Top 5 Foods I Recommend Trying While You're in Spain {GUEST POST}

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{GUEST POST}

Falling in love with Spain and its culture is very easy, which is why the country is filled with so many visitors. When you hear of Barcelona, Madrid, and Bilbao, you can instantly imagine beautiful landscapes, whimsical architecture, vast lands of vineyards, and historic cathedrals. 

However, Spain is more than its gorgeously made buildings or the historic art hung in its museums. It is also home to various delicious foods everyone should try. The country houses a wide variety of food that embodies Spain's rich history and tradition. 

If you have plans to travel and visit Spain sometime in the future, read this article to find the best foods you can try when in Spain. 

Must-Try Local Food in Spain 

It is easy to get lost in a sea of new foods when you visit a foreign place, especially in Spain. Everything looks so tasty, not to mention the rich and inviting smell. To help you out, here are the must-try foods you should look for when in Spain.

A Must-Have: Tapas 

When you're in Spain, you cannot miss grabbing a plate of its extremely famous tapas. Tapas is the term used for an appetizer or snack in Spanish cuisine. They are mostly served in small portions and can be either in hot or cold servings. 

The streets of Spain is filled with different tapas bars that serve all kinds of tapas, but the most popular ones are the following: 

●           Spanish Omelette (tortilla de patatas) - the traditional Spanish Omelette is made with eggs, potatoes, olive oil, and onions. It is done by slow frying the potatoes and onions in olive oil and beating the eggs to create a delicious meal.  

●           Patatas Bravas - Another classic favorite in Spain with potatoes as the main ingredient. What makes patatas bravas unique is its sauce, with taste varying from different regions in Spain. The bravas sauce is usually spicy, but each region has a different spin on this beloved dish. 

Eating tapas can become more enjoyable when paired with red wine. Treat yourself to a classy and vintage wine by having a glass of Screaming Eagle. This sophisticated wine can be difficult to find in local wineries. However, you can buy Screaming Eagle online without any hassle. This vintage wine, labeled as "cult wine," can be a great choice to pair with your favorite tapas. 

Rice You Cannot Resist: Paella Valenciana 

Paella is über famous, but it really is an emblematic Spanish dish, especially in Valencia. Don’t dare miss paella in your Spain food hunting experience. Paella is prone to experimentation and has various existing variations. However, you must try the classic Paella Valenciana. It is a dish that originated in Valencia, Spain's third-largest region, just below Barcelona. 

Paella Valenciana is traditionally made with rabbit, although you can also find it made with chicken, seafood, and more. The meat is simmered with green and white beans, rice, and herbs like rosemary. The slow cooking process of paella highlights its unique flavor.  

You can easily spot a paella in food stalls or restaurants as it is served in bright yellow rice, the color distinction traditionally a result of saffron. 

The Soup For Summer: Gazpacho 

It is uncommon for people to have soup in summer, but not in Spain. Have a bowl of gazpacho, and you will know why. 

Gazpacho is a tomato-based Andalusian soup prominent for being served cold. It is made from the reddest and the ripest tomato, bread, cucumber, and a combination of herbs and spices. The ingredients are blended until it is silky smooth.  

Additionally, tapas bars in Andalucia serve it daily during the summer months. Some bars have been known to put a jug in the counter that allows customers to pour it right to their glasses or bowls. Cool, right? But having a cold soup in the middle of searing hot summer is a great way to cool down.

Munch In Some Snacks: Churros 

It’s important not to miss eating churros when you are in Spain, especially as there are sidewalk food stalls teeming with this snack. Churros are made of fried dough pastry, cut in long strips, and deep-fried with sugar. Others call them churros con chocolate as it best paired with a thick hot chocolate drink. You can bring this tasty snack anywhere while you roam around and enjoy the scenic view of Spain. 

Local Favorite: Jamón 

The last thing on the list is the most celebrated food in Spain, jamón or cured ham. In Spain, Jamón is the staple food in every Spanish home. It is the perfect food to get your taste buds ready for the next meal.

Jamón comes into two varieties: jamón Serrano and jamón Ibérico. Jamón Serrano is the most common type of jamón. Restaurants and tapas bars serve it all-year-round at an affordable price. 

However, if you want to have a taste of pure goodness, save some of your travel cash and try jamón Iberico. Jamón Iberico is considered the most expensive cured ham in the world. But, the moment you taste it, you’ll surely understand why it demands such a price. 

Takeaway

Spain is a great country to visit because of its beautiful landmarks and landscapes. However, the country also proudly serves tasty foods that both locals and visitors love. Food in Spain is distinct when it comes to presentation, preparation, and taste. There is no doubt that the food hunting experience in Spain is worth it. Not only will your stomach be filled with delicious goodness, you’ll also taste Spain's rich history and tradition in every meal.