The best Spanish tapas

One can really know a place through its food, and with Spain, it is just love at first bite. The Spanish cuisine is filled with Mediterranean flavour and combines top-quality ingredients in each meal. But there is another way to explore Spanish gastronomy: its famous and delicious tapas.

The Spanish tapas are small, savoury appetisers served with a refreshing drink. Although it is usually a snack, some people like ordering many tapas and turning it into a whole, delicious meal. The truth is, it’s never enough!

When visiting Spain, you should try these authentic tapas dishes. But you can also make them at home!

Best tapas recipes from spain

Tapas are a good choice if you are travelling on a budget. They are free in some parts of Spain, and you only pay your drink. When they aren’t free, the prices vary between 2 and 6 euros, depending on the place and the ingredients of the tapa. Most popular tapas in Spain are actually very cheap, so you can fill that stomach for very little money while tasting Spanish gastronomy.

Tortilla de patatas

Tortilla is one of the most traditional tapas in Spain. It is a humble and simple recipe, but don’t let that mislead you: it is a tasty, nourishing meal. No matter where you go in Spain, you will find this delicious ‘potato omelette’, even for breakfast if you ask for a ‘pincho de tortilla.’

Spanish tortilla is made, mainly, with two ingredients: eggs and potatoes. They must be fried in delicious olive oil and a pinch of salt to get the best result. Some people like to add onions to their tortilla, while others prefer the simpler version. It is a never-ending discussion in Spain. What team are you on?

Learn to prepare the Spanish tortilla de patatas.

Serrano ham and jamón ibérico

This is probably one of the best-known Spanish products. Let’s get something clear: serrano ham and jamón ibérico are not exactly the same—the second comes from Iberian pigs and should be at least 50% pure to be considered as jamón ibérico.

A mouthwatering product, a jamón ibérico is characterised by its soft fat that melts with the mere heat of the hand. This cured, salty ham has the best Spanish flavour and is one of those Spanish tapas that you should try. It can be served with homemade bread, strong Manchego cheese, or other charcuterie, such as chorizo.

Brava potatoes

Who doesn’t like potatoes? They are a versatile ingredient that can be prepared in many ways. However, they can be too bland on their own. The solution? Brava sauce!

Brava sauce includes onion, cayenne, and paprika, among other ingredients, so you can imagine how flavourful this dish is! We should mention that there isn’t a a single type of brava potatoes in Spain, and you can find many varieties depending on the area. For instance, here is the recipe for Madrid’s spicy brava sauce.

Alioli potatoes

If you are not a fan of spicy food, you might prefer this option over brava potatoes. Alioli is an emulsion of olive oil and garlic, a tasty sauce that fits potatoes incredibly well. Just like it happens with brava potatoes, there are many varieties of this tapa, and potatoes can be boiled or fried. Enjoy them with a cold beer or a sweet sangría!

Learn to prepare alioli sauce.

Croquettes

Spanish croquettes (or croquetas) are essential in any restaurant menu. There is a croquette for every taste: ham, chicken, cocido madrileño, spinach, mushrooms, chorizo… the list is endless! 

These bites are characterised by their crisp, golden exterior that already catches your eye. But the best part is always on the inside—the combination of the silky bechamel sauce and the scrumptious ingredient of choice.

Besides, croquetas are really useful if you don’t want to waste those chicken, stew, or ham leftovers, so this is your sign to prepare them and enjoy Spain’s flavour in the comfort of your own home.

Learn these different croquette recipes.

Gambas al ajillo

There is nothing like some good gambas al ajillo or garlic shrimp served in a hot clay dish. This Spanish dish of Andalusian origins is actually quite simple, and the secret to its unbeatable taste and well-deserved popularity lies in using fresh, high-quality shrimp and olive oil.

Gambas al ajillo should be enjoyed while hot, and you can pair it with some wine.

Learn to prepare gambas al ajillo.

Torreznos

Torreznos are more common in Soria and Extremadura, but they deserve a spot in this list of the best tapas from Spain for their simplicity and flavour. In Spanish, ‘torrar’ means roasting something in the fire until it becomes golden or brown. And this is exactly what happens with torreznos, which is actually pork belly.

Torreznos are cooked slowly, since there should be no hurry when it comes to cooking traditional Spanish dishes. The marinated pork is fried in sunflower oil until it gets a bright, golden shade and its crust turns into crispy bubbles. The result is a crunchy and mouthwatering tapa that both locals and tourists love.

Learn to prepare torreznos.

Padrón peppers

There is a common saying in Spain that goes ‘Pimientos del Padrón, unos pican y otros no’ (Padrón peppers, some are spicy, some are not), so be careful when you order this tapa. A traditionally Galician tapa, these peppers can be found anywhere in Spain due to their popularity.

The recipe for Padrón peppers is extremely easy: you just need to fry them in good-quality olive oil and add a little pinch of salt. Now it’s time to eat, and hope that you don’t get a spicy pepper!

Huevos rotos

‘Huevos rotos’ literally means broken eggs in English. Its name might not be too appealing, but once you see this Spanish tapa, you will want to try it. Besides, this simple tapa recipe does not take too much time to prepare, so it’s another great option if you want to explore Spanish gastronomy at your own home.

This dish includes three main ingredients: eggs, potatoes, and ham. The crisps are placed on a plate, and then ham and fried eggs are placed on top of them. It’s a nicely comforting food, just as easy as it sounds.

Learn to prepare huevos rotos.

Anchovies in vinegar

Just like the gambas al ajillo, this recipe is Andalusian but has spread throughout the country and can be found in any bar or restaurant. This tapa, also known as ‘boquerones en vinagre’ in Spanish, is the perfect pair to a cold beer. Some places serve the anchovies with crisps—just place the anchovies on top of it and take a bite for the perfect explosion of flavour.

Learn to prepare anchovies in vinegar.