spanish dishes, these are just the ones I personally felt were noteworthy. Regardless, Spanish food just hits different, as it is all fresh, even in fast food restaurants! I personally find most non-homemade American dishes processed and greasy. Not once did the food in Spain make me sick, and the freshness of the food is one of the many things I love about Spain.
Need some recommendations on Spanish cuisine? Feel free to contact me!
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