El menú you have to try in Spain

Congratulations! You made it to Spain. If you are loyal fan of our blog, you probably know when to visit Spain, where to go in Barcelona and what to do there, but never forget to fill up your stomach, which after all Spain is one of those European countries whose traditional delicious dishes are originated from. Here are 5 types of food you must try when you visit Spain.

Aperitivo: Tapas/pintxos

Although the difference between tapas and pintxos is rather ambiguous, they are very pleasant starter of the meal. The famous little Spanish bite is basically a small portion of food placed on a small piece of bread. Sometimes they are pierced together with a wooden stick like toothpick. The little treat sitting on top of the slice of Baguette could be a paste, a shrimp, jamón (ham), chorizo (sausage), or even fruits and chocolate--anything really. The fact that it could be highly seasoned and mildly filling makes it not only a simple appetizer but also a popular snack of anytime. Just like potato chips, but more mouth-drooling.

Guarnición: Totilla

If what’s on your mind now is a white thin bread, think again. A tortilla española is a Spanish omelette. It is not like the omelette you find in Hong Kong that meat is wrapped with fried egg. It’s more like Italian frittata except that eggs and potatoes are always there in tortilla, but eggs only in frittata. Once you have your first bite, you just can’t resist the perfect combination of egg, potato and paprika fragrance. It is an inexpensive and common dish that you can find in any bar in Spain. Some bars like to combine tortilla and pintxo together, perfect cheap snack to make or to have in bars and beaches!

Plato principal: Paella

The most famous dish in Spain – Paella, though not many pronounce it correctly. The most common form of paella in Hong Kong should be seafood paella, with rice cooked until yellow by saffron and chicken broth. Its history, however, could be chased back to about 17th century in Valencia. That makes valencian paella the most important rice cuisine in Spain at the time now. Instead of seafood, a variety of vegetables are included in valencian paella. Tomato, beans, with herbs like rosemary and with the traditional saffron and paprika. This is the must-try dish every Spain visitor order so don’t miss it when you are in Spain for San Fermin or la Tomatina. Also if you are lucky enough, it is one of the Hispanic classics to cook paella in a huge pan, you may find Spaniards cooking it outdoor and many people will gather around the pan once it’s done. So grab your spoon and camera to record the pieces of Spain on your tongue and eyes.

Bebida: Sangria

If you can’t live the day without going to clubs and bars, you gotta know this drink and try it. In Spain, it is not rare to see people drinking Sangria and chilling around restaurants and bars. The refreshing purplish alcohol is brought up by red wine, lemon, orange, brandy and honey--the best drink you can have during a fancy meal. There are actually lots of Spanish drinks featuring fruits in alcohol. Start with Sangria, then agua de Valencia (water of Valencia), then Kalimotxo... Dig out something more and surprise yourself! Good luck in the packed roof top bar.

Postre: Churros

To end the day nicely, we have churros. Some students of Spanish Tutors HK make fun of them and call them Spanish ‘yau ja gwai’ when they came back from Spain. Indeed origin of churros may partly thank to China, yet Spaniards don’t eat these fried batons with congee, we dip them with chocolate, coffee or caramel custard. Comes in straight or spiral shapes, churros are first made by Spanish shepherds and are now a typical evening snack especially in Madrid. Crunchy golden churros with a cup of hot chocolate, the literal perfect winter night sweet dream.

Hope you have an unforgettable holiday in Spain. Try all those foods and come back with a fat tummy! Find out more about us: https://www.facebook.com/spanishtutors.com.hk