Types of Food Eaten in Spain

Although the food in Spain varies by region, some basic staple foods are found on every Spanish table. For example, the Spanish enjoy eating their food with bread that’s usually dipped in Spanish olive oil. Cured ham is another basic staple popular everywhere. It’s common to see cured hams hanging from delicatessen ceilings throughout the country.

Spaniards enjoy a simple, traditional breakfast. Breakfast is the smallest meal of the day with a continental breakfast including bread or fresh rolls with jam. Sweet rolls and lemon-flavored cupcakes are also common breakfast items, served with strong espresso coffee, tea or hot chocolate.

Lunch is the main meal in Spain, with a typical lunch beginning with stew or soup, followed by several courses. Spanish people eat lunch later in the day, beginning around 2 p.m. A standard menu offers an appetizer and main courses. Spaniards take a two- to three-hour break from work for lunch, known as a siesta. The tradition of the siesta dates back centuries when people working in agriculture needed a rest form the hot Spanish sun before going back to work outdoors.

Tapas, which are finger foods, often make up the evening meal, with Spaniards patronizing different restaurants, nibbling on assorted snacks. Tapas are normally served in a small bowl, along with hams, cheeses and olives. Other popular tapas items include toasted garlic bread dipped in olive oil, meatballs, seafood, shrimp, garlic mushrooms and vegetables.

Paella is a traditional rice dish eaten particularly during fiestas and on Sundays. The name paella is derived from the Catalan word for pan. This dish is usually part of the midday meal rather than in the evening. Although there are different variations, the main version revolves around chicken, with added seafood and rice fish stock. Usually paella includes saffron, a spice used to flavor food.

El Gazpacho is a traditional cold vegetable soup that has Roman or Arabic roots. Gazpacho is a healthy food rich in antioxidants and vitamins. It’s made from summer grown vegetables and usually served with bread, garlic, vinegar and oil. There are many variations of El Gazpacho.

Serrano is a country ham that’s one of the most well-known Spanish dishes. Because the ham is cured for at least a year, Serrano has both a firm texture and rich flavor. It’s served as a snack or tapas, with olives and cheese.