There is a fascinating rule that has long been circulated among food enthusiasts: influenced by climate and culture, the further south you go, the more delicious the food, and the more passionate the food lovers. This is evidenced in two places: one is Guangzhou, the culinary capital of China, and the other is Spain. Although Spain is not large in land area, its cuisine is countless. The Mediterranean cuisine excels not only in its healthy and exquisite ingredients but also in its rich variety, being gentle on the stomach and full of color, aroma, flavor, and nutrition. Without further ado, let us take a look at the five most popular dishes in Spain!
1. Paella
Paella is the most traditional dish in Spain, made by repeatedly frying various rich ingredients and rice in a flat pan. The finished paella is visually stunning, with golden grains of rice adorned with shrimp, crab, black clams, clams, oysters, and squid, steaming hot and appetizing. Paella is an indispensable home-cooked dish in various celebrations in Spain and has gradually become one of the most representative foods of Spain. It can be said that tasting an authentic bowl of paella in Spain is an essential experience during your travels.
2. Tapas
The English name for "Tapas" is Tapas. In the 19th century, tapas were merely small dishes served with sherry, named after the lid (Tapa) that covered the wine glass. As it gained popularity, the flavors and ways of eating tapas have diversified. Currently, common tapas are divided into cold and hot dishes, which can be paired with meats, seafood, and vegetables. The characteristic of tapas lies in their small portions and variety, allowing one to taste multiple flavors at once. In the bars and restaurants of Madrid, various tapas are displayed, waiting for people to choose. In the eyes of Spaniards, tapas can serve as appetizers before dinner or even as the dinner itself. Enjoying tapas while sipping wine has become an important "ritual" for the people of Madrid.
3. Iberian Ham
Recently, the Iberian ham from Spain shone brightly in the food program "Flavorful World". This ham is made from the hind legs of the "Iberian Black Pig" raised in central-western Spain. These pigs feed on acorns, resulting in tender meat that is not overly greasy. The production method of this ham is extremely complex, requiring 48 months of low-temperature curing and air-drying, needing careful attention and multiple efforts to create such a delicious taste. The most authentic way to enjoy Iberian ham is to eat it raw, paired with cheese and fruit, taking a bite of meat and a sip of wine to savor its unique flavor.
4. Churros
Churros have recently become particularly popular in South Korea, and while walking through the snack streets of Korea, you can often see people holding this delicious and visually appealing food. This easily creates the illusion that it is a local snack produced in Korea. In fact, churros originated in Spain and have a history of hundreds of years. Spaniards enjoy having them for breakfast. The way churros are eaten varies from person to person; some like them sprinkled with sugar, others prefer salt, and some enjoy dipping them in chocolate sauce. The popularity of churros mainly stems from their ability to adapt to various tastes, providing everyone with opportunities for personal choice. Fried churros sprinkled with sugar, paired with a cup of hot chocolate, are simply delightful!
5. Spanish Gazpacho
Spanish cuisine is rich in Mediterranean flavors, favoring ingredients such as olive oil, garlic, and tomatoes, and Spanish gazpacho is a typical representative of this cuisine. This dish is characterized by using tomatoes, onions, and other ingredients, seasoned with pepper, salt, and other spices, simmered together to create a fragrant and delicious flavor. Some consider it a soup, while others feel it resembles a salad more. On a hot summer day, a bowl of Spanish gazpacho is undoubtedly an excellent choice for cooling off.
After discussing so many Spanish delicacies, are you already salivating? You don’t have to go to expensive restaurants to taste Spanish cuisine; you can find traces of these delicacies in local bars, restaurants, and even in the homes of residents in ordinary neighborhoods!