Spanish National Dish – What to eat in Spain

When you think of Spanish dishes, most people probably immediately think of the variety of tapas, cold or warm appetizers or snacks. These include the classic spicy olives and almendras fritas, almonds roasted and salted in oil. In addition, however, there is a wide range of dishes in each of Spain’s regions, reflecting the country’s diversity.

Gazpacho Soup

Gazpacho is a cold tomato soup and is undoubtedly one of the most famous and well known Spanish dish. It consists largely of tomatoes mashed with paprika, soaked white bread, olive oil, vinegar and spices. The soup is from Andalucia, the southernmost of Spain, but over time it has become a Spanish national dish, loved throughout the country and beyond. Traditionally, the cold tomato soup is drunk from a glass or bowl.

Paella

Paella – the rice dish trend throughout Spain is probably also the most famous dish in Spain, far beyond the country’s borders. Paella has its origins in Valencia, where there is the great Paella Valenciana, which consists of rabbit, chicken, sausage and snails. However, the Spaniards enjoy many other kinds of paella: meat paella with chicken, rabbit and duck, seafood paella with clams, mussels, shrimp, scampi and fish, vegetable paella or paella with meat, seafood and vegetables.

What is the Spanish National Dish?

Spanish cuisine is more than just tortilla and paella. But is there a Spanish national dish? We say no! Spanish dishes are as diverse as the country itself – with the different influences from the regions! Spanish cuisine with its dishes is a huge trend around the world. 

What are Spanish Eating Habits?

The Spanish eating habits differ notably from those of the Europeans. The Spaniards like to take their time when eating. Other cultures could learn from this, because it not only makes people eat healthier, they also pay more attention to what they eat and have time to digest. In Spain you rarely see people eating standing or walking. The lunch break is often two hours, leaving enough time to cook Spanish dishes at home or to have dinner with friends or family. On Sundays, the whole family tends to get together – and then lunch becomes coffee, coffee becomes coffee and cake, and finally they become dinner – which can be very late in most Spanish households.