12 Spanish Dishes So Good, You’ll Book a Flight Just to Taste Them
All recommendations on World Wild Schooling are independently selected by our editors. We may earn an affiliate commission from purchases made through our links.
Spain is a country of vibrant culture, rich history, and, most notably, a diverse and exceptional cuisine. For any traveler visiting Spain, you will be impressed by the sheer variety of local food there is to experience.
If you are a foodie, take it as an opportunity to sample regional meals made with techniques passed down from generation to generation.
Are you looking for dishes to savor for authentic tastes of the country? Read on as we take you on a gastronomic journey through 12 traditional Spanish dishes you cannot miss during your Spain vacation. And the best part? These dishes are not hard to find, you can enjoy them in local restaurants, food markets, and even street vendors.
Paella

Did you even explore Spain if you left without enjoying paella? Paella, widely regarded as Spain’s national dish, traces its origin to Valencia. This rice dish, believed to have been created by the Moors who established the rice fields in Valencia, is known for its rich flavors and vibrant presentation.
It is traditionally cooked in a large, shallow pan called a “paellera.” The typical ingredients include Bomba rice (or another short grain rice), saffron, chicken, rabbit, seafood (such as shrimp, mussels, and clams), bell peppers, tomatoes, olive oil, garlic and paprika.
If you are vegan or vegetarian, don’t worry; there are variations that cater to you. Just ask restaurants that cater to your dietary needs. There is absolutely no excuse for visiting Spain and leaving without enjoying its national dish.
Valencia, the birthplace of paella, is hands down the best place to sample paella. Many of the restaurants retain the originality of traditional recipes. However, you can find nice restaurants in major cities and small beachside restaurants that serve excellent paella.
Trying paella allows you to experience the authentic flavors of Spain and sample recipes that Spanish people have valued for centuries.
Read also: Spain’s Famous Landmarks
Gazpacho

Visiting Spain in the summer? Do not miss the opportunity to enjoy Gazpacho, a cold tomato-based soup particularly refreshing during the hot summer months. If you like a healthy diet made from fresh and raw vegetables, this is one thing you should have a lot of during your Spain vacation. For the best experience, try Gazpacho during the peak of summer when the tomatoes are at their ripest and the weather is hottest.
The traditional recipe uses tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, onions, garlic, olive oil, vinegar (traditionally sherry vinegar), bread (preferably stale for thickening purposes), salt and pepper. Gazpacho is nutritious and offers an excellent opportunity to taste traditional Spanish cuisine.
Gazpacho traces its origins to the Andalusia region. Therefore, authentic versions of the soup can be sampled in Andalusian cities like Cordoba and Seville. However, tapas bars throughout Spain often serve Gazpacho as an appetizer.
Read also: Spanish Beach Escapes You Can’t Miss
Tortilla Española (Spanish Omelet)

You have probably already sampled numerous versions of Spanish omelets, but wouldn’t it be amazing to eat the original? Tortilla Española, also known as Tortilla de Patatas, is a traditional Spanish omelet made with eggs, potatoes, and onions. It is a staple in Spanish cuisine and is enjoyed as a tapa, main dish, or snack.
Luckily, Tortilla Española is very easy to make. You can follow an easy online recipe and enjoy it any time of the day. Yes, its versatility is one of the reasons it has become largely popular.
Beyond its versatility, the creamy texture of the potatoes and the rich flavor of the eggs make it an irresistible comfort food. When in Spain, you know what to order for breakfast from the local cafes and restaurants.
Read also: Spain’s Best Budget-Friendly Cities
Patatas Bravas

If you are among the many people who love potatoes in all its forms, we guarantee you will fall in love with patatas bravas. Patatas Bravas is a classic Spanish dish with crispy fried potatoes and spicy tomato sauce. It’s a popular dish in tapas bars across Spain; you will not have to drive miles to find a restaurant serving it.
The main ingredients include potatoes, olive oil, tomato sauce, garlic, onion, paprika, Cayenne pepper or hot chili powder, vinegar, and salt, which will go into making the potatoes and the brava sauce.
You can enjoy it in many tapa bars across the country and at local food markets.
Read also: Surreal Destinations in Spain
Churros con Chocolate

Have a sweet tooth? Churros con chocolate will make your Spanish escape even better. This popular Spanish treat consists of deep-fried dough pastries (churros) served with a thick, rich hot chocolate for dipping. The delicious combination of crispy, sugary churros, and the velvety hot chocolate is absolutely comforting. The Spanish typically eat it for breakfast or as an afternoon snack. However, as a sweet tooth, you know that any time is snack time.
You can enjoy your churros con chocolate in Churrerias, a specialty cafe dedicated to churros, which are found throughout Spain, especially in cities like Madrid and Barcelona. Churros are also a common street food sold by vendors, especially during festivals and fairs.
Read also: Must-Try Street Foods Across Europe
Pulpo a la Gallega (Galician Octopus)

For seafood lovers, Pulpo a la Gallega, or Galician Octopus, is a dish you cannot afford to miss when touring Spain. This traditional dish from the Galicia region features boiled octopus seasoned with paprika, olive oil, and sea salt, often served with boiled potatoes.
The octopus’s tenderness and rich flavor are one thing you will love about this dish. Besides, high-quality olive oil and paprika add to its distinct and authentic taste. Make sure you try it for an authentic taste of Galician cuisine.
There are many places to enjoy this dish, especially coastal cities in the Galicia region, food markets, and restaurants across the country. Pulpo a la Gallega is often featured at local festivals and fairs in Galicia, such as the Festa do Pulpo in O Carballiño.
Save this
Read also: Spain’s Hidden Gems
Croquetas

Croquetas are small, breadcrumbed, and fried rolls typically filled with a thick béchamel sauce and savory ingredients like ham, chicken, or fish. There are so many things to love about croquetas, but their creamy, flavorful filling encased in a crispy outer layer is outstanding. You may also like how versatile they are, as they can be filled with a wide variety of ingredients. Whether you prefer chicken, fish, cheese, vegetables, or ham, you will find croquettes made just for you.
Croquetas are typically served as appetizers or snacks. Restaurants and food markets like La Boqueria in Barcelona often have stalls selling freshly made croquetas.
Read also: Top Things to Do in Barcelona
Bacalao al Pil Pil

Bacalao al Pil Pil is a traditional Basque dish with salt cod, olive oil, garlic, and dried chili peppers. The name “pil pil” refers to the sound the sauce makes while it cooks. The dish gained popularity because of its rich and flavorful sauce, which forms as the olive oil emulsifies with the natural gelatin released from the cod during cooking. This creates a luxurious, silky sauce that is a signature of Basque cuisine.
Eating Bacalao al Pil Pil is an opportunity to experience a signature Basque dish that showcases the region’s expertise in seafood cooking techniques. Your best bet for well-made Bacalao al Pil Pil would be in seafood restaurants, especially those in Basque Country cities like San Sebastián and Bilbao.
Read also: Unmissable Things To Do in Barcelona
Fabada Asturiana

Fabada Asturiana, or just fabada, is a traditional Spanish bean stew from the Asturias region made with large white beans (fabes) and various pork products. It has long been used as comfort food in the cooler winter months. The combination of high-quality beans and flavorful meats makes it a beloved dish in Spanish cuisine.
The original recipe uses large white beans (fabes de la Granja), chorizo sausage, Morcilla (Spanish blood sausage), pancetta or bacon, onion, garlic, paprika, olive oil, bay leaves, saffron and salt.
While it takes a long time, preparing this dish is quite straightforward, and you can even do it from the comfort of your home. All you will need is a detailed recipe, and you will be good to go. While you can enjoy it in many restaurants throughout the country, those in the cities of Oviedo and Gijón are known to maintain their authenticity.
Read also: Beautiful European Villages
Calamares a la Romana

Calamares a la Romana, a Spanish-style fried squid, is a popular dish consisting of battered and deep-fried squid rings. It is often served as a main dish or an appetizer. It’s a simple yet delicious seafood dish well complemented with the light and crispy batter.
This dish is popularly served in seafood restaurants, especially in coastal areas. Beachside restaurants are known to serve freshly made Calamares a la Romana. Food markets like Mercado de San Miguel in Madrid also feature stalls selling this popular dish.
Calamares a la Romana is often served with a squeeze of lemon and sometimes accompanied by aioli (garlic mayonnaise) or a simple salad.
Read also: Tips to Avoid Tourist Traps in Spain
Empanada

Empanada is a savory pie widely popular in Spain, particularly in the Galicia region. It is made from flaky pastry filled with a variety of ingredients, such as meats, fish, vegetables, and seasonings. The delicious combination of flavors and textures in every bite will have you wanting more.
Whether you eat empanadas as a meal or snack, it is an opportunity to sample the authentic Spanish culinary essence. Empanadas are served in bakeries, food markets, and restaurants across the country.
Read also: Kid-Friendly Barcelona Activities
Botifarra amb Mongetes

When in Barcelona or other Catalonian destinations, do not miss the opportunity to sample Botifarra amb Mongetes. This traditional Catalan dish consists of grilled Botifarra sausage served with white beans. It is a simple yet flavorful dish that blends in the tender and juicy sausages and creamy white beans. When in Barcelona and looking for an opportunity to sample a classic Catalan dish, you will love the authenticity and satisfaction that Botifarra amb Mongeres offers.
Many restaurants in the Catalonia region serve it, so do stalls in marketplaces like La Boqueria in Barcelona.
Read also: Spain and Portugal Itinerary
Pin It Now, Read It Later


