Spanish Cuisine

What Can You Eat in Spain?

Spanish food is simple and consists of lots of tomatoes, bread, onions, eggs, potatoes, and olive oil. They also eat lots of fresh vegetables, garlic, chicken, fish, seafood, Iberian cured meats and wine. They don't eat a lot of processed foods like we have in America, instead, they tend to make lots of meals at home with fresh ingredients.

Along the coasts, you can expect to find lots of seafood options. Most restaurants by the water will offer lobster (Bogavante), Crab (Buey de Mar), Shrimp (Gambas, Langostinos, Camarones), and Squid (Calamar) among other dishes.

Chocolate con Churros

Spaniards love chocolate con churros. This dish is essentially melted chocolate with a fried dough pastry. To eat, you dip the end of the churro into the chocolate, eat, then repeat. You could even drink the melted chocolate if you wanted to, although I've never seen any Spaniards do it. 

Spanish Pisto

Spanish Pisto has to be one of my favorite dishes from Spain. My host mom made the most amazing pisto out of tomatoes, onion, red bell pepper, and olive oil. She always served it with avocado and a fried egg on top, and, of course, lots of bread. 

Spanish Cooking Lesson

While I was studying abroad in Spain, I got to take part in a Spanish cooking class. Our maestro, or teacher, taught us the difference between Spain's many types of olive oil, tomatoes, and cheeses. We got to taste the subtle differences from these Spanish food staples. Olive oil, for instance, has three distinct types. 

Strawberry & Oreo Gelato

More Gelato Flavors

Additionally, while I was in Spain I had to try gelato. Although this is an Italian dessert, you can still find it all over Spain. It's very similar to ice cream, yet somehow it just tastes so much better. 

Of course, Spain also has lots of coffee and tea options to choose from. They have numerous cafeterias with cappuccinos, lattes, and teas. 

Jasmine Tea

Overall, food in Spain thrives in its simplicity, great taste, and high quality. There aren't as many fast-food restaurants as in the U.S., but you can still find a Burger King, Five Guys, or Mcdonald's if you go into the city. However, if you do find yourself in Spain, I would recommend avoiding these familiar sights and instead, step outside of your comfort zone and try some paella, pisto, or churros. You just might be surprised by how much you like it. 

Spanish Cappuccino