Spanish Food is a vibrant tapestry of flavors, influenced by its rich history and diverse regions. From the Mediterranean coast to the mountains and plains, each area boasts unique ingredients and culinary traditions. If you’re looking to explore the authentic tastes of Spain, here are 10 must-try Spanish food dishes that will take your palate on an unforgettable journey.
1. Gazpacho
Gazpacho is the quintessential Spanish chilled soup, especially beloved in the scorching summers of Andalucía, southern Spain. This iconic Spanish food is a refreshing blend of the ripest, reddest tomatoes, olive oil, garlic, bread, peppers, and cucumber, all blended together to a silky smooth texture. Served cold in bowls or glasses, Gazpacho is a daily staple in Andalucía and a common sight in tapas bars throughout Spain. For a richer, creamier variation, try Salmorejo from Córdoba, a thicker version often garnished with pieces of savory Ibérico ham. Both Gazpacho and Salmorejo perfectly embody the fresh, vibrant flavors of Spanish cuisine.
Try making your own refreshing Gazpacho or the rich Salmorejo.
2. Paella
Paella is arguably the most internationally recognized Spanish food, and for good reason. Originating from the Valencia region, this iconic rice dish is a celebration of Spanish flavors and ingredients. While Valencia claims to have a different rice dish for every day of the year, Paella Valenciana remains the most traditional and revered. Authentic Paella Valenciana features key ingredients like chicken or rabbit, saffron threads for that characteristic golden hue and aroma, runner beans, and butter beans. The heart of a great paella lies in the rice, ideally Bomba or Calasparra varieties grown on Spain’s east coast. These special rice types are exceptional at absorbing the flavorful broth, resulting in a truly delicious and authentic Spanish food experience.
Master the art of Spanish cooking with our next level paella recipe or a flavorful chicken & chorizo paella. For expert tips, explore our top 10 tips for perfect paella.
3. Tortilla Española
Tortilla Española, or Spanish omelette, is a deceptively simple yet deeply satisfying Spanish food. Made with just eggs, potatoes, and onions – though some purists vehemently argue against onions – this dish transcends its basic components. The key to a perfect Tortilla Española is slow-frying the potatoes and onions in olive oil until they are tender and slightly caramelized. These flavorful potatoes and onions are then mixed with beaten eggs, allowing the flavors to meld before the mixture is gently cooked to a soft set. Versatile and comforting, Tortilla Española can be enjoyed hot or cold, as a tapa, a light meal, or even as part of a heartier Spanish food spread. You can easily customize it by adding chorizo, ham, spinach, or zucchini, making it a resourceful and delicious Spanish staple.
Learn to make your own authentic Real Spanish omelette.
4. Gambas al Ajillo
Gambas al Ajillo, or garlic shrimp, is a quintessential Spanish tapa that embodies the bold and simple flavors of Spanish food. Imagine walking into a bustling tapas bar and being immediately drawn in by the intoxicating aroma of sizzling garlic and seafood. This is Gambas al Ajillo. Recreating this iconic Spanish food at home is surprisingly easy: simply fry slices of garlic and a touch of green chili in olive oil until fragrant, then toss in fresh prawns and cook for just a few minutes until pink and succulent. A sprinkle of fresh parsley at the end adds a final touch of freshness. Gambas al Ajillo is a testament to how simple, high-quality ingredients can come together to create an explosively flavorful and deeply satisfying Spanish food experience.
Try your hand at making these irresistible garlic prawns.
5. Tostas de Tomate y Jamón
Tostas de Tomate y Jamón, or tomato and ham toast, showcases the incredible quality of Spanish ingredients in a remarkably simple Spanish food. The star of this tapa is undoubtedly Jamón Ibérico, a cured ham from black Iberian pigs that roam oak forests in western Spain, feasting on acorns which impart a distinctive nutty flavor to the marbled, magenta ham. To prepare this classic Spanish food, thick slices of toasted bread are rubbed with garlic and ripe tomato, drizzled generously with olive oil, and then topped with thin slices of Jamón Ibérico. This is Spanish food at its finest: simple, elegant, and bursting with flavor. It’s the perfect quick and delicious lunch or tapa, highlighting the exceptional quality of Spanish ham and fresh produce.
Enjoy the authentic taste of Spain with our recipe for Spanish tomato bread with jamón Serrano.
6. Patatas Bravas
Patatas Bravas are perhaps the most ubiquitous and beloved tapas in Spanish food culture. While variations exist across Spain, the core of Patatas Bravas remains the same: chunks of fried potato, generously smothered in a spicy brava sauce. In Madrid, the brava sauce is traditionally made with pimentón (Spanish paprika), both sweet and spicy varieties, olive oil, flour, and stock – crucially, without tomatoes. Some recipes include garlic, others a splash of fino sherry, and many bars guard their secret ingredient combinations fiercely. No matter the regional variation, Patatas Bravas are a must-try Spanish food, offering a satisfying combination of crispy potatoes and a flavorful, spicy kick.
Make your own classic patatas bravas at home.
7. Pollo al Ajillo
Pollo al Ajillo, or garlic chicken, is a comforting and deeply flavorful Spanish food dish that evokes a sense of home-cooked goodness. Every Spaniard will likely tell you that their grandmother makes the best Pollo al Ajillo, and they are probably right! This classic Spanish food dish is characterized by its simplicity and focus on garlic. Unpeeled cloves of garlic are fried in olive oil to infuse it with their aromatic essence, then removed before pieces of chicken are added to the same flavorful oil. Once the chicken is cooked to golden perfection, the garlic is returned to the pan, often with the addition of rosemary, thyme, and a splash of dry sherry or white wine. While there’s no single definitive recipe, Pollo al Ajillo remains a much-loved staple of Spanish food, showcasing the magic of garlic and simple cooking techniques.
Try our recipe for juicy rosemary & garlic chicken for a taste of Spanish home cooking.
8. Cochinillo Asado
Cochinillo Asado, or roast suckling pig, is a truly special and iconic Spanish food, particularly famous in Segovia. While Segovia is renowned for its Roman aqueduct, fairytale castle, and elegant cathedral, for many, these sights are simply preludes to the culinary highlight: lunch, specifically Cochinillo Asado. In Segovia, this Spanish food specialty, along with roast lamb, reigns supreme. The suckling pig is slow-roasted in massive wood-fired ovens until the skin is incredibly crispy and the meat is meltingly tender. So tender, in fact, that it is traditionally cut tableside with the edge of an earthenware plate, showcasing the remarkable tenderness of this prized Spanish food. Cochinillo Asado is a must-try for adventurous eaters seeking an authentic and unforgettable Spanish culinary experience.
9. Pisto
Pisto, often described as the Spanish version of ratatouille, is a versatile and flavorful vegetable stew that is found throughout Spain, but is particularly typical in La Mancha, south of Madrid. This hearty Spanish food is made with onions, garlic, zucchini, peppers, and tomatoes, all slow-fried in olive oil to develop a rich and complex flavor. Patience is key when making Pisto; it’s a dish that benefits from slow, gentle cooking. Pisto is often served as a starter, sometimes topped with fried eggs (pisto con huevos) or chorizo, but it also makes an excellent side dish. This humble yet delicious Spanish food perfectly captures the essence of Spanish vegetable gardens and slow-cooking traditions.
Try making our pisto con huevos – a traditional Spanish food best enjoyed with rustic bread and a glass of fruity red wine.
10. Turrón
Turrón, or almond nougat, is a traditional Spanish sweet treat, especially popular during Christmas, though available year-round. This iconic Spanish food is primarily produced in Jijona, a small town in the province of Alicante, using locally grown almonds, honey, and egg white. There are two main types of Turrón: Jijona, a soft and smooth version, and Alicante, a harder variety that contains whole pieces of almond. Whether you prefer the chewy softness of Jijona or the crunchy texture of Alicante, Turrón is a must-try Spanish food for anyone with a sweet tooth. It’s a delicious representation of Spanish confectionery traditions and a perfect way to end a Spanish food feast.
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Are you passionate about Spanish cuisine? What are your favorite Spanish food dishes? Share your must-try recommendations in the comments below!
