Traditional Spanish Food

Traditional Spanish food can be as varied and diverse as the Regions that make up Spain.

This is due to a number of reasons:

1) The topography of the country and the mountainous terrain has historically made traveling from one Region to another very difficult. Therefore, cooking styles and influences were not transferred from one Region to another.

2) Also, different areas and Regions have been conquered over the years by different people who have brought their own influences to the local cuisine.

However, one thing that authentic Spanish food DOES have in common, no matter where you are in Spain, is that it’s simple and down-to-earth.

When we think about traditional Spanish food, there are probably 3 dishes that come to mind … and the good news is that you WILL find these dishes all over Spain.

Probably the most popular of all the food from Spain is the Spanish Paella.

This is a national favourite and is very popular with the locals as well as with visitors to Spain.

Then we have “tapas”, which have really become a Spanish institution!

If you’ve heard about Spanish tapas but not quite sure what they are, click here to find out!

What I find most fascinating is the history of "tapas" and how they came to be.

The third most popular traditional Spanish food has to be Spanish Ham.

Spanish ham is VERY popular with the Spaniards and you will find it in the fridge or pantry of most Spanish households.

The finest quality ham comes from the less common black pig, native only to Spain.

Of course, the best accompaniment to any Spanish food dish is a glass of Spanish wine.

Spanish wine is among the best in the world and comes in red, white, and rose varieties.

Spain is also a major producer of sweet wines and sweet and dry sherries.

The Spaniards have a deep love affair with food.

They literally “live to eat” and it really is rooted deeply into the culture.

All celebrations and family reunions evolve around food and even local festivals would typically have some kind of food element to the celebration.

Do not be surprised when you ever visit a Spanish house if the first thing your host does is to bring out plate after plate of delicious Spanish food … and just a friendly piece of advice …. don’t decline the offer of food, as that is considered impolite

For more information on traditional Spanish food and drink, including translation from Spanish to English, I’ve developed a Spanish Food Glossary that I hope you will find useful.

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