Spanish “tapas” (snacks)

Spanish “tapas” (snacks)

Spain is famous for its fine art of cooking.  The local snacks are especially famous for its taste and diversity. Usually, they’re eaten between the main meals to wait for the lunch or dinner.
According to some authors, “tapa” (or snack) appeared in Spain due to the illness of Spanish King Alfonso X “The Wise”, who had to eat the light snacks with little sips of wine between the main meals. Once he recovered, the wise king ordered that the hotels of Castile serve wine only with a small amount of food.

The snack gastronomy started in the seventeenth century, and included the splendid Iberian ham (Jamon Iberico), traditional Spanish omelet, best seafood and even some exquisite dishes.

All the cities and villages of Spain have bars and taverns; even the whole quarters are specialized in snacks. The privileged establishments offer the following snacks: blood sausage, pickles, different meat nettings, cheese, salted fish, anchovies, “croquetas”, “migas” and a wide range of other dishes (up to 100 of them).

You can try different “tapas” in every region of Spain. It is another attraction, the combination of small culinary delights that can satisfy people with different tastes and budget.

Traditional food and vanguard cuisine.
The presentations are also very different. Kebabs, “banderillas”, sandwiches, casseroles of different forms and servings- from the simplest skewered ones to the complex meals, served in small bowls and accompanied by the side dish and sauces (at the client’s wish). As for the main dishes (available in abundance), you can try Valencian paella, Asturian bean stew, tripe and all kinds of delicious fish, prepared in different and even unusual form.

Even the modern cuisine practices this gastronomic approach and offers “tapas” that had preserved their origins, but have an innovative presentation. “Sorbet tortilla”, soup with goose liver, beans with shrimps, gazpacho with lobster- these are some of the snacks, created by famous chefs who became popular afterwards.

For accompanying, spicy snacks are perfect with beer, soft drinks, vermouth, white and red wine and special wine “Cavas”, “finos” and “manzanilla”. Everywhere, in any Spanish tavern or bar you can count on the good service of waiters, who will tell you how to get the maximum taste and enjoy the variety of snacks.