All Things Tapas: Top 10 Vegetarian Tapas and Top 10 Meaty Tapas
When we hear the word tapas- we think of Spain! But what are tapas?
We learned that back in the day, tapas = a cover/lid and were served in bars as a “cover” on the drink (eg: cheese or ham). Some say it’s to prevent stuff from falling into your drinks, while others say it’s to keep you from getting too drunk. Pick your favorite tale!
The best way we can describe tapas is the heart of Spanish cuisine and life! Tapas tend to be small dishes both hot and cold. Each dish is so beautifully crafted, that the star of the show is truly the item being showcased (whether it is shrimp, eggplants, or potatoes)!
Tapas are also specialized based on the region you are in, creating local flavors! The only way to experience tapas is to go to Spain and savor it all in! You can never have too many tapas! We hope our photos inspire you to travel to Spain and embrace tapas!
There is a common myth that Spanish food is not vegetarian-friendly. However, with one of us being vegetarian, we found that is not the case! We did a lot of research before going and got to taste some amazing food and flavors! Tapas for all!
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Here are our favorite picks in no particular order:
10 Must-Try Vegetarian Tapas in Spain:
10. Patata Bravas
A native Spanish dish in nature, translated as spicy potatoes in English. It's crispy fried potatoes, usually super fresh served with a spicy sauce over it. Each chef has their own take! Must try at each location!
9. Pa amb tomàquet or Pan con Tomate
A native staple of Catalan cuisine; made with bread, olive oil, garlic, salt, and tomatoes. Can often be served with all the ingredients in a deconstructed way that you can easily rub the tomato on the bread, add your seasoning and oil and enjoy! Very refreshing!
8. Aceitunas
AKA olives. Other varieties of names you may come across are manzanillas, arbequinas, and empeltres. Commonly served with drinks or as a welcome tapas. They traditionally are served pitted, so be aware! But they are the most freshest satisfying olives you have ever tasted!
7. Bomba
Fried ball of potatoes served with sauce. Bite-size and comes with various fillings too!
6. Croquetas
Similar to bombas, are fried, fritter-like. Many different vegetables like mushrooms can make up fillings!
5. Tortilla de patatas o Tortilla Española
AKA Spanish omelet. It’s nothing like you have ever had. Traditionally made from eggs and potatoes, however, can include variations of veggies/meats as well. The dish is very creamy and each bite perfectly melts in your mouth.
4. Pimientos del padron
AKA Padron Peppers. The peppers are cooked in olive oil and pan-fried and then seasoned with salt. They are crunchy and delicious! These typically are mild as bell peppers and are not spicy. However, as the legend goes, every so often there is that one pepper that packs on the spicy punch.
3. Champiñones al Ajillo
AKA Spanish Garlic Mushrooms. Tapas are excellent at highlighting the star ingredients-this is no different! A delicious mixture of mushrooms cooked in garlic sauce, all warm and tasty!
2. Berenjenas con miel
AKA eggplant. These are fried breaded eggplants in a tasty batter drizzled with honey. We had so many different preparations and they always warmed our souls!
Salmorejo
This is a traditional soup from the Andalusia area (Southern Spain) traditionally made of tomatoes, olive oil, and garlic. It can be served with sprinkled eggs or meat on top. A very refreshing treat!
10 Meaty Tapas to Try When In Spain:
In no particular order, enjoy!!
10. Jamón Ibérico
AKA Iberian ham. Comes from a type of cured leg of pork made in Spain. It is fatty and full of intense flavor. Ham is a pretty popular meat in Spain and there are whole stores dedicated to this!
9. Gambas al Ajillo
AKA Garlic Prawns. Very popular dish! Must try! Juicy shrimp served in a delicious olive oil and garlic sauce.
8. Boquerones en vinagre
AKA-fresh filleted anchovies in vinegar. Anchovies are marinated in vinegar and olive oil with the perfect seasoning of garlic and parsley.
7. Bacalao
AKA Cod. This is a Catalan dish that is usually served on bread and tomatoes with salted cod.
6. Chipirones
AKA: baby squid. This dish is squit battered and fried and served with drizzled lemon juice.
5. Bomba
Fried ball of potatoes served with sauce. Bite-size and comes with various fillings too! Popular in the Barcelona area!
4. Croquetas
Similar to bombas, they are fried, fritter-like. Many variations of meat are stuffed in. You can even try some exotic meats like bull!
3. Chorizo al Vino
AKA Chorizo in Red Wine. This is pork (chorizo) cooked in red wine and can be made spicy or mild.
2. Calamares a la romana
AKA Fried Squid. Thin rings of battered squid are fried creating a crispy dish served with lemon wedges and mayo. A popular dish in Madrid. Also, some places in Madrid sell Bocadillos de Calamares (calamari sandwiches, which basically is this served on bread).
1. Pulpo gallego
AKA: boiled octopus. Traditionally made with octopus, olive oil, paprika, and salt to make a magical dish.
Be sure to order these and many other dishes every place you go! It is very common to go on a tapas crawl (going from one place to another ordering tapas and drinks). Taste the differences in the region and let us know your favorites!!
Consider booking a tapas crawl or tour:
Highly recommended tours include:
BONUS —> Not a TAPA:
…. but definitely try Paella and Fiducia. Both can be made vegetarian (you may just have to check with the place first).
Paella
This is a very popular rice dish originating from Valencia, Spain. It is a dish of rice (from the Valencian area) cooked with seafood, meats, vegetables, and spices. The dish usually takes some time to cook and is traditionally made over an open fire in a large vessel.
Tips to look for authentic paella- look for Valencian style Paella and for fresh ensure the cooking time is adequate (if it comes out in 5 minutes, likely not cooked the traditional fresh way). Today, you can find many variations and forms, and also find vegetarian options.
Fideuá
This is a very similar dish to paella but instead of rice, it's made with short pasta called fideos. Also cooked in a large open fire and the same pan as the paella. A dish with credit to Valencia. Cooked in a delicious sauce and dressed with fish, seafood, and vegetables. A must-try!
Consider a Paella making class, check this experience out!
Thank you for reading! Hopefully our tapas inspire you to find your favorites on your next trip to Spain!
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