Spain is full of delicious foods to try. Each city and region have their own specialties, and this list is a good start for anyone first timers in Spain. Some of these are on the touristy side, but popular for good reason and easy to find.
This post may contain affiliate links, where we receive a small commission on sales of the products that are linked at no additional cost to you. All opinions are always our own. Read our full disclosure for more info. Thank you for supporting the brands that make Eearth Travel possible.
Last Updated: November 1, 2022
What to Eat in Spain (15 Spanish Foods You Must Try)
1. Paella
Though Spain has many different rice dishes, paella is by far one of the most popular and traditional Spanish dishes. If you’re looking for something a bit different, try the Arroz Negro (Spanish Squid Ink Rice) which is a famous Spanish dish itself. If you’ve never had squid ink, it might look strange to you, but we loved the flavors it added. We’ll definitely be ordering it from now on if we have the choice!
Restaurants to Try: Bon Aire, El Palmar | Restaurante Cheriff, Barcelona – best paella in Barcelona
Local Tip: Don’t let your luggage hold you back. Find a secure and convenient spot to store your luggage at Luggage Hero.
2. Jamon Iberico
You will see giant legs of jamón serrano and jamón ibérico hanging in local tapas bars and shops. Spain is the world’s number one producer of dry cured ham and is still made using century-old techniques. Jamon Iberico or Iberian ham is made from black Iberian pigs, while Serrano ham covers most other varieties.
We would have loved to take some home, but unfortunately, it’s not legal to bring into the US. Our friend from Singapore got to take some home as a perfect souvenir to remember Spain. You can try to smuggle some back, or just don’t forget to leave Spain without eating plenty! I know I’m not about to get blacklisted. We had some on tapas tours and anywhere you can get Spanish tapas, it should be an option on the menu.
3. Gazpacho
This authentic Spanish dish is usually served cold and made of ripe tomatoes, olive oil, garlic, bread, peppers, and cucumber. It’s not simply tomato soup but the ingredients are blended together until smooth and makes for a perfect dish in the summer.
Restaurants to Try: Inclan Brutal Bar, Madrid | La Pepita, Barcelona
photo: James Blick (creative commons)
4. Tortilla Espa~nola
This is the Spanish version of omelets and made of eggs, potatoes, and onions. After slow frying the potatoes and onions in olive oil, you beat the eggs to make a delicious dish. Like any omelet, you can add ingredients to your taste.
Restaurants to Try: Bodega de la Ardosa, Madrid | El Rinconcillo, Seville
5. Patatas Bravas
This is one of the most common dishes from Spain that you’ll find on every tapas menu, and each region has their own spin on it. Although the sauces may vary, they all consist of chunks of fried potato.
Restaurants to Try: Bar Tomas, Barcelona | Docamar, Madrid
6. Pisto
This is a great starter or side dish. It’s the Spanish traditional food version of ratatouille, and you can find it in most places. You’ll also commonly find it served with fried eggs or chorizo.
Restaurants to Try: Taberna Malaspina, Madrid | Restaurante Tamara Lorenzo, Madrid
photo: Javier Lastras (cropped | creative commons)
7. Sangria
You can’t make a list of famous foods from Spain without including Sangria. This is by far the most popular drink in Spain readily available anywhere you go. You can order it by the glass or enjoy a pitcher amongst friends.
It’s generally found at celebrations and get togethers, and if you order it at a bar or restaurant, you might stick out as a tourist. But, hey, if you like it, you do you. Drink and be merry. If you can’t drink red wine, like Jacob who has a wine allergy, try Cava. It’s the champagne of Spain and is a light and bubbly wine.
Restaurants to Try: Casa Lolea, Barcelona | Taberna el Sur, Madrid
8. Chorizo
Spain has a lot of top-notch pork products, one of which is chorizo. This pork sausage is a savory treat that can be an add-on to other dishes or enjoyed on its own. It’s a simple but delicious Spanish food.
Restaurants to Try: Taberna Malaspina, Madrid | Casa Roman, Seville
9. Churros con Chocolate
These fried, sugary sticks are even better when paired with a cup of Spanish hot chocolate. It’s more of a hot fudge than a chocolatey drink and definitely unique to Spain food culture.
This one is from the famous Chocalateria San Gines in Madrid, which is good, but I personally think it’s overhyped. It’s still worth trying whether at this touristy spot or elsewhere.
We’ve found that it’s on of the food trends in Spain that you can find in other large cities too.
Restaurants to Try: Chocolateria San Gines, Madrid | Granja La Pallaresa, Barcelona
More: 17 Best Desserts in NYC (we recently had some of the best Churros con Chocolate)
10. Suckling Pig
This is a big part of traditional food in Spain, even how it’s prepared in families. Men typically prepare it over a fire while the women prep the rest of the food.
Restaurants: Botin, Madrid | Asador de Aranda, Barcelona
photo: Andrew Currie (creative commons)
11. Gambas al Ajillo
A typical food in Spain found in tapas bars, gambas al ajillo is a sizzling dish of prawns in olive oil seasoned with garlic, green chili, and parsley.
Restaurants to Try: El Raco de l’Aguir, Madrid | Cerveceria Catalana, Barcelona
12. Fabada Asturiana
This hearty stew is a popular Spanish dish that’s typically served during the cold winter months, but you can still find it on most menus. It’s basically pork and beans in Spanish.
Restaurants to Try: El Neru, Madrid | El Chigre 1769, Barcelona
photo: Flavio Lorenzo Sanchez (cropped | commons)
13. Pimientos de Padron
This traditional spainish food is a simple and healthy dish, and great to share. Most tapas bars in Spain serve these small green peppers fried in olive oil and sprinkled with sea salt.
Restaurants to Try: La Bombeta, Barcelona | Casa Paco, Seville
14. Manchego Cheese
This cheese is made in the middle of Spain with manchega sheep’s milk. With a specific diet, they create a cheese that is slightly salty, and most delis and bars carry it.
Restaurants: Poncelet Cheese Bar, Madrid | Recansens, Barcelona
15. Bocadillos
A bocadillos is a sandwich made with Spanish bread. You’ll find them filled with potatos, cheese, ham, and pork loin. If you’re in Madrid, try their bocadillo de calamares (fried squid). I brought my own condiments. ;)
Restaurants to Try: La Campana, Madrid | Can Paixano, Barcelona
photo: Christopher Brown (cropped | commons)
BONUS: A Souvenir to Take Home
Did you know that Andalusia in Southern Spain is the largest producer of olive oil in the world? We couldn’t resist taking some home with us.
More Food in Spain to Try
- Bacalao – If you’re traveling to the Basque country, try the most popular version of bacalao made with pil pil sauce.
- Crema Catalana – burnt Spanish custard creme similar to creme brulee. There’s controversy over where this dish originated.
Best Places to Stay in Spain
Madrid, Spain
Barcelona, Spain
Do you love Spanish cuisine? What Spanish foods have you tried and what are some others you would recommend? Which of these would be at the top of your list if you visited Spain? If you cook, what’s your favorite Spanish recipe?
Did you enjoy this post? Pin it for later
SEE MORE CITY BUCKET LISTS
“Discovery consists not of seeking new lands but in seeing with new eyes” – M. Proust
Esther + Jacob
Esther and Jacob are the founders of Eearth Travel, which is one of the top 5 travel blogs in the US. They believe that adventure can be found both near and far and hope to inspire others to explore locally. They explore a new city in depth every year and currently base themselves in Las Vegas.
