Tapas

What Are Tapas?

When we talk about tapas, we’re referring to a style of serving food, not necessarily a specific type of dish. That said, classic tapas dishes are still commonly found in restaurants.

A “tapa” is simply a small portion of food. Almost any dish can be served as a tapa! When you go for tapas, you usually order many different small bites to share with others. This way, you can try a wide variety of dishes.

One of the most common stories about the origin of tapas is that it began with small slices of meat or bread used to cover drinks, preventing flies or other insects from getting into them. The word “tapas” literally means “covered” in Spanish. Over time, these small snacks grew in popularity and became more elaborate.

Today, there are countless types of tapas. You can enjoy simple tapas, like a small bowl of olives, or full multi-course tapas meals!

Which Tapas Should You Order?

Now that it’s clear where tapas come from, the next question is: “Which tapas should I order?” There isn’t a single answer, as there are so many different types. Here’s a list of some of the most common tapas you’ll find in Spain:

• Patatas bravas
• Small fried potato pieces served with a spicy tomato sauce.
• Boquerones
• Anchovies marinated in vinegar. Not everyone’s favorite, but definitely worth trying!
• Tortilla de patatas
• A kind of crustless quiche made with eggs, potatoes, and sometimes onions.
• Pincho moruno
• Skewers of roasted meat with lots of spices. Usually pork, but also available with chicken or beef.
• Chorizo al vino
• Chorizo sausage cooked in wine. It has a strong flavor and is often made from spicy sausage.
• Croquetas
• A snack similar to Dutch croquettes. Croquetas are fried snacks filled with meat, fish, or vegetables in béchamel sauce.
• Calamares a la romana or rabas
• Fried squid rings served with fresh lemon. In southern Spain, fried seafood is also common.
• Serrano or Iberico ham
• One of the most famous and popular meats in Spain. Can be served alone or on bread.
• Ensaladilla rusa
• Spanish potato salad with tuna, peas, mayonnaise, carrots, and olives.
• Pimientos de padrón
• Small green peppers, usually mild but occasionally spicy.