Spanish Food: 52 Delicious Dishes to Try in Spain

Spanish Food: 52 Delicious Dishes to Try in Spain

Do you truly know Spanish food? How many authentic Spanish dishes have you tried? No, sorry you can’t count Americanized Spanish restaurant foods.

We’re talking about delicious Spanish foods that come straight from the streets of Seville to the kitchens of Catalonia! Authentic Spanish cuisine.

If you have ties to the amazing Spanish culture, then you’re probably familiar with a couple of authentic Spanish recipes.

But if you’re a Spanish food enthusiast who needs some direction towards scrumptious Spanish meals worth trying, then look no further.

We’re here to help! We’ve put together a list of the 52 best Spanish dishes that will have your stomach begging for more!

Spanish Food Is To Die For

Traditional Spanish Food, Paella de Mariscos
Traditional Spanish Food, Paella de Mariscos

Whether a seafood enthusiast, carnivore or dessert lover, Spanish food has something for everyone.

Keep reading to find out more about traditional Spanish cuisine.

1. Croquetas

Spanish croquetas on a plate
Spanish Croquetas

The Spanish version of croquettes is croquetas. And this common spanish tapas dish is made with several different fillings.

The most popular filling for this Spanish food is jamón (ham).

They’re found in almost every restaurant or bar in Spain. But each establishment presents them in their own style.

Croquetas are made with the main ingredient of choice which could vary from ham, fish, cheese, vegetables, ground meat, potatoes, and more.

The main ingredient mixes with béchamel, white bread, egg, onion, and any other type of filling and spices. The ingredients used varies on who is making it.

But no matter what’s used, everything’s rounded together in the shape of a disk and deep fried into perfection.

Because there are so many options and ways to make spanish croquettes, there’s no telling how one might differ from the other without tasting them yourself.

And whether they’re made with ham or vegetables only, one thing remains true: they’re delicious!

2. Rabo de Toro

pot of rabo de toro stew
Rabo De Toro

Traditionally created and served after the bullfights, rabo de toro is bull’s tail stew or stewed bull’s tail!

If while visiting Spain you happen to ask for or mention stew, you’ll most likely be directed towards rabo de toro.

It’s one of Spain’s most popular stews and found in most spanish restaurants.

The bull’s tail is braised until it reaches a tenderness perfection. It’s a Spanish food that’s filled with history.

And it can’t be missed!

3. Pisto

plate of pisto fried eggs and jamon
Pisto

Pisto is a Spanish ratatouille dish. Usually eaten as a tapa, appetizer, or side dish, this Spanish meal can also be served as a main dish when paired with chorizo or a fried egg.

It’s filled with many different vegetables springing with a variety of garden flavors.

Veggies like tomatoes, peppers, onions, zucchini, garlic, eggplant and more are paired together with olive oil to create a wonderful dish.

It’s usually served warm. And it’s a great starter to any meal.

But if you want to add even more flavor to this dish, then try grilling the vegetables! Use vegetables that are favorites in your home.

And don’t feel obligated to stick to a recipe precisely.

You can spice it up or cool it down depending on what types of spices and herbs you want to use in this wonderful Spanish tapas dish.

4. Paella

Platter of Spanish Seafood Paella
Paella de Marisco, Seafood Paella

Paella is one of the most famous Spanish dishes.

It is the one traditional Spanish food that practically everyone is familiar with.

In fact, many consider it Spain’s national dish.

Paella is a flavorsome Spanish rice dish served with vegetables and meats. It can be made with chicken, rabbit, or both.

Or, sometimes seafood is used!

Seafood paella is a great option for those that love fish, shrimp, muscles, calamari, etc.

It simply depends on what you like or where you order it from. Vegetables can also vary.

But white and green beans are usually present.

An authentic paella is one of the most colorful and traditional Spanish cuisine meals, especially when topped with vibrant prawns.

But for an even more unique flare, some places offer paella with arroz negro (black rice).

The Spanish rice dish is stained with octopus ink to get it’s color and produces a rich taste.

5. Carrillada

Dish of Spanish Carrillada and potatoes
Carrillada

Made with beef cheek or pork cheek, carrillada is a mouthwatering Spanish food that melts in your mouth.

The meat in carrillada is usually braised in a  mixture of popular Spanish sauces.

Because the meat is so tender, it resembles a pot roast texture.

The sauces that the Spanish dish is prepared in often times relies on the type of meat that is used.

When using pork cheek, it’s best to use garlic, tomatoes, and port wine or white wine with onions and carrots.

When using beef cheek, it’s best to use red wines with onion or a mushroom sauce mixed with wine and tomatoes.

Either meat can be braised in a variety of sauces and still taste yummy.

But these suggestions are sure to give the dish an extra spark!

A perfect dish for a hearty Spanish lunch.

6. Gazpacho

Three cups of Gazpacho Soup
Gazpacho

If you love a fresh bowl of tomato soup, then Gazpacho is a Spanish dish you’re sure to love!

And if you’re accustomed to eating canned tomato soup, then you’re really in for a treat.

Because canned soup has nothing on this Spanish recipe.

Gazpacho is made with fresh Spanish tomatoes bursting with flavor.

The tomatoes are blended with other ingredients such as cucumbers, green peppers, onions, vinegar, garlic, and herbs.

This bowl of cold tomato soup is absolutely mouthwatering and a great representation of traditional Spanish cuisine.

7. Salmorejo

Bowl of Spanish Salmorejo Soup
Salmorejo

Thought Spain was famous for only one cold soup?

Not a chance, it gets even better. Salmorejo is a very similar dish.

But these spanish tomato soups are different.

Salmorejo made from blending the fresh tomatoes with bread, garlic, and vinegar.

It’s served hot or cold and is topped off with jamon, aka Spanish ham or pieces of hard boiled egg sprinkled on top.

8. Jamón Ibérico

wooden platter of thinly sliced jamon iberico from Spain
Jamon Iberico

Cured Iberian ham or, Jamón Ibérico, is one of Spain’s most universal snacks.

The cured ham is sliced into incredibly thin slices.

And it’s the perfect snack to nibble on alone or coupled with fine cheese at any local spanish tapas bar.

When traveling the streets of Spain, it’s not uncommon to find Jamón Ibérico hanging from store and bar ceilings.

And if you’re lucky enough to try this iconic Spanish food while in Spain, then you’ll need to grab some locally made Spanish cheese as well.

If not in Spain, you can shop for jamón ibérico online.

The cured ham is the perfect mid-day tapas snack that’s hearty but not overwhelming and used in countless Spanish dishes such as Huevos Rotos con Jamon Iberico.

However, don’t confuse Jamón Ibérico with Jamón Serrano. While both are delicious there is a difference in the two.

9. Cochinillo

Cochinillo
Cochinillo Dish

Cochinillo is a very popular Spanish dish found mostly in the city of Segovia.

This meal features a suckling pig roasting on an outdoor spit.

It’s a great way to gather around friends and family and a popular Spanish Christmas dish.

Roasting the pig creates extremely tender meat that doesn’t require a knife to cut.

With a few veggies and some fruity Spanish olive oil, you’ve got one heck of a delicious meal!

The suckling pigs are much smaller pigs than we are used to.

So finding one might be hard to do. Ask your local butchers about purchasing one. They will come as much help.

And if you want to truly experience this dish in it’s most authentic form, then head straight to Spain where you’ll have no trouble finding it!

10. Pulpo A La Gallega

wooden platter of pieces of Spanish squid pulpo a la gallega
Pulpo a la Gallega

If the sea is home to some of your favorite traditional foods, then you won’t want to pass up on an opportunity to try pulpo a la gallega.

It’s made by boiling an octopus. And includes limited ingredients.

Spanish seafood meals are unique and tend to use many spices, herbs, and ingredients to give full flavoring.

But this dish only needs paprika, rock salt, and a little bit of olive oil to reach the same flavorful effects.

It’s a signature meal in Galicia and in Spanish cuisine.

And it’s served in many Galician restaurants throughout Spain as a seafood tapa.

The best way to serve up this delicious Spanish dish is on a wooden platter after cooking it in a copper cauldron.

Copper cauldrons are known to give the octopus a unique flavor.

Pulpo a la Gallega is a great option for a classic Spanish dinner.

11. Tortilla Española

sliced spanish tortilla served on a wooden platter
Spanish Tortilla

Tortilla Española or tortilla de patatas is the Spanish omelette! And it’s definitely worth a try.

What makes it different from a regular omelet?

Unlike the classic omelet that we’re used to, the tortilla Española is made with not only eggs but potatoes and caramelized onions as well.

The Spanish omelette is fried in hot olive oil and often times served cold with some crumbly Spanish bread.

This delicious Spanish food is inviting for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

They’re much thicker than the traditional omelet. And have a soft and sweet center.

Tortilla espanola is found in many restaurants and tapas bars throughout the many regions of Spain.

12. Crema Catalana

crema catalán Spanish dessert served in a cazuela
Crema Catalana

If crème brulee is one of your favorites, then it’s time to let Crema Catalana have the spotlight.

This Spanish dessert is a rich custard that’s topped with caramelized sugar.

And it’s oftentimes given a final touch with sprinkled on citrus zest and cinnamon.

Milk, cream, egg yolks, sugar, vanilla, orange peel, and cinnamon all come together to create this tasty Spanish dessert.

And if you have the chance to try this Spanish treat, you won’t want to pass it up.

13. Fabada Asturiana

Bowl of Spanish Fabada Asturiana
Fabada Asturiana

For cold winter days, a bowl of Fabada Asturiana is a great way to warm up. Fabada Asturiana is a Spanish bean stew.

And it’s filled with white beans and meat. Blood sausage, chorizo, or pork is the usual meat of choice.

This traditional Spanish dish is an Asturian staple. And it’s similar to black pudding.

14. Patatas Bravas

Plate of patatas bravas with Spanish sauce
Patatas Bravas

If you have a love for spicy foods or dipping sauces, then patatas bravas or “brave potatoes” is soon to be your new favorite dish!

If you’re not a fan of overly spicy foods, then don’t worry. You can enjoy this dish just the same.

Patatas bravas is a traditional Spanish dish of many peeled and cubed potatoes with a side of a spicy red sauce.

Ingredients placed in the spicy sauce depends on where you go to try it. So some sauce mixtures may be spicier than others.

And if making from home, you have complete control of which spices go into it. So you can make it as hot or mild as you’d like.

Either way, the potatoes always remain delicious.

15. Chorizo

Spanish chorizo link with olives and bread
Chorizo from Spain

The Spanish are obsessed with chorizo. Have a taste and you’ll understand why.

It is a true staple of Spanish cuisine!

This delicious Spanish food can be added to practically any dish, or enjoyed with your favorite Spanish cheese or Rioja wine.

Popular uses are in classic Spanish dishes like Chorizo a la Sidra and Chorizo al Vino.

This flavorful dry-cured smoked sausage is ready to eat and can be enjoyed any time of day.

Trust us or better yet, 50 million Spaniards can’t be wrong!

16. Bacalao

Dish of Spanish Bacalao
Bacalao

Bacalao is cod that’s salted to perfection. It comes in several different forms.

For example, it’s sometimes found stuffed inside of a croqueta, or grilled, or fried.

Spaniards love the tapas dish Pimientos Piquillos Relleno de Bacalao.

These are Spanish piquillo peppers stuffed with cod. Which way sounds best to you?

Although the original reasoning for salting fish was to keep it preserved, the technique is used today because of the great taste that it offers.

Salt is no longer needed as a means to preserve the fish. But it’s needed for taste!

And it’s great when paired with Spanish paprika, tomato sauce, and vegetable with wine sauce!

17. Pan Tumaca

Spanish Pan Tumaca Tapas
Pan Tumaca

If you’re familiar with the Italian favorite, bruschetta, then you’ll absolutely adore pan tumaca.

It’s a simple Spanish dish that doesn’t require much work or ingredients. But don’t let the simplicity of its recipe fool you.

The flavors in this appetizing snack or quick breakfast bite are nothing close to simple.

It’s bread, salt, tomato, and olive oil. So you can see its resemblance to bruschetta.

But just like bruschetta, its small combinations of ingredients is just enough to keep you coming back for more.

It’s the most famous in Catalonia. But you can find it all throughout Spain.

18. Leche Frita

Spanish Dessert Leche Frita Plate
Leche Frita

When in the mood for a sweet dessert, leche frita is a go-to dish.

It’s just what the name suggests: fried milk. And it’s nothing less of scrumptious.

This cool milk pudding is the center of a crunchy coating made with flour and egg.

The flour and milk cook together until a dough consistency’s produced.

It’s then fried into a tasty treat powdered with cinnamon and confectionery sugar.

This traditional Spanish dessert is one of Spain’s most popular street foods!

And it’s easily altered in a couple of ways to tend to your preference.

For example, some prefer using a sugar glaze on top.

19. Gambas Al Ajillo

Cazuela of Spanish Gammas al Ajillo Shrimp in Garlic Sauce
Gambas al Ajillo

Not quite concluding our list of delicious Spanish food is gambas al ajillo.

It’s a classic Spanish seafood recipe including shrimp and garlic with olive oil.

If the shrimp were still alive, they’d be swimming in a large amount of garlic oil on this dish.

This dish is another popular tapas dish served mainly throughout the southern part of Spain and of course, along the coast.

20. Churros

Churros in a bag with chocolate dipping sauce and coffee
Churros

From restaurants to cafés to local street corners you’ll find them everywhere.

Churros are one of  those Spanish foods that everyone is sure to love.

They are a classic sweet Spanish snack consisting of a fried dough pastry dusted with sugar.

Typically churros are long and have ridges from the churrera that helps create their unique shape.

Churros are typically eaten with café con leche or Spanish hot chocolate.

Not only are churros con chocolate popular in Spain but throughout Latin America.

21. Sangria

Pitchers of Spanish Sangria with two glasses of Sangria
Spanish Sangria

Well, your going to need something to wash all this Spanish food down with, aren’t you?

At it’s core, Sangria is a traditional Spanish red wine punch.

But what makes Sangria special is the medley of chopped fruits added to the red wine, brandy and orange juice mix.

It’s typically served in a pitcher with a long wooden spoon.

Honestly, there’s nothing better than a glass of sangria on a hot summer’s day.

A perfect drink to pair with any Spanish food.

22. Ensaladilla Rusa

Spanish Potato Salad, Ensaladilla Rusa
Spanish Potato Salad, Ensaladilla Rusa

Ensaladilla, often referred to as Ensaladilla Rusa, is a Spanish potato salad that initially traces its roots back to Russia.

However, you can now enjoy it in most tapas bars and restaurants all over Spain.

It has a potato base and adds carrots, peas, hard-boiled eggs, tuna, and mayonnaise.

The Spanish food is a polarizing meal that has many fans but can be considered an acquired taste. 

23. Dorada a la Sal

Dorada a La Sal
Dorada a La Sal

Dorada a la sal is a Spanish dish that contains two key ingredients: sea bream and salt.

The sea bream lays on a thick layer of salt and is topped with more salt before being baked in an oven.

The process helps retain the original flavor of the fish so you can enjoy its juicy goodness.

The popular Spanish fish dish is valued for its easy preparation, simple ingredients, and fresh flavor.

It is also worth noting that although many people might readily believe the fish will become too salty due to the thick salt coating, that is not actually the case.

24. Longaniza

Longaniza Spanish Sausage
Longaniza Spanish Sausage

Longaniza is a long and thin, semi-dried sausage with a spicy garlic taste.

It’s made from minced pork meat and can be freshly prepared or smoked.

You can eat longaniza on its own, with fresh bread, rice, or tortillas. 

You’d be forgiven for mistaking longaniza for chorizo if you don’t eat sausages that often.

However, Spanish chorizo is not as spicy as longaniza as it uses smoked paprika in place of black pepper.

25. Bacalao a la Vizcaina

Bacalao a la Vizcaina
Bacalao a la Vizcaina

Bacalao a la Vizcaina is one of the most popular traditional dishes to come out of the Basque region of Spain.

And for a good reason. Bacalao a la Vizcaina is a delicious meal that only requires a few common ingredients and can be made year-round. 

Bacalao a la Vizcaina is a simple fish stew that features three main components; the fish, olive oil, and salsa.

Salted cod is cooked in a sauce made from choricero peppers, onions, and garlic.

26. Fideua

Fideua, Spanish Dish of Noodles & Seafood
Fideua, Spanish Dish of Noodles & Seafood

Fideua is a Spanish food cooked in a thick, paella-style pan with noodles and fresh seafood.

It originated in the province of Valencia and is very similar to Spanish paella.

The main difference is that you use noodles instead of rice, while seafood is used exclusively as the protein.

27. Fuet

Slices of Spanish Fuet
Slices of Spanish Fuet

Most have heard of Spanish sausages like chorizosobrasada and salchichon.

But in the northeastern province of Catalonia, one sausage that often finds its way onto the table is Fuet.

Fuet is a thin, cured Spanish sausage made up of lean pork, fat, garlic, and spices.

The meat is stuffed into a pig casing and cured for 12 days to 2 months, where it develops a coating of white mold.

Fuet has a long history in Catalonia and is often eaten as a spanish tapas dish.

28. Marmitako

Marmitako, Spanish Tuna Stew
Marmitako, Spanish Tuna Stew

Marmitako is another seafood dish from the Basque country.

Made of essential, sustaining elements, this Spanish seafood dish has been around for centuries without diminishing popularity. 

Marmitako endures to this day because of its simplicity and nourishment.

Created by fishermen, the Spanish meal is adaptable and straightforward, with only some fish, potatoes, and peppers.

The Spanish meal is celebrated as a quick, inexpensive meal for students and a reliable dish for high-scale restaurants. 

29. Escalivada

Escalivada Dish on wooden table
Escalivada

Escalivada is a dish from Catalonia, Spain, made with peppers and eggplant in the most basic version of the recipe, but other ingredients, like onion wedges or thick slices of tomato, can also be added.

Traditional spanish cooking uses a combination of yellow, orange, and red peppers to make it even more colorful.

Similar to ratatouille, escalivada is a delicious, easy-to-make recipe that’s sure to become a new comfort food.

30. Saffron

Spanish saffron in a wooden bowl
Spanish Saffron

Saffron is a spice harvested by hand from the stigmata of the crocus sativus, a purple flower.

Since there are just three stigmata per plant, this labor-intensive spice is costly.

Today, saffron is a vital ingredient to traditional Spanish dishes like paella, though it also has healing abilities for wounds and swelling.

31. Torrijas

Spanish Torrijas on a plate
Torrijas

If you’re looking for a sweet Spanish dish that takes a historical spin on an American breakfast staple, it’s time you learned about torrijas. 

Torrijas are Spanish style french toasts.

The Spanish version of the dish is traditionally served at Lent and still served at Easter in many households today.

The Spanish french toast is made by soaking bread in milk, wine, or honey, dipping it in egg, and then pan-frying it in olive oil.

Torrijas are often topped with cinnamon powder and sugar when served.

32. Manchego Cheese

Sliced Manchego Cheese on table with olives
Sliced Manchego Cheese

Manchego cheese is a sheep’s milk cheese made from the milk of Manchega sheep in the La Mancha region of Spain.

Prized for its balanced, sweet, and savory taste, the famous Spanish cheese is known for having a creamy yet crumbly texture and an inedible rind.

It’s a protected designation of origin (PDO) product in the EU.

If you’re a cheese-lover, Manchego cheese is a must-try.

This fruity, nutty, and tangy cheese is one of Spain’s best-known traditional foods – and for good reason!

33. Chistorra

Pincho of Chistorra
Pincho of Chistorra

Chistorra is a Spanish-style pork sausage.

Chistorra is served on its own or as an ingredient in Spanish soups, stews, and sandwiches.

Another traditional way of eating this semi-cured meat is on a pincho, a type of spanish tapas consisting of a piece of bread with a topping.

34. Leche Frita

Leche Frita
Leche Frita

Leche Frita is a Spanish dessert that consists of milk, flour, and sugar.

The dish is popular both because of its simplicity and satisfying taste.

Roughly translated, Leche Frita means “fried milk.”

You create it by frying chilled milk in oil and topping it off with a sugar glaze or cinnamon powder.

While the exact origins are unknown, people believe the dish came from the Province of Palencia.

35. Pimientos Padron

Pimientos de Padron
Pimientos de Padron

Brought to the country by monks in the 16th century, Pimientos de Padrón are a favorite tapas dish of Spain.

Pimientos de Padrón are fried green chili peppers served as appetizers alongside other tapas like bread, olives, and cheese at practically on every tapas menu in Spain.

Pimientos de padron are also a popular choice for tapas boards.

They can also be added to pizzas, soups, and other dishes for extra flavor and can be pickled for long-term preservation.

36. Caldo Gallego

Traditional Galician Stew, Caldo Gallego
Traditional Galician Stew, Caldo Gallego

La Rioja, located in the northern Iberian peninsula of Spain is known for its incredible wines.

But Caldo Gallego is a dish that should not be missed.

Caldo Gallego is a traditional Spanish soup dish that impoverished farmers from Galicia have relied on for centuries.

Literally translated, Caldo Gallego means Galician broth.

It consists of cabbages, potatoes, beans, lard, and turnips.

As the years passed, it transitioned from being a poor man’s meal in northern Spain into a staple served in various households.

37. Chorizo a la Sidra

Chorizo a la Sidra
Chorizo a la Sidra

Whether you’re eating at a small Spanish roadside canteen or an upscale restaurant, there’s a good chance you’ll spot chorizo a la sidra on their menu.

Chorizo a la sidra is a classic Spanish dish that originated in Asturias.

The recipe consists of two ingredients: Spanish chorizo and sidra, and natives pair it with wine or beer.

It was popularized during the 18th century and evolved into a staple served in different restaurants all across Spain.

38. Turron

Traditional Spanish Christmas of Turron
Traditional Spanish Christmas of Turron

Turron is a traditional Christmas sweet made mainly form honey, almonds, and sugar.

This is a revered Spanish nougat candy, to say the least.

We are talking of a 5-century old delicacy that has been the mainstream for happiness and togetherness.

It comes with different types and flavors depending on the recipe and ingredients used in its timeless preparation.

Generally, turron can be soft and chewy or hard and brittle.

All in all, it’s the real deal that will leave you wanting more.

39. Sobrasada

Sobrasada spread on bread
Sobrasada Spreadable Sausage

Sobrasada is a type of cured sausage made from combining chopped pork with seasoning.

It’s a local Balearic island delicacy from Mallorca that has since spread across Spain.

The distinctive hot flavor makes it a common fixture in many recipes.

It’s soft, so you don’t have to cut it up into slices when you want to spread it over your pasta, eggs, onto your toast or part of a charcuterie board.

You can also add it to other dishes, such as your Spanish soups and stews, for a Mediterranean flavor.

It’s also commonly eaten as a standalone delicacy.

40. Bacalao al Pil Pil

Spain's Traditional Codfish Dish
Spain’s Traditional Codfish Dish

Bacalao al Pil Pil is a cod-based Spanish meal from the Basque country.

Only four ingredients are needed to make the Spanish dish—salt cod, chili peppers, garlic, and olive oil—but cooking it can be tricky.

Bacalao al Pil Pil is very tasty and is a staple of Spanish bars and restaurants.

41. Horchata de Chufa

Spanish Drink, Horchata de Chufa
Spanish Drink, Horchata de Chufa

Horchata de chufa isn’t the same as the horchata you’d likely find at your favorite Mexican restaurant.

That’s because horchata de chufa is a Spanish drink, whereas the more popular beverage you know is a Mexican horchata.

It gets its name from its main ingredient, the tuber of a chufa plant, which is used instead of spanish rice.

If you’ve never had the joy of tasting chufa, it has an earthy, nut-like taste (hence the nickname earth almond).

When added to rich, sweet horchata, it provides a complex taste that you’re sure to love.

42. Morcilla

Morcilla
Morcilla

Morcilla is a Spanish blood sausage made from beef or pork blood from Spain that resembles black pudding and contains rice or onions.

Blood sausage recipes exist in many different cuisines worldwide, including Spain, but morcilla has many different recipe variations. 

When morcilla is cooked and fried in spanish olive oil, it becomes a spiced sausage with a mild tang and a crumbly texture.

43. Polvorones

Spanish Polvorones Christmas Cookies
Spanish Polvorones Christmas Cookies

In Spanish, ‘polvo’ means dust, which is enough to explain why polvorones have this name.

If you ever try to put one of these cookies in your mouth, you’ll find out that it crumbles into what feels like dust.

 These delicious cookies are quite popular in Southern Spain.

Mostly, Spanish people love them for their crumbly texture, softness, and the fact that they’re really easy to make.

Polvorones are most popular at Christmas time.

44. Natilla

Two glass bowls of Spanish Matilda with cinnamon sprinkle on top
Spanish Natilla

Natilla is a Spanish custard dessert theorized to be developed by nuns.

It is made with eggs, milk, sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla, and while it is similar to flan, it does not have a caramel topping.

The classic Spanish dessert is made by creating a custard by gently boiling the ingredients, and it is often served with a sprinkle of cinnamon on the top before it is served.

45. Pan con Tomate

Pan con tomate and jamon iberico
Pan con tomate and jamon iberico

If you are looking for a simple and easy tapa recipe, pan con tomate is a satisfying and satiating go-to.

Pan con tomate consists of a thick slice of toasted bread, tomato, olive oil, and roasted garlic. 

You can use tomato slices if you prefer, but the traditional Spanish way to make pan con tomate is to grate the tomato on top of the bread.

Either rub a cut ripe tomato against the rough surface of the bread or grate it with a cheese grater.

Drizzle olive oil and add the smashed garlic.

You can lay some jamon iberico on top to make the tapas dish of more substance.

46. Arroz con Leche

Spanish Arroz con Leche
Spanish Arroz con Leche

Arroz con leche, which is also known as Rice Pudding, can be made in half an hour; using only milk, sugar, and rice.

The basics can be seen everywhere, but the special flavors and toppings are where the magic happens.

The Spanish version has the classical addition of butter, cinnamon sticks, and a dash of tangy lemon. 

47. Tarta de Santiago

Tarta de Santiago
Tarta de Santiago

Tarta de Santiago or Torta de Santiago is a delicious almond cake given to travels in Galicia, Spain, at the end of a day’s long trek through Europe.

It is made of ground almonds with notes of citrus and a subtle sweetness thanks to the sugar.

Spaniards have been eating this famous cake for hundreds of years, and now you can, too.

Eat it by itself, or pair it with your afternoon coffee for a delightful treat. 

48. Gilda

Gilda spanish food on white dish
Gilda

Gilda is a popular tapas dish in San Sebastian, a city located in the Basque region of Spain.

The Spanish dish consists of a skewer with a combination of ingredients, such as olives, anchovies and peppers.

It is often accompanied by a glass of wine or sherry.

49. Cava

Cava, Spanish Sparkling Wine & Tapas
Cava, Spanish Wine & Tapas

Cava is a popular spanish sparkling wine that is made in the Catalonia region of Spain.

It is typically made similarly like champagne but from a blend of different Spanish grapes.

Cava is dry and crisp and is often a good choice for celebrations.

As it can be enjoyed as an aperitif or paired with a variety of famous Spanish dishes such as seafood paella and tapas.

50. Queso Cabrales

Queso Cabrales served with Rioja wine
Queso Cabrales served with Rioja wine

Queso Cabrales is a popular Spanish blue cheese that is traditionally made in the Asturias region of Spain.

It is made by blending three types of milk; cow, goat and sheep. It must age at least two months in natural caves before eating.

It has a strong and pungent taste and smell with a crumbly texture.

Queso cabrales is usually served with fruits and can be used in salads.

51. Cachopo

Traditional Cachopo Meal of Breaded Steak, French Fries & Salad
Traditional Cachopo Meal of Stuffed Breaded Steak, French Fries & Salad

Cachopo is a classic Spanish dish that originated in the region of Asturias, located in the north of Spain.

It is a comfort food that has gained popularity across the country and beyond.

Cachopo consists of two thin, tenderized veal or beef steaks filled with Spanish ham and cheese.

The filled steaks are then breaded and deep-fried until they have a golden, crispy crust.

52. Flamenquín

Spanish Flamenquines with french fries
Spanish Flamenquines with french fries

Flamenquín is a traditional dish hailing from the Andalusian region of Spain, particularly popular in Córdoba.

It consists of slices of ham (typically Serrano ham) placed on thinly pounded meat (usually pork loin or sometimes veal), which is then rolled up, breaded, and deep-fried until golden and crispy.

The result is a delicious meaty roll with a crunchy exterior.

Delicious Spanish Food You Can’t Pass Up

Popular Spanish Foods
Popular Spanish Foods

When given an opportunity to try any of these delicious Spanish dishes, you won’t want to pass it up.

Spanish food culture is diverse and unique.

Whether it’s tapas like tortilla or croquetas, seafood dishes like marmitako or seafood paella or spanish desserts like flan or churros, food from Spain is a culinary treat not to be missed.

So if you’re lucky enough to come across one of these Spanish meals, make sure you stop and try it.

You won’t regret it as flavorful explosions of Spanish cuisine will spark on top of your tastebuds!

And if you enjoyed reading about these 52 traditional Spanish dishes, then you’ll also love reading about why Carbonell Olive Oil is excellent for your at-home Spanish dishes! Click here to learn more.

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