Spanish food - 25 classic dishes you must try

Writer: Helena Bergström

Spanish cuisine is renowned for its delicious flavours, social meals and great regional variety. From tapas and paella to churros and jamón, you'll find it here. In this guide, we take a look at what to eat in Spain - and list 25 classic Spanish dishes you can't miss.

What to eat in Spain? - a quick overview

We have previously written about French food and Italian cuisine, and now we focus on Spanish cuisine! In Spain, food is sociable and varied. Here are some typical examples of what to eat in Spain:

• Small dishes: Tapas like patatas bravas and tortillas
• Rice dishes: Paella
• Meat and charcuterie: Jamón ibérico
• Fish and seafood: Grilled fish and prawns
• Sweet: Churros with chocolate

We have travelled in Spain many times and even though we have a little trouble getting used to the late meal times love we tapas and Spanish treats!

Typical Spanish food - 25 classic dishes

Here we list Spanish dishes that are interesting to try, including desserts, sweets and drinks.

1. paella

Perhaps Spain's most famous dish, originating from Valencia. The traditional Valencian paella is made with chicken, rabbit or sausage, but nowadays seafood variants are also popular.

2. tortilla española

A classic Spanish omelette with potatoes and eggs. It can be eaten both hot and cold, and is sometimes served as a tapas.

3. gazpacho

A cold tomato soup originating from Andalusia. This cooling dish is made with tomatoes, cucumber, peppers, garlic and olive oil. Perfect for hot summer days!

4. salmorejo

A soup similar to gazpacho, but creamier. The soup, based on tomato and bread, originates from Córdoba in Andalusia.

5. fabada asturiana

A rustic bean stew from Asturias, containing white beans, chorizo and pork. A real comfort food during colder months.

6. pulpo a la gallega

If you like octopus, try pulpo a la gallega, which is octopus from Galicia, served with olive oil, peppers and potatoes.

7. Pisto

A Spanish vegetable dish somewhat reminiscent of ratatouille, often topped with a fried egg.

8. patatas bravas

A classic in tapas restaurants. Fried potatoes with a spicy tomato sauce or aioli is a simple dish, but always so It's delicious. We almost always choose this when we eat tapas.

9. croquetas

One of my favourite tapas is croquetas. These deep-fried balls usually contain a creamy filling, often with ham or chicken. Irresistible!

10. Jamón ibérico

If there's anywhere you can get really good ham, it's in Spain! High-quality air-dried ham is one of Spain's most famous delicacies.

11. prawns al ajillo

Shrimps fried in olive oil with garlic and chilli are known in Spain as gambas al ajillo. Often the prawns are cooked without the shell, but sometimes the shell is left on. This dish is a favourite for us!

12. pintxos

One of the most typical food experiences in northern Spain. These small bites, originating from the Basque Country, are often served on bread and held together with toothpicks. It is common to hop from bar to bar and try several different ones.

13. boquerones

Fresh anchovies, usually marinated in vinegar and served cold with olive oil, garlic and parsley. This is a classic tapas dish in Spain, especially on hot days. In some parts of the country they are also served fried, under the name boquerones fritos.

14. albóndigas

Spanish meatballs cooked in a delicious tomato sauce. The meatballs are delicious served with a piece of bread or with rice, or perhaps as a smaller tapas dish.

15. calamari fritos

Who doesn't like deep-fried squid rings? Calamari fritos are a coastal classic. The crispy rings can often be served with lemon and a tasty sauce.

16. pimientos de padron

One dish we like to order in tapas restaurants is piementos de padron. These small green peppers go perfectly with other tapas dishes.

17. pan con tomate

Simple but delicious! This dish simply offers bread along with tomato, which is mixed into a batter with olive oil and salt. Could it get any better?

18. chorizo

A spicy Spanish sausage used in many dishes. This flavoursome sausage can be eaten as it is, or in various stews.

19. bocadillo

A Spanish sandwich in a baguette, often filled with ham, cheese, tuna or tortilla. Simply everyday, tasty and filling street food!

20. empanadas

Small pies that can be filled with meat, fish or perhaps vegetables. These are common as snacks or a simple meal.

21. churros

A kind of deep-fried dough bars, often sold in stalls in tourist areas. Sometimes they are even dipped in chocolate. Very tasty!

22. flan

A caramel pudding with a smooth texture and sweet flavour - a dessert that is very popular in Spain.

23. crema catalana

Spain's answer to crème brûlée - with a creamy vanilla base and caramelised sugar coating.

24. sangria

A fruity Spanish wine drink, often served cold. The drink is based on red wine, water and fruit.

25. cava

When it comes to Spanish drinks, cava - Spanish sparkling wine - is a favourite for us.

Spanish food culture and traditions

Food in Spain is not just about what you eat - but how you eat.

• Meals are long and social
• Tapas shared in groups
• Dinners start late
• Local raw materials play a major role

Eating out is a natural part of everyday life, and the restaurant scene is vibrant across the country.

Food in different regions of Spain

Spanish cuisine varies greatly depending on the region.

• Andalusia: Gazpacho, deep-fried fish
• Catalonia: Cava, fish and seafood
• Basque Country: Pintxos and high gastronomic standards
• Galicia: Fish and shellfish, especially cuttlefish

Travelling in Spain is therefore also a culinary journey.

More about food in other countries

Here you can find more stories about food in different countries:

• French cuisine - 25 French dishes
• Greek food - 25 Greek dishes
• Italian food - 25 Italian dishes
• Portuguese food – 25 Portuguese dishes
• Mexican food - 25 Mexican dishes