Tapas (2024)

FAQs

What kind of food is tapas? ›

This is a list of common tapas dishes. Tapas are a wide variety of appetizers, or snacks, in Spanish cuisine. They may be cold (such as mixed olives and cheese) or warm (such as chopitos, which are battered, fried baby squid).

A tapa (Spanish: [ˈtapa]) is an appetiser or snack in Spanish cuisine. Tapas can be combined to make a full meal, and can be cold (such as mixed olives and cheese) or hot (such as chopitos, which are battered, fried baby squid, or patatas bravas).

Tapas are Spanish appetizers, meant to be eaten in just a few bites. Traditional tapas include mixed olives, fried baby squid, meatballs and chorizo.

Tapa in Philippine languages originally meant fish or meat preserved by smoking. In the Spanish Philippines, it came to refer to meats also preserved by other means. It is derived from Proto-Malayo-Polynesian *tapa, which in turn is derived from Proto-Austronesian *Capa.

Their popularity has grown, and tapas are now often eaten as the main meal. They can be thought of as samplers, or you can make a complete meal by combining two or more tapas to enjoy a variety of flavors. Tapas are a staple of Spanish cuisine, and their popularity has spread to bars and restaurants around the globe.

Pork Belly, Shrimp, and Pickled Tomato Pintxos

Pintxos are the Basque region's answer to tapas. These simple, one-bite snacks are quick to assemble and grill just as your guests arrive.

In some Spanish cities, like Granada, you can get great tapas for free with your drink. In other places, like San Sebastián, tapas (actually called pintxos) are more gourmet and need to be ordered. Something more new to the tradition is that most people will “go for tapas”.

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Pinchos - These are tapas that are small and can be eaten in one or two bites, typically mouth sized. These are usually served on top of pieces of bread and eaten individually instead of being shared.

Types of Tapas

Often served with fortified wine, tapas encompass a wide variety of snacks and small plates. You can categorize tapas into three main categories: cosas de picar, pintxos, and cazuelas.

What is Spain's most famous dish? ›

Paella is perhaps the most famous Spanish dish of all, and certainly one of the most abused. Authentic paella originates from the region around Valencia, and comes in two varieties: Paella Valenciana, with rabbit and chicken; and seafood paella.

Tortilla de Patatas might be the most common tapa out there. It's also known as a Spanish Omelette however it really has no relation to the classic French dish. Tortilla is a perfect mix of softened potato slices mixed with egg that are fried into a cake like shape.

“Tapa” is simply a small portion of food, and when you order tapas, you'll end up ordering lots of small plates and sharing. A common story behind tapas is that it started as small slices of meat or bread served in bars that patrons would use to cover their drinks to keep flies out.

Together with ham, these are two of the most popular cured pork products served as tapas. The first is made with rice and the second is served grilled or cooked in cider. Other popular pork tapas include picadillo(chopped and breaded meat), and chicharrones and torreznos, made mainly from bacon.

There are no rules for what tapas can be; they are sometimes meant to be shared and eaten with toothpicks, but they can also be small individual dishes with their own cutlery, and other times its perfectly acceptable to eat tapas with your hands. They will also take different forms depending on where you are in Spain.

It can be served warm, room temperature, or cold, so you can make it ahead and serve it however you like. Pan con tomate is a perfect starting point for all sorts of toppings, including jamón, anchovies, and more.