In Spain, food is like Picasso in art; they’re a perfect match. Spanish dishes are special, filling, and really tasty. Whether it’s a warm bowl of stew on a chilly day or a table full of tapas, Spain knows how to cook!
Our best tip? If you’re visiting Spain, make sure to explore all the different regions and try as many famous Spanish dishes as you can. You can join food tours to help you or go solo. To get you started, here’s our list of 13 must-try famous Spanish dishes you shouldn’t miss while in Spain.
1. PAELLA
Paella is a famous rice dish in Spain, and the one from Valencia is the most traditional. It’s named after the region where it’s originally from, so they really know how to make it there. It comes in different versions, but the classic ones usually have rabbit, chicken, or seafood. These are cooked with green beans, white beans, rice, and spices like saffron and rosemary. It takes a while to make, but slow cooking brings out the flavors. You can easily recognize paella in restaurants by its bright yellow rice, colored by saffron.
2. GAZPACHO
Gazpacho is like a cold tomato soup, but it’s much tastier than that simple description suggests. You need to try it to understand why so many people love it. A good gazpacho is made from fresh tomatoes, cucumber, red bell peppers, garlic, bread, and olive oil, all blended together into a smooth, refreshing liquid.
3. JAMÓN
One of the most popular Spanish foods is jamón, a cured ham made from either mountain pig or black Iberian pig, which is more expensive. The pig legs are salted and hung to dry to preserve them for eating during the winter. Nowadays, jamón is often served as an appetizer, either on its own or with bread. The thin slices let you enjoy the salty, savory taste in small but satisfying bites. Spanish people love jamón and often include it in their meals. You can find it in local tapas shops.
4. CHURROS
Churros are a tasty snack made from fried dough covered in sugar. They’re long and spiral-shaped, great for eating while walking. You can usually find them at roadside stalls.
5. PATATAS BRAVAS
Patatas bravas, or ‘brave potatoes’, are a popular tapas dish in Spain that you have to try. They’re small chunks of fried potatoes topped with a spicy red sauce, so be ready for some heat. Some versions may also come with a creamy garlic sauce. Patatas bravas are usually served as tapas, which are small snacks or dishes served at bars and cafes. Tapas help fill the gap between lunch and dinner, which is typically eaten late in Spain, around 9 pm to 11 pm. Ordering tapas is a big part of Spanish social culture, so feel free to order a dish and then try a few more!
6. CHORIZO
This pork sausage is as famous as jamón in Spain. But it’s not your average sausage—it’s made with smoked paprika, giving it a bold flavor. Garlic, white wine, and herbs also add to its taste. After mixing all the ingredients, the pork is left to ferment, then smoked slowly. Finally, it’s cured for several weeks before it’s ready to eat. This sausage is unique and definitely worth trying!
7. TORTILLA ESPAÑOLA
We’re not talking about potato chips here! Tortilla Española is actually a traditional omelet made with eggs and diced, lightly fried potatoes. Some people debate whether a real tortilla Española includes onions, so restaurants will usually say if their version has them or not. Nowadays, you might also find chorizo, cheese, chives, garlic, or other veggies added. Either way, it’s a tasty, protein-packed meal you should try. Tortilla Española is often cut into small pieces, pierced with a toothpick, and served as a cold appetizer or tapa. But bigger tortillas can also be eaten for breakfast or as a main dish, which is great for vegetarians. Expect a larger tortilla to be sliced into wedges, like cake.
8. SANGRIA
While you can’t eat it, no trip to Spain is complete without trying a glass or two of sangria. It goes back about 2,000 years when water wasn’t always safe to drink. People added wine to water to kill bacteria. Today, sangria is still popular and made with red wine, orange juice, brandy, and fruit slices. Order a glass or a pitcher to see why it’s still loved by many.
9. PISTO
Pisto is like an eggplant casserole with a Spanish touch of fried egg and chorizo on top. It’s made with tomato, onion, eggplant, red and green bell peppers, and olive oil. It’s similar to a Spanish-style ratatouille. The vegetables are cooked slowly with olive oil. Making tasty pisto takes skill and good ingredients. It’s often served with bread and eaten as a full meal. It’s a good option for vegetarians if you skip the chorizo!
10. FABADA ASTRUIANA
Fabada asturiana is a thick Spanish stew that’s great for cold weather. It’s made with white beans, pork, chorizo, and saffron. Usually, it’s eaten as the main meal of the day, which is lunch in Spain. It can be served as a starter, but it’s filling enough to be a whole meal. While it’s usually eaten in cold weather, you can find it all year round in Spain. You might even find canned versions in stores, but it’s better homemade!
11. CROQUETAS
Another popular snack at bars is this fried ball of deliciousness. It’s like the Western version of fried chicken strips or cheese sticks—unhealthy but hard to resist. These deep-fried balls are filled with ham, fish, and sometimes a Spanish blue cheese.
12. EMPANADA
If you know Spanish, you might already know what to expect when you order it. The word “empanar” means “to wrap in bread,” so you can imagine what an empanada is like. It’s a famous Spanish dish that can be served like a pie or completely wrapped up like a calzone. Empanadas are savory and filling, perfect for comforting. The crispy crust holds a tasty filling, which can be anything from chorizo to sardines to peppers. There are many types of empanadas, but it’s the slow-cooked onion sauce that gives them their unique flavor.
13. GAMBOS AL AJILLO
Meaning “garlic with shrimps” in English, gambas al ajillo is a seafood dish. Seafood is always fresh in Spain, so any seafood dish there is satisfying. But gambas al ajillo is especially popular among locals because of its delicious taste. The main ingredients are shrimp, garlic, and olive oil. Sometimes it’s made with dry sherry, paprika, lemon juice, and parsley too. However, every cook makes it a bit differently.
You’ll find so many delicious foods like tapas, soups, seafood, and rice in Spain that you won’t go hungry. Eating is a big part of Spanish culture, and locals really enjoy their meals. So, when you visit Spain, make sure you’re hungry — but don’t expect to stay that way for long!
