If you’re exploring Spanish cuisine, Tapas Food is likely one of the first things that comes to mind. Alongside paella, tapas are a cornerstone of Spanish gastronomy, celebrated worldwide for their variety and flavor. But what exactly is tapas food? And what are some classic, must-try tapas dishes? Let’s dive into the delicious world of Spanish tapas.
Tapas, in essence, are small servings of food, often described as Spanish appetizers or snacks. They are traditionally served in bars and restaurants, intended to be enjoyed alongside drinks like beer or wine. Historically, tapas were complimentary with each drink order, a charming custom that is becoming less common, although some establishments, particularly in Southern Spain, still offer a small, free tapa. While complimentary elaborate tapas might be rare now, the experience of savoring a variety of flavorful tapas is always worth it, whether you pay for them or not.
Tapas are perfect as a pre-dinner snack, especially given Spain’s tradition of late dinners. Alternatively, you can create an entire meal by hopping from bar to bar, sampling different tapas at each stop. This is a fantastic way to experience a wide array of Spanish flavors without ordering large portions or overspending. For those hosting at home, tapas food is an excellent choice for casual gatherings. Most tapas are simple to prepare and offer a diverse range of tastes to please every palate.
The Intriguing History of Tapas Food
The true origins of tapas food are shrouded in a bit of mystery, with various stories and anecdotes attempting to explain their beginnings. While some tales involve royalty, the most widely accepted and plausible story is linked to the word “tapa” itself. In Spanish, “tapa” means “lid” or “cover.” Legend has it that bartenders started using a slice of bread to cover drinks, acting as a lid to keep out fruit flies. Over time, this simple bread cover evolved as bartenders began adding food on top, and thus, tapas food was born.
Exploring Different Kinds of Tapas Food
In Spain, tapas food comes in several forms, broadly categorized into:
- Pinchos/Pintxos
- Cheese and Charcuterie Platters
- Cold Tapas
- Hot Tapas
Let’s explore each category to give you a better understanding of the diverse world of tapas food.
Pinchos: Tapas on Bread
Pinchos, sometimes spelled “pintxos” particularly in the Basque region, are often what people envision when they think of tapas food. These are essentially small bites, typically served on slices of bread with various toppings. However, pinchos can also be skewers of food without bread. The term “pincho” originates from the Basque Country in Northern Spain, a region renowned for its pinchos bars. In these bars, counters are laden with plates of pinchos, inviting customers to help themselves. Each pincho usually has a toothpick or skewer, and at the end of your tapas experience, the bartender counts the sticks to calculate the bill. San Sebastian, in the Basque Country, is especially famous for its incredibly inventive and delicious pinchos.
Cheese and Charcuterie: Spanish Tapas Staples
While Manchego cheese might be the most globally recognized Spanish cheese, Spain boasts a wide variety of cheeses worth discovering. From hard to soft cheeses, blue cheeses, and cheeses made from cow, sheep, and goat milk, the options are plentiful. Spanish charcuterie, known as “embutidos,” is equally diverse, ranging from Jamón Serrano (Serrano ham) and chorizo (Spanish paprika sausage) to regional specialties like fuet (a thin, cured sausage from Catalonia). For a special treat, look for “Iberico” versions of both jamón and chorizo. These are made from Iberian pigs fed on acorns, resulting in meat with a distinctive smoky flavor and exceptional tenderness.
Cold Tapas: Refreshing and Simple
Cold tapas food encompasses a broad spectrum of dishes, from refreshing salads to chilled soups like gazpacho and salmorejo, and simple snacks like olives and anchovies. Slices of Spanish tortilla (Spanish omelette) are also frequently included in cold tapas selections. Popular examples of cold tapas include pan con tomate (bread with tomato), a base for many open-faced sandwiches and sometimes pinchos. In Catalonia, you might find escalivada (Catalan roasted vegetables) served cold or at room temperature, perfect for spreading on bread. Many cold tapas, such as potato salads and seafood dishes, are often prepared in advance and displayed behind bar counters for easy serving, ensuring freshness and convenience.
Hot Tapas: Savory and Hearty
Hot tapas food is where the creativity and heartiness of Spanish cuisine truly shine. While pinchos are more snack-like, hot tapas dishes are substantial enough to combine and create a full meal of shared plates. Typical hot tapas include patatas bravas (potatoes in spicy sauce), gambas al ajillo (garlic shrimp), and albondigas (Spanish meatballs). Although vegetarian options exist, traditional hot tapas often feature meat or seafood. Even a seemingly vegetarian tapa like sautéed mushrooms often includes ham.
Dessert Tapas: A Sweet Finale?
Traditionally, tapas food doesn’t inherently include sweet dishes. However, some popular Spanish desserts are often found on menus and can be enjoyed after tapas or a main course. Crema Catalana (similar to crème brûlée), flan (crème caramel), arroz con leche (Spanish rice pudding), and natillas (a type of custard) are among the most beloved Spanish desserts that could serve as a sweet ending to a tapas meal.
Tapas food is an integral part of Spanish culinary culture, offering an incredible variety of flavors and dining experiences. The concept of small plates shared amongst friends is not unique to Spain; similar traditions exist in other cultures, such as meze in the Mediterranean and Middle East. The tapas style of eating is gaining popularity worldwide, and for good reason – it’s a fun, social, and delicious way to dine. So, the next time someone asks you, “What is tapas food?” you’ll be ready to answer, and more importantly, ready to enjoy!
