Traditional Spanish Food

Jamon Serrano

Hanging from the ceilings of bars, lining the shelves in unbelievable numbers are the Spanish staple Serrano ham, or Jamon Serrano. This cured meat is served in thin slices, often simply with crusty baguette. The Spanish version of Parma Ham, it is impossible to avoid this variety of jamon.

Paella

Originally from Valencia, Paella is served all over Spain. This rice dish simmers slowly with saffron and contains fish, meat, chicken and a variety of vegetables. Often served in one pot for at least two people to share, paired with some Spanish wine it has been the source of many of my Spanish sensory memories.

Bocadillo

A sibling of tapas is the small sandwiches called bocadillos. These French-bread style small sandwiches come with a variety of toppings, from fish to meat and cheese. Sometimes more filling than tapas, there is a great mini-chain in Spain that offers 100 varieties of bocadillos, all for the teensy price of one euro.

Tapas

Although tapas aren’t typically offered for free anymore, as they were customarily when a drink had been purchased, they are still worth the small cost. A great excuse to see more of whatever town you’re exploring, a ‘tapas crawl’ to compare who has the best Serrano ham or the tastiest meatballs usually isn’t too hard on the wallet either. Small portions of fish or meat or a small serving of salad come in many varieties and are a great way to spend an evening with friends.

Crema Catalana

After a slow meal of nibbling tapas throughout a long evening, I’m rarely in the mood for dessert. When I get hit with a sweet tooth, I am always drawn to Crema Catalana, a kind of Spanish crème brulee. Many variations on the typical flan will be seen throughout Spain.

Rioja

Spanish dishes are perfectly complemented by the most famous red wine, Rioja. From the area on the edge of the Basque country, various levels of aging giving Rioja different qualities. In shops, a good bottle of Rioja can be purchased very cheaply, making picnics and self-catering accommodation extremely attractive. All the ingredients for cooking a traditional paella and bottle of rioja can be bought very affordably at large Spanish supermarkets.