You're travelling to Barcelona and want to taste spanish tapas?
In this article, I'll tell you more about tapas in Barcelona.
Tapas are the second most popular dish in Spanish cuisine, after paella.
But what exactly are tapas?
Tapas in Barcelona: article summary
What are tapas?
In a nutshell, tapas are small Spanish appetizers. Traditionally, tapas are an essential snack served free of charge with wine or beer.
Some Spanish cities still retain the tradition of offering free tapas when you order a drink, but big tourist cities like Barcelona don't offer free tapas.
Tapas can be anything, including olives, slices of Jamon, chunks of tuna, hot chorizo or gourmet beef simmered over mashed potatoes, to name but a few.
The history of tapas
Like many age-old traditions, the history of tapas is a little vague. Various tales and urban legends focus on an ancient king who recovered from an illness by drinking wine and nibbling small plates of food between heartier meals.
Nevertheless, the most plausible story is linked to its name. Tapa, in Spanish, means "lid". Many bartenders of the time began using pieces of bread as lids to keep flies and insects out of their customers' glasses of wine or beer. Over time, they added small quantities of various foods to these pieces of bread, and that's how tapas were born.
Are tapas always free?
Today, tapas are no longer bar food, as they have spread to cafés, restaurants and even markets. In most Spanish cities, including Barcelona, you have to order and pay for your tapas.
Tapas are generally listed on the menu of a café or restaurant in a separate section or column. Tapas prices and portions vary from restaurant to restaurant.
Are there different types of tapas?
Yes, Spanish cuisine offers different types of tapas.
Pinchos or pintxos in Basque
Many people imagine pinchos when we start explaining what tapas are. Pinchos are slices of bread with different fillings. The name comes from the Basque country in northeastern Spain, where you'll find bars dedicated to pinchos.
Each pincho is placed on a stick. When you are finished, the bartender counts the sticks and will invoice you accordingly.
Cheese and charcuterie platters
Various local cured meats and/or cheeses are also considered tapas. Spanish cheeses come in a variety of shapes and textures. They can be soft or firm made from various animal milks.
Their charcuterie is also quite diverse. The platter may contain Jamon Serrano, paprika salami or chorizo in Spanish, or fuet, to name but a few.
Cold tapas
Cold tapas in Barcelona come in a variety of forms. It can be a cold soup like gazpacho, plates of olives or slices of bread with olive oil and anchovies.
Hot tapas
These are probably the most popular tapas in Spain. Hot tapas include :
- Patatas bravas (fried potatoes with a spicy sauce).
- Garlic shrimps (gambas al ajillo).
- Chorizo sausage cooked in wine.
- Various other dishes ranging from seafood to meatballs and chillies.
Are there tapas for vegetarians?
As much as Spaniards love their pork and seafood, they also adore vegetables. As a result, there are many vegetarian tapas in Spanish cuisine.
Don't forget to ask the bartender for advice when ordering, as sometimes even sautéed mushroom tapas can contain ham.
Popular tapas in Spain
As with all culinary specialties, there are some specific ones you may encounter when enjoying a tapas platter.
Tortilla or Spanish omelette
A typical dish based on eggs, potatoes and olive oil. Some versions also include onions.
Patatas bravas
This simple dish of fried potatoes is accompanied by a tasty spicy sauce (bravas). Another version is patata aioli, made with garlic and olive oil.
Cured ham
Iberian ham is Spain's most famous, but honestly, any ham will do. In the form of tapas, it is commonly served with soft or crusty bread.
Squid
Breaded and fried squid are always served hot.
Kibbles
Ham croquettes are Spain's most traditional and popular tapas. However, other variations are made with wild mushrooms, shrimps, strong cheeses, squid, etc.
The pan tumaca
Very simple and popular tapas in Spain, made with bread, olive oil, tomato, salt and garlic. It's quite common in Catalonia and, depending on the place, can be garnish with ham, cold cuts or cheese.
La carrillada
Pork or beef cheek, cut and served in a jar. whisky sauce and potatoes on the side.
While you're in Barcelona, I recommend you stop for a moment to enjoy the delicious tapas on offer in most establishments. You'll be pleasantly surprised by their simple yet powerful flavours.
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