What to Eat in Spain: 15 Traditional Spanish Tapas You Have to Try
At 10am, trying 15 of Spain’s most iconic dishes in one day sounded like a great idea.
By 10pm… we were in trouble.
We spent a full day in Madrid eating our way through 15 classic tapas to answer one question:
👉 what is actually worth ordering when you’re in Spain?
Because here’s the truth — not all tapas are created equal.
This guide breaks down 15 must-try dishes, what they are, and what we actually thought so you can skip the bad orders and find the best food in Spain.
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1. Churros con Chocolate
What it is: Fried dough dipped in thick hot chocolate and a must for your Madrid foodie bucket list.
Our take: Crunchy, simple, and way less sweet than expected. The chocolate is the star.
2. Jamón Ibérico
What it is: Spain’s prized cured ham from acorn-fed pigs
Our take: This is the bite of traditional Spanish food. Salty, nutty, melt-in-your-mouth. Don’t try to bring it home as a souvenir, as it’s illegal to import!
3. Sobrasada
What it is: Spreadable cured sausage with paprika from the island of Mallorca.
Our take: One of our favorites. Smoky, rich, slightly spicy — especially good with honey.
4. Patatas Bravas
What it is: Fried potatoes with spicy sauce
Our take: Starts mild… then hits you. Bold, messy, and very Madrid.
5. Pimientos de Padrón
What it is: Fried green peppers (some are spicy, most aren’t)
Our take: Fun roulette-style tapa. Simple, salty, addictive.
6. Pulpo a la Gallega (Octopus)
What it is: Boiled octopus with olive oil and paprika
Our take: Tender, smoky, and perfectly balanced. When done right, it’s incredible.
7. Gilda
What it is: Skewer of olive, anchovy, and pickled pepper
Our take: Salty, briny, intense. Designed to make you drink more (it works).
8. Tortilla Española
What it is: Spanish omelet with potatoes and egg
Our take: Shockingly good for 3 ingredients. Creamy, rich, and deeply satisfying.
9. Croquetas
What it is: Fried bites filled with creamy béchamel (usually ham or cheese)
Our take: Crispy outside, creamy inside. Basically a flavor bomb.
10. Pan con Tomate
What it is: Bread rubbed with tomato and olive oil
Our take: Sounds boring. It’s not. Fresh, simple, and somehow perfect.
11. Bacalao (Salt Cod)
What it is: Salted cod that’s rehydrated and cooked
Our take: Crispy, flaky, and surprisingly one of the best fried fish we had.
12. Gambas al Ajillo
What it is: Garlic shrimp cooked in olive oil
Our take: Garlicky, rich, and addictive. One of Spain’s most iconic tapas for a reason.
13. Vermouth
What it is: Fortified wine infused with herbs and spices
Our take: This is what locals actually drink. Slightly sweet, super easy to sip.
14. Tinto de Verano
What it is: Red wine with lemon soda
Our take: Light, refreshing, and way better than sangria (controversial but true).
15. Bocadillo de Calamares
What it is: Fried calamari sandwich
Our take: Divisive. Great calamari… questionable bread situation. We didn’t fully agree.
Where to Eat Tapas in Madrid (Quick Picks)
If you want to experience traditional Spanish food in Madrid, these were standout spots:
- Casa González — classic tapas + wine
- Taberna El Sur — great local favorites
- Casa Labra — famous for cod
- La Campana — iconic calamari sandwich
Some of the most famous streets to tapas crawl in Madrid are Calle Ponzano and Calle Cava Baja!
Is Spain One of the Best Food Countries?
After 15 tapas in one day…
👉 Spain absolutely delivers
But here’s the key: You need to know what to order.
Because the difference between a mediocre tapa and an unforgettable one is huge.
If you get it right, you’ll understand why this is some of the best food in Spain — and why people keep coming back.
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