Food and Drink

Typical Spanish Food

Paella is a traditional Spanish dish originally from Valencia. It typically includes rice, fish, shellfish, and vegetables, but there are other variants.
Tapas are small portions of food, traditionally served free with a drink in Spanish bars.
In Spain, it is common to eat tortilla española, a Spanish omelette made with potatoes and onions.
Gazpacho and Salmorejo are popular cold tomato-based soups typically consumed in summer.
Churros con chocolate is a favourite Spanish breakfast, dessert, or snack, composed of fried dough pastries served with a cup of thick hot chocolate for dipping.

Meal Times

Spanish meal times are typically later than those in the UK, with lunch (known as La Comida) often served between 2pm and 4pm, and dinner (known as La Cena) starting between 9pm and 11pm.
Many Spaniards take a midday break known as a siesta after La Comida. Some businesses and schools may close during this time.
Spanish people traditionally eat five times per day, with La Merienda, a light afternoon meal, usually served between 5pm and 7pm.

Drinking Customs

Spain is famous for its selection of wines, including red Rioja, chilled white Albariño, and sparkling Cava.
Sangria, a wine-based punch with fruit, is a well-known Spanish drink, popular at social gatherings and fiestas.
An afternoon cup of coffee (café) is often enjoyed after La Merienda.

Festivals and Celebrations

Food and drink are central to many Spanish festivals and celebrations.
The La Tomatina festival in Buñol involves a massive tomato fight and is followed by a feast.
At Christmas, it is traditional for Spanish families to come together to share a meal, with dishes such as turron (a type of nougat) and polvorones (shortbread cookies).
The San Fermín festival in Pamplona includes a traditional breakfast of chocolate con churros after the famous running of the bulls.

Spain’s Regional Food Differences

In Catalonia, the typical bread is pa amb tomàquet, bread rubbed with tomato and drizzled with olive oil.
In the Basque country, the speciality is pintxos - small portions of food similar to tapas.
In Andalusia, pescaíto frito, or fried fish, is a common dish.
In Galicia, the famous dish is pulpo a la gallega or Galician-style octopus.