If you love to travel through taste, Spain is your dream destination. Its food is bold, rustic, and deeply tied to tradition. Whether you’re walking through the streets of Barcelona or relaxing on a beach in Andalusia, you’ll find dishes that bring people together, tell a story, and leave you craving more. Every region has something different to offer—seafood, meats, cheeses, and sweets—each cooked with heart. Before you plan your trip, don’t miss our specially curated Spain Tour Package that blends food, culture, and unforgettable experiences.
Here are the 10 Spanish Foods You Have to Try
1. Paella – The Crown Jewel of Spanish Cuisine
When it comes to Spanish foods you have to try, paella is always at the top of the list. This colorful rice dish originated in Valencia and has since become a symbol of Spanish culinary pride. Traditionally made with saffron rice, chicken, rabbit, and green beans, you’ll now find modern twists like seafood paella or even vegetarian versions. The best part? That crispy bottom layer of rice called socarrat.Whether you try it by the seaside or in a local market, paella delivers flavor, comfort, and history in every bite.
2. Tortilla Española – A Simple Yet Beloved Classic
This isn’t your usual omelette. Made with just three ingredients—eggs, potatoes, and olive oil—Tortilla Española (Spanish omelette) is dense, moist, and incredibly satisfying. Some Spaniards swear it should include onions (con cebolla), while others insist it shouldn't (sin cebolla). Either way, it’s one of those Spanish foods you have to try to truly understand how something so simple can be so delicious.You'll find tortilla served as a tapa, in sandwiches (bocadillo de tortilla), or as a hearty breakfast after a night out.
3. Patatas Bravas – Spain’s Favorite Spicy Snack
If you're out enjoying tapas, Patatas Bravas are a must. These crispy fried potatoes are smothered in a bold, spicy tomato sauce and often topped with aioli. Found all across Spain, every city has its own variation—Madrid goes saucy, Barcelona adds garlic, and Seville gives it a smoky touch.Perfect for sharing with friends over a cold drink, patatas bravas are comfort food at its best. If you’re compiling your list of Spanish foods you have to try, start here.
4. Jamón Ibérico – A Slice of Spanish Luxury
Forget what you know about ham. Jamón Ibérico is next-level. Made from acorn-fed black Iberian pigs and cured for up to three years, it’s a delicacy that melts in your mouth. The flavor is nutty, rich, and slightly sweet.It’s often served thinly sliced with crusty bread or just savored on its own. You’ll spot entire legs of jamón hanging in every Spanish deli and bar—this isn’t just food, it’s tradition. For anyone serious about trying authentic Spanish foods, this one is non-negotiable.
5. Gazpacho – Summer in a Bowl
In the heat of a Spanish summer, nothing refreshes quite like gazpacho. This cold soup is made from ripe tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, garlic, olive oil, and vinegar—all blended until smooth. It’s light, tangy, and packed with flavor.Though it sounds simple, a good gazpacho relies on fresh, top-quality ingredients. It’s usually served in small glasses as an appetizer or light lunch. For a thicker twist, try salmorejo, gazpacho’s creamier cousin. When it comes to healthy and flavorful Spanish foods you have to try, this one is a summer essential.
6. Pulpo a la Gallega – Galicia’s Signature Dish
From Spain’s northwestern coast comes Pulpo a la Gallega, or Galician-style octopus. It's boiled until tender, sliced, and served with olive oil, sea salt, and paprika—often atop boiled potatoes.The result? A smoky, salty, melt-in-your-mouth dish that surprises many first-time tasters. Often found at food festivals (pulperías) or in coastal tapas bars, it’s a unique dish that stands out from the rest. Seafood lovers—add this to your list of Spanish foods you have to try.
7. Gambas al Ajillo – Shrimp Sizzling with Flavor
Imagine a small clay dish brought to your table, sizzling with garlic, chili, and shrimp in bubbling olive oil. That’s Gambas al Ajillo, a beloved Spanish tapa that delivers big on flavor with minimal ingredients.Best enjoyed with a side of crusty bread to soak up the garlicky oil, it’s proof that Spanish cooking is all about letting quality ingredients shine. It's one of the most satisfying Spanish foods you have to try—especially if you love bold, savory flavors.
8. Manchego Cheese – A Bite of La Mancha
Cheese lovers, meet your new favorite: Manchego. Made from sheep’s milk in the La Mancha region, Manchego is aged anywhere from 60 days to two years. The result? A buttery, firm texture and a nutty, slightly tangy flavor.It pairs beautifully with quince paste (membrillo), olives, or a glass of red wine. Often served alongside Jamón Ibérico, Manchego brings depth to any tapas spread and is absolutely one of the Spanish foods you have to try.
9. Churros con Chocolate – Sweet Spanish Indulgence
Crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, churros are a beloved Spanish treat—especially when dipped into thick, velvety hot chocolate. You’ll find them at street stalls, cafés, and especially at churrerías (churro cafes).Popular as both a breakfast and a late-night snack, churros con chocolate are fun, comforting, and deeply satisfying. It’s hard to eat just one—so don’t say we didn’t warn you! If you’re in Spain, this sweet bite is one of those foods you simply have to try.
10. Sangria – A Sip of Spanish Sunshine
Though not technically a food, no Spanish culinary adventure is complete without a glass of sangria. This fruity wine punch blends red wine, citrus fruits, brandy, and sometimes sparkling water for a refreshing, fun drink.Served cold with plenty of fruit, sangria is best enjoyed on a sunny patio, surrounded by tapas and friends. It's the drink that captures Spain’s spirit—cheerful, laid-back, and always full of flavor.
Conclusion
Spanish food is so much more than a meal—it’s a celebration of life, culture, and togetherness. Whether you’re savoring a plate of paella, biting into crunchy churros, or enjoying spicy patatas bravas with sangria, you’re tasting centuries of tradition in every bite. If you’re planning to explore Spain, be sure to treat your taste buds too. These Spanish foods you have to try aren’t just delicious—they’re part of the experience. So don’t just visit, indulge. And for the ultimate food-filled journey, check out our Spain Tour that promises flavor, fun, and unforgettable memories.
