Guide to Food & Drink in Spain

A guide to the kinds of food and drink you can expect in Spain.

Eating in a Restaurant in Spain

• When to Eat in Spain Information on what time lunch is served (and other meals).

• Breakfast in Spain What to expect for breakfast in Spain.

• Lunch in Spain Lunch is the main meal of the day in Spain - find out about the type of food you can expect to get at lunch time in Spain.

• Menu del Dia The cheapest and best way to eat in Spain is with a 'menu del dia' (meal of the day). But there are a few things you should know.

• Evening Meals in Spain What to expect for your evening meal in Spain.

• Good Restaurants in Spain How to recognize a good restaurant in Spain.

• Christmas Food in Spain What the Spanish eat at Christmas time.

  Top 10 Spanish Food

  The essential Spanish food that you must try in Spain.
  1. Cochinillo (Suckling Pig)
  2. Pulpo (Octopus)
  3. Gambas al Ajillo (Garlic Prawns)
  4. Jamon (Ham) & Chorizo
  5. Paella
  6. Pescado Frito (fried fish)
  7. Tortilla Española (Spanish Omelet
  8. Gazpacho
  9. Queso Machego (Spanish Sheep Cheese
  10. Patatas Bravas (Fried Potato in a Spicy Sauce)

  Tapas in Spain

  Everyone who comes to Spain wants to try tapas, but many are not really sure what tapas actually is.
  • What is Tapas? (And What it is Not)
  • Tapas Tours in Spain
  • Where to Get Free Tapas in Spain
  • Tips on How to Get the Best Free Tapas
  • Basque Country Pintxos

  Paella in Spain

  Though a bit of a cliché, you have to try paella while you're in Spain. Just make sure you know what you're getting.

  • Introduction to Paella
  • Origin of the Word 'Paella'
  • Types of Paella
  • How to Make Sure You Get a Good Paella in a Restaurant in Spain
  • Paella Restaurants in Valencia & El Palmar

  Restaurant Practicalities in Spain

  Avoid social faux pas in restaurants in Spain.

  • Should You Tip in Spain? The final word on this hotly disputed topic.
  • Is Smoking Allowed in Spanish Restaurants? The law explained, with some Spanish vocabulary to help you find out if smoking is allowed or not.
  • Making a Complaint in Spain Thankfully, the official complaints procedure in Spain is about as good as the service can be bad.

  • Spanish Food Glossary Translations of popular Spanish dishes.

  Drinking in Spain

  • Spain Wine Tours Visit a winery in Spain and sample some of the best Spanish wines. Tours are usually cheaper than you'd expect.
  • The Truth About Sangria The Spanish attitudes towards sangria and why you shouldn't buy sangria in a bar in Spain.
  • Spanish Wine FAQ The Spanish attitudes towards sangria and why you shouldn't buy sangria in a bar in Spain.
  • Spanish Drinks Glossary Translations of popular drinks in Spain.

  • Ordering Beer in Spain Article on beer in Spain.

  • Tea & Coffee in Spain Coffee is important to the Spanish - ordering it is a language of its own.

  • Sherry in Spain Sherry, or 'vino de Jerez' in Spanish, is of Spanish origin.