Spain, one of the biggest countries in the EU, is the perfect destination year-round thanks to its fantastic weather and 3000 kilometers of coastline. Home to over 60 islands across Europe and Africa, the Iberian nation’s cuisine is just as diverse as its geography. Foodies traveling in Spain will be thrilled to find a thriving gastronomic scene, particularly in large cities like Madrid or Barcelona. Spain is famous for its tapas but also boasts plenty of raciones to keep you satisfied so prepare to make your palette for the ride of its life.
If you want to know what to eat in Spain while you’re visiting, the guide will cover the best dishes and drinks to try to sate your appetite whether you’re a vegan or a self-proclaimed carnivore. No matter where you are in the country, from the north to the south, these are the most quintessential Spanish menu items that will have you begging for mas…
Let’s dig in!
1. Tinto de verano
Gluten-free: Yes
Non-dairy: Yes
Vegan-friendly: Yes
Vegetarian/Pescatarian-friendly: Yes
Directly translated to ‘’summer red wine,’’ this drink is the most common beverage ordered in Spain by locals and ex-pats alike. Made from mixing red wine with lemon seltzer and orange wedges, tinto de verano is served with ice and is excellent for beating the Spanish heat.
While sangria has long been associated with Spain, it’s typically considered a drink more marketed toward unassuming tourists willing to pay the massive markup. Order this drink to blend in locals and be surprised at how affordable it is per glass in comparison.
2. Tortilla de patata
Gluten-free: Yes
Non-dairy: Yes
Vegan-friendly: No
Vegetarian/Pescatarian-friendly: Yes
Also known as a Spanish potato omelette, tortilla de patata is made by frying potatoes in a large skillet and then covering them with scrambled eggs and flipping until both sides are a light golden brown. You can expect to find this scrumptious dish at nearly every bar and restaurant anywhere in the country since it’s as common as French fries.
Normally accompanied with bread, you can order a slice if you’re feeling peckish or get a whole omelet to share. Some versions also come with other ingredients such as cheeses, meats, or vegetables in case you’ve already tried the original.
3. Pulpo a la gallega
Gluten-free: Yes
Non-dairy: Yes
Vegan-friendly: No
Vegetarian/Pescatarian-friendly: Yes
A dish originally hailing from the coastal region of Galicia in northwestern Spain, pulpo a la gallega is a must-try for lovers of seafood. Known colloquially as polbo á feira (fair-style octopus), the tentacles are grilled or steamed to tender perfection before being drizzled in oil and spices.
Often served on a bed of potatoes in bars and pubs, the best restaurants forgo the spuds to let your palette have an interrupted sensory experience. It’s the ideal way to transport yourself to Galicia even if you’ve never been there.
4. Patatas Bravas
Gluten-free: Yes
Non-dairy: Yes
Vegan-friendly: Yes
Vegetarian/Pescatarian-friendly: Yes
The Spanish love their potatoes (see Item #2 for example) and there’s nothing like a piping-hot plate of potatoes to please your palette. Peeled potato wedges are deep-fried and then covered in spicy bravas sauce, making it one of the only picante dishes you’ll find in Spanish cuisine.
Just don’t let the patatas bravas get cold as they can get soggy from the sauce after a while. As common as fries and ketchup, they make the perfect tapa or snack and pair great with the next time on the list.
5. Cerveza
Gluten-free: No
Non-dairy: Yes
Vegan-friendly: Yes
Vegetarian/Pescatarian-friendly: Yes
The Spanish and beer go together like the Spanish and football; partaking is practically a national pastime. Typically made to be served ice-cold, their lagers are the perfect drinks to fight off the Spanish heat which can reach up to 40 degrees C in the height of summer. However, no matter the season, you can expect to see locals drinking on the outdoor terraces while throwing one back with friends/coworkers over lunch or dinner.
Beer in Spain can often be cheaper than water so ask for a jarra to treat yourself to a whole pint (order a caña for a half one and a doble for somewhere in between). There are plenty of Spanish brands to choose from such as Mahou (Madrid’s official beer), Cruzcampo, or San Miguel, but (as a Canadian who knows her lagers) I recommend going for local brews like Estrella Galicia and La Alhambra if you really want to delight your taste buds. Chin!
6. Croquetas
Gluten-free: No
Non-dairy: No
Vegan-friendly: No
Vegetarian/Pescatarian-friendly: Yes*
Croquetas are another common Spanish staple and being able to make them well is considered a culinary art form that only grandmothers can do. A sort of dumpling whose filling is breaded and then deep-fried, the best croquettes are hand-made from scratch so be wary as many bars serve commercially-frozen knockoffs.
Even though the most typical croquette is croqueta de jamón, the dish actually comes in a variety of fillings such as croqueta de boletus (mushroom croquettes) for vegetarians as well as croqueta de bacalao (cod croquettes) for pescatarians. Order a plate to share for the table; you’ll be glad that you did!
7. Pimientos de Padrón
Gluten-free: Yes
Non-dairy: Yes
Vegan-friendly: Yes
Vegetarian/Pescatarian-friendly: Yes
Named for Padrón, the Galician town for which they originated, these salted green peppers are the perfect snack for wandering vegans. Completely dairy-, meat- and gluten-free, pimientos de Padrón is a crowd-pleaser for many thanks to the crisp savouriness of this healthy tapa.
Be careful though! Although not usually spicy, about one in ten peppers is a hot one, making eating them almost like Russian roulette since it’s impossible to tell the difference until you taste them. Challenge yourself to try this delectable dish when it’s listed on a menu but if you feel the burn, don’t say you weren’t warned.
8. Huevos rotos
Gluten-free: Yes
Non-dairy: Yes*
Vegan-friendly: No
Vegetarian/Pescatarian-friendly: Yes*
Arguably the best food in Spain to stave off your hangover from all the sangria, this simple dish consists of fried eggs and skinless potato wedges, usually accompanied by ham. The eggs are usually cooked sunny-side-up and then placed on the bed of warm potatoes to be scrambled together so the residual heat can finish the job.
Like other dishes in this listicle, huevos rotos (broken eggs) has different variations depending on the toppings. Skip the ham to keep the meal vegetarian-friendly and trade it for peppers and mushrooms instead. If you want a dish that will fill up without being too expensive, this is the perfect pick!
9. Jamón Iberico or Serrano
Gluten-free: Yes
Non-dairy: Yes
Vegan-friendly: No
Vegetarian/Pescatarian-friendly: No
Whereas herbivores might be put off by this dish, omnivores are sure to be in for a treat when they sample this cured meat. Spain is renowned for its jamón, hence why it’s not uncommon to see whole racks of dried pork hinds lining the meat aisle of local supermarkets.
Serrano ham is the most common variety, created from a specific breed of white pigs, but Serrano ham is undoubtedly the superior version. While the former tends to be saltier, the latter is produced from acorn-fed black pigs, lending the meat more flavor and juiciness. Many butchers also sell carefully packaged pork cuts, making them the perfect souvenirs from your Iberian holiday.
What just a bit more of a spice kick? Order the chorizo (a paprika-infused sausage) instead!
10. Mejillones al Vapor
Gluten-free: Yes
Non-dairy: Yes
Vegan-friendly: No
Vegetarian/Pescatarian-friendly: Yes
Seafood lovers, beware: you’re about to become addicted to this shellfish dish. Roughly translating to ‘’steamed mussels,’’ this tapa hails from Galicia and makes for the ideal summer morsel to munch on. Although best sampled in coastal towns like Cádiz and Valencia, you can easily find mejillones al vapor in most traditional bars across the country.
However, the best mussels are served fresh, not frozen, so make sure to watch out for low-end restaurants that might cut corners in the kitchen. To truly enjoy this fare, try to keep an eye out for Galician-style restaurants since they’re likely to have the best quality.
11. Empanadas
Gluten-free: No
Non-dairy: No
Vegan-friendly: No
Vegetarian/Pescatarian-friendly: Yes*
Not to be confused with the similar yet smaller Latin American dumplings, Spanish empanadas are usually pie-shaped tarts filled with savory goodness (though the smaller variety also exists). From tuna to mushrooms to chicken, there's a wide range of fillings for nearly every dietary restriction, however, most crusts are made with flour, eggs, and milk unfortunately for celiacs and vegans.
This tasty tart found its origins in Galicia (as many of the best Spanish foods do) but is so commonplace that you can even buy them to-go at local supermarkets. The best versions are obviously homemade yet many local bakeries and patisseries serve them up piping fresh just like Abuela used to. Get a selection of flavors to really take your palette for a wild ride.
12. Agua de Valencia
Gluten-free: Yes
Non-dairy: Yes
Vegan-friendly: Yes
Vegetarian/Pescatarian-friendly: Yes
Let’s journey over to the eastern coast of Spain for a round of a fantastic cocktail called Agua de Valencia. Originating from Costa del Azahar (Orange Blossom Coast), the drink is made from a base of either champagne or cava (Spanish champagne) mixed with vodka, gin, and, of course, orange juice. Served on a bed of ice, this refreshing, citrusy aperitivo is the ideal summer drink for chilling at the beach.
The cocktail was first created by bartender Constante Gil in 1959 at Café Madrid de Valencia (located in Valencia) after the Valencian was challenged by travelers from the Basque Country to create a connotation that would blow their minds. The drink slowly became famous over time and, by the 1970s, it had gained a wider audience in Valencia before taking over the nation. Thus, whether you´re in Valencia or Galicia, order ´´Valencian Water´´ to put some zest back into your life.
13. Salmorejo
Gluten-free: No
Non-dairy: Yes*
Vegan-friendly: No
Vegetarian/Pescatarian-friendly: Yes*
Andalusian by origin, this tomato-based soup is often compared to its cousin, gazpacho, which hails from the same region. However, whereas the main ingredients in the latter are tomatoes and green peppers, salmorejo consists of basically tomatoes and bread pureed into a thicker mixture (making it a no-go for celiacs).
Normally eaten as an entree, the vegetarian-friendly soup is sometimes decorated with boiled egg and ham slices as a garnish so forgo them if you must. The best place to eat this creamy soup is most likely in Córdoba, its hometown, but the cold fare is popular throughout the country, particularly in summer when temperatures soar. Order a bowl to beat the heat like a local and be glad that you did.
14. Wine
Gluten-free: Yes
Non-dairy: Yes
Vegan-friendly: Yes
Vegetarian/Pescatarian-friendly: Yes
While many countries in Europe claim to have the best wine (ahem, France and Italy), Spain is no slouch when it comes to the grape-based drink. In fact, Spain might even have the most budget-friendly wine since the beverage is sold at a fraction of the price compared to its competitors. In supermarkets, you can often buy bottles for the same cost as a glass back home, and bars usually serve their copas dirt-cheap so drink up!
Spain specializes in all types of wine, from red to rosé to white. so no matter your preference, there’s a vintage for you. The best white wine usually comes from northwestern Spain near Galicia so look out for harvests such as Albariño, Rias Baixas, or Rueda. For red wine connoisseurs, strains like Ribera del Duero, Rioja Crianza and Valdepeñas should be right up your alley. Prefer rosé? Tempranillo is a great choice.
BONUS TIP: Still unsure of what to order? In case you don’t speak Spanish and your server doesn’t speak English (though most do in major cities), here’s a quick refresher: una copa de tinto (a glass of red wine); una copa de vino blanco (a glass of white wine); una copa de rosé (a glass of rosé); más dulce (sweeter); mas seco (drier). Salud (cheers)!
15. Churros con chocolate
Gluten-free: No
Non-dairy: Yes*
Vegan-friendly: Yes*
Vegetarian/Pescatarian-friendly: Yes
As emblematic of Spain as the national flag, churros are a national treasure in dessert form. The treat is made from dough rolled into tubes and deep-fried until the donut-like sticks are then coated in cinnamon and sugar. Typically crispy on the outside yet tender on the inside, in Spain, they’re usually served with a cup of molten chocolate for dipping and drinking.
Perfect for breakfast or a midday pick-me-up, you want to look out for churrerias, shops that specialize in the delicious delicacy. With just the right level of crunchy sweetness, it’s no wonder this sweet snack has also taken Latin America and the Philippines (both former Spanish colonies) by storm. Just skip the chocolate in case you’re lactose-intolerant or vegan.
16. Paella
Gluten-free: Yes
Non-dairy: Yes
Vegan-friendly: No
Vegetarian/Pescatarian-friendly: Yes*
Debatably the most famous Spanish specialty, this rice dish originally comes from Valencia although Catalonia (where Barcelona is the capital) has been credited for its international fame. The perpetual Battle for Best Paella comes down to the diner's preferences since, besides rice and saffron, the ingredients vary greatly.
On one hand, paella valenciana is made with rabbit, chicken, and vegetables (and sometimes snails) that are mixed into a savory casserole. On the other hand, paella catalana (the more well-known version) is made with seafood and shellfish like shrimps, squid, mussels as well as chicken. Though it might be difficult to find the first outside of Valencia, the second is widely available in most tourist traps (but best eaten in Catalan restaurants). Try both if you can and come to your own conclusion.
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Final Thoughts
Regardless of what brings you to Spanish shores, you can rest assured that there will be plenty of dishes to whet your appetite. Order a local beer or cocktail to wash everything down after lunch or order a round at happy hour. Dishes like tortilla and paella are wonderful options for celiacs while vegans and vegetarians would enjoy ones like pimientos de Padrón, salmorejo, and vegetable-stuffed croquetas.
Apart from these dishes, Spanish cuisine excels at several other provisions such as cheese (queso manchego is a must-try) and noodles (like the mouth-watering Valencian version, fideuà). Whether you’re allergic to shellfish or lactose-intolerant, there’s certain to be something that tickles your fancy so prepare your taste buds for the time of their lives. ¡Buen provecho, amigos!
May you get long in the wonder,
M
Gluten-free: Yes
Non-dairy: Yes
Vegan-friendly: Yes
Vegetarian/Pescatarian-friendly: Yes
Directly translated to ‘’summer red wine,’’ this drink is the most common beverage ordered in Spain by locals and ex-pats alike. Made from mixing red wine with lemon seltzer and orange wedges, tinto de verano is served with ice and is excellent for beating the Spanish heat.
While sangria has long been associated with Spain, it’s typically considered a drink more marketed toward unassuming tourists willing to pay the massive markup. Order this drink to blend in locals and be surprised at how affordable it is per glass in comparison.
2. Tortilla de patata
Gluten-free: Yes
Non-dairy: Yes
Vegan-friendly: No
Vegetarian/Pescatarian-friendly: Yes
Also known as a Spanish potato omelet, tortilla de patata is made by frying potatoes in a large skillet and then covering them with scrambled eggs and flipping until both sides are a light golden brown. You can expect to find this scrumptious dish at nearly every bar and restaurant anywhere in the country since it’s as common as French fries.
Normally accompanied with bread, you can order a slice if you’re feeling peckish or get a whole omelet to share. Some versions also come with other ingredients such as cheeses, meats, or vegetables in case you’ve already tried the original.
3. Pulpo a la gallega
Gluten-free: Yes
Non-dairy: Yes
Vegan-friendly: No
Vegetarian/Pescatarian-friendly: Yes
A dish originally hailing from the coastal region of Galicia in northwestern Spain, pulpo a la gallega is a must-try for lovers of seafood. Known colloquially as polbo á feira (fair-style octopus), the tentacles are grilled or steamed to tender perfection before being drizzled in oil and spices.
Often served on a bed of potatoes in bars and pubs, the best restaurants forgo the spuds to let your palette have an interrupted sensory experience. It’s the ideal way to transport yourself to Galicia even if you’ve never been there.
4. Patatas Bravas
Gluten-free: Yes
Non-dairy: Yes
Vegan-friendly: Yes
Vegetarian/Pescatarian-friendly: Yes
The Spanish love their potatoes (see Item #2 for example) and there’s nothing like a piping-hot plate of potatoes to please your palette. Peeled potato wedges are deep-fried and then covered in spicy bravas sauce, making it one of the only picante dishes you’ll find in Spanish cuisine.
Just don’t let the patatas bravas get cold as they can get soggy from the sauce after a while. As common as fries and ketchup, they make the perfect tapa or snack and pair great with the next time on the list.
5. Cerveza
Gluten-free: No
Non-dairy: Yes
Vegan-friendly: Yes
Vegetarian/Pescatarian-friendly: Yes
The Spanish and beer go together like the Spanish and football; partaking is practically a national pastime. Typically made to be served ice-cold, their lagers are the perfect drinks to fight off the Spanish heat which can reach up to 40 degrees C in the height of summer. However, no matter the season, you can expect to see locals drinking on the outdoor terraces while throwing one back with friends/coworkers over lunch or dinner.
Beer in Spain can often be cheaper than water so ask for a jarra to treat yourself to a whole pint (or order a caña for a half one). There are plenty of Spanish brands to choose from such as Mahou (Madrid’s official beer), Cruzcampo, or San Miguel, but (as a Canadian who knows her lagers) I recommend going for local brews like Estrella Galicia and La Alhambra if you really want to delight your taste buds. Chin!
6. Croquetas
Gluten-free: No
Non-dairy: No
Vegan-friendly: No
Vegetarian/Pescatarian-friendly: Yes*
Croquetas are another common Spanish staple and being able to make them well is considered a culinary art form that only grandmothers can do. A sort of dumpling whose filling is breaded and then deep-fried, the best croquettes are hand-made from scratch so be wary as many bars serve commercially-frozen knockoffs.
Even though the most typical croquette is croqueta de jamón, the dish actually comes in a variety of fillings such as croqueta de boletus (mushroom croquettes) for vegetarians as well as croqueta de bacalao (cod croquettes) for pescatarians. Order a plate to share for the table; you’ll be glad that you did!
7. Pimientos de Padrón
Gluten-free: Yes
Non-dairy: Yes
Vegan-friendly: Yes
Vegetarian/Pescatarian-friendly: Yes
Named for Padron, the Galician town for which they originated, these salted green peppers are the perfect snack for wandering vegans. Completely dairy-, meat- and gluten-free, pimientos de Padrón is a crowd-pleaser for many thanks to the crisp savouriness of this healthy tapa.
Be careful though! Although not usually spicy, about one in ten peppers is a hot one, making eating them almost like Russian roulette since it’s impossible to tell the difference until you taste them. Challenge yourself to try this delectable dish when it’s listed on a menu but if you feel the burn, don’t say you weren’t warned.
8. Huevos rotos
Gluten-free: Yes
Non-dairy: Yes*
Vegan-friendly: No
Vegetarian/Pescatarian-friendly: Yes*
Arguably the best food in Spain to stave off your hangover from all the sangria, this simple dish consists of fried eggs and skinless potato wedges, usually accompanied by ham. The eggs are usually cooked sunny-side-up and then placed on the bed of warm potatoes to be scrambled together so the residual heat can finish the job.
Like other dishes in this listicle, huevos rotos (broken eggs) has different variations depending on the toppings. Skip the ham to keep the meal vegetarian-friendly and trade it for peppers and mushrooms instead. If you want a dish that will fill up without being too expensive, this is the perfect pick!
9. Jamón Iberico or Serrano
Gluten-free: Yes
Non-dairy: Yes
Vegan-friendly: No
Vegetarian/Pescatarian-friendly: No
Whereas herbivores might be put off by this dish, omnivores are sure to be in for a treat when they sample this cured meat. Spain is renowned for its jamón, hence why it’s not uncommon to see whole racks of dried pork hinds lining the meat aisle of local supermarkets.
Serrano ham is the most common variety, created from a specific breed of white pigs, but Serrano ham is undoubtedly the superior version. While the former tends to be saltier, the latter is produced from acorn-fed black pigs, lending the meat more flavor and juiciness. Many butchers also sell carefully packaged pork cuts, making them the perfect souvenirs from your Iberian holiday.
What just a bit more of a spice kick? Order the chorizo (a paprika-infused sausage) instead!
10. Mejillones al Vapor
Gluten-free: Yes
Non-dairy: Yes
Vegan-friendly: No
Vegetarian/Pescatarian-friendly: Yes
Seafood lovers, beware: you’re about to become addicted to this shellfish dish. Roughly translating to ‘’steamed mussels,’’ this tapa hails from Galicia and makes for the ideal summer morsel to munch on. Although best sampled in coastal towns like Cádiz and Valencia, you can easily find mejillones al vapor in most traditional bars across the country.
However, the best mussels are served fresh, not frozen, so make sure to watch out for low-end restaurants that might cut corners in the kitchen. To truly enjoy this fare, try to keep an eye out for Galician-style restaurants since they’re likely to have the best quality.
11. Empanadas
Gluten-free: No
Non-dairy: No
Vegan-friendly: No
Vegetarian/Pescatarian-friendly: Yes*
Not to be confused with the similar yet smaller Latin American dumplings, Spanish empanadas are usually pie-shaped tarts filled with savory goodness (though the smaller variety also exists). From tuna to mushrooms to chicken, there's a wide range of fillings for nearly every dietary restriction, however, most crusts are made with flour, eggs, and milk so sorry to celiacs and vegans.
This tasty tart found its origins in Galicia (as many of the best Spanish foods do) but is so commonplace that you can even buy them to-go at local supermarkets. The best versions are obviously homemade yet many local bakeries and patisseries serve them up piping fresh just like Abuela used to. Get a selection of flavors to really take your palette for a wild ride.
12. Agua de Valencia
Gluten-free: Yes
Non-dairy: Yes
Vegan-friendly: Yes
Vegetarian/Pescatarian-friendly: Yes
Let’s journey over to the eastern coast of Spain for a round of a fantastic cocktail called Agua de Valencia. Originating from Costa del Azahar (Orange Blossom Coast), the drink is made from a base of either champagne or cava (Spanish champagne) mixed with vodka, gin, and, of course, orange juice. Served on a bed of ice, this refreshing, citrusy aperitivo is the ideal summer drink for chilling at the beach.
The cocktail was first created by bartender Constante Gil in 1959 at Café Madrid de Valencia (located in Valencia) after the Valencian was challenged by travelers from the Basque Country to create a connotation that would blow their minds. The drink slowly became famous over time and, by the 1970s, it had gained a wider audience in Valencia before taking over the nation. Thus, whether you´re in Valencia or Galicia, order ´´Valencian Water´´ to put some zest back into your life.
13. Salmorejo
Gluten-free: No
Non-dairy: Yes*
Vegan-friendly: No
Vegetarian/Pescatarian-friendly: Yes*
Andalusian by origin, this tomato-based soup is often compared to its cousin, gazpacho, which hails from the same region. However, whereas the main ingredients in the latter are tomatoes and green peppers, salmorejo consists of basically tomatoes and bread pureed into a thicker mixture (making it a no-go for celiacs).
Normally eaten as an entree, the vegetarian-friendly soup is sometimes decorated with boiled egg and ham slices as a garnish so forgo them if you must. The best place to eat this creamy soup is most likely in Córdoba, its hometown, but the cold fare is popular throughout the country, particularly in summer when temperatures soar. Order a bowl to beat the heat like a local and be glad that you did.
14. Wine
Gluten-free: Yes
Non-dairy: Yes
Vegan-friendly: Yes
Vegetarian/Pescatarian-friendly: Yes
While many countries in Europe claim to have the best wine (ahem, France and Italy), Spain is no slouch when it comes to the grape-based drink. In fact, Spain might even have the most budget-friendly wine since the beverage is sold at a fraction of the price compared to its competitors. In supermarkets, you can often buy bottles for the same cost as a glass back home, and bars usually serve their copas dirt-cheap so drink up!
Spain specializes in all types of wine, from red to rosé to white. so no matter your preference, there’s a vintage for you. The best white wine usually comes from northwestern Spain near Galicia so look out for harvests such as Albariño, Rias Baixas, or Rueda. For red wine connoisseurs, strains like Ribera del Duero, Rioja Crianza and Valdepeñas should be right up your alley. Prefer rosé? Tempranillo is a great choice.
BONUS TIP: Still unsure of what to order? In case you don’t speak Spanish and your server doesn’t speak English (though most do in major cities), here’s a quick refresher: una copa de tinto (a glass of red wine); una copa de vino blanco (a glass of white wine); una copa de rosé (a glass of rosé); más dulce (sweeter); mas seco (drier). Salud (cheers)!
15. Churros con chocolate
Gluten-free: No
Non-dairy: Yes*
Vegan-friendly: Yes*
Vegetarian/Pescatarian-friendly: Yes
As emblematic of Spain as the national flag, churros are a national treasure in dessert form. The treat is made from dough rolled into tubes and deep-fried until the donut-like sticks are then coated in cinnamon and sugar. Typically crispy on the outside yet tender on the inside, in Spain, they’re usually served with a cup of molten chocolate for dipping and drinking.
Perfect for breakfast or a midday pick-me-up, you want to look out for churrerias, shops that specialize in the delicious delicacy. With just the right level of crunchy sweetness, it’s no wonder this sweet snack has also taken Latin America and the Philippines (both former Spanish colonies) by storm. Just skip the chocolate in case you’re lactose-intolerant or vegan.
16. Paella
Gluten-free: Yes
Non-dairy: Yes
Vegan-friendly: No
Vegetarian/Pescatarian-friendly: Yes*
Debatably the most famous Spanish specialty, this rice dish originally comes from Valencia although Catalonia (where Barcelona is the capital) has been credited for its international fame. The perpetual Battle for Best Paella comes down to the diner's preferences since, besides rice and saffron, the ingredients vary greatly.
On one hand, paella valenciana is made with rabbit, chicken, and vegetables (and sometimes snails) that are mixed into a savory casserole. On the other hand, paella catalana (the more well-known version) is made with seafood and shellfish like shrimps, squid, mussels as well as chicken. Though it might be difficult to find the first outside of Valencia, the second is widely available in most tourist traps (but best eaten in Catalan restaurants). Try both if you can and come to your own conclusion.
Final Thoughts
Regardless of what brings you to Spanish shores, you can rest assured that there will be plenty of dishes to whet your appetite. Order a local beer or cocktail to wash everything down after lunch or order a round at happy hour. Dishes like tortilla and paella are wonderful options for celiacs while vegans and vegetarians would enjoy ones like pimientos de Padrón, salmorejo, and vegetable-stuffed croquetas.
Apart from these dishes, Spanish cuisine excels at several other provisions such as cheese (queso manchego is a must-try) and noodles (like the mouth-watering Valencian version, fideuà). Whether you’re allergic to shellfish or lactose-intolerant, there’s certain to be something that tickles your fancy so prepare your taste buds for the time of their lives. ¡Buen provecho, amigos!
May you get long in the wonder,
M