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There's nothing more synonymous with Spanish cuisine than tapas, the tradition of eating small dishes as an appetizer, snack or in combination to form a main meal of the day. The latter has become a growing trend worldwide in recent decades, and that should come as no surprise to food-lovers: after all what could be better than mixing and matching all the glorious taste sensations of Spain for supper?
The word 'tapa' in Spanish means 'lid', and 'tapas' is simply its plural form. There are many cited origins for the tradition of eating tapas, and how they got their name, with the most romantic features King Alfonso X in a starring role. The King, known as Alfonso the Wise, was said to have visited an inn where he ordered a beer. The innkeeper served the ale with a delicious dish of food covering the glass. The King thought it was such a good idea that he ordered all inns throughout Spain to serve food with any alcoholic drink by decree of law. Perhaps a more probable origin however is that these 'lids' were a custom used by Andalusian folk to keep the flies off their sweet sherry.
Find a list of typical tapas dishes from Spain and Catalonia below, followed by a guide to the best tapas bars and restaurants in Barcelona...
Typical Tapas Dishes
Tapas is such an integral part of Spanish culture, than almost every rudimentary bar will have some basic tapas on the counter, whilst many restaurants have a tapas menu or specialise solely in the saucer-sized snacks. Here are some of the favourites up and down Spain.
Aceitunas
Olives! The Spaniards, including the Catalans, are mad about olives, and if there's only one tapa available it's sure to be aceitunas. Some delicious Spanish varieties include manzanillas, arbequinas and empeltres.
Bacalao
Cod is a mainstay of Catalan cuisine and so naturally enough available in tapas form. Well-salted and usually served on bread with tomatoes.
Calamares
To the uncultured eater, calamares resemble onion rings, but are in fact circles of squid in batter. Chewy but delicious, and best with a squeeze of lemon.
Chorizo al vino
An editorial fave, and no wonder if you consider that a) Spanish cured sausage is the best in the world b) what could be better than adding a slosh of red wine?! In some parts of Spain you can also try chorizo al sidra, or sausage cooked in cider!
Ensaladilla rusa
'Russian salad' is a firm favourite in Spain, and typically one of the only tapas with a high vegetable count - so good for balancing all those meat dishes. Potatoes, eggs and mayonnaise are the main ingredients with beans, carrots and chopped gherkins common additions.
Pa amb tomaquet
A remarkably simple dish that occupies a place in all true Catalans' hearts, pa amb tomaquet is simply rustic bread rubbed with tomato flesh and sprinkled with salt, olive oil and perhaps garlic. It can be served as an accompaniment to a meal or often with cod or ham as a tapa.
Patatas bravas
Chunks of potato chips served with spicy mayonnaise, this decidedly unhealthy snack is an essential side plate for any tapas meal.
Pinchos
A typically Basque dish (known as 'pintxo' in its region of origin), the pincho, or 'spike', is a dish of meat skewered on a toothpick and served on a slice of bread. Yum!
There are plenty more delicious varieties of tapas served up in bars around Spain, and we'll add a few more munch-worthy morsels next time we update this page.
Barcelona Tapas Restaurants & Bars
Despite being a typically Spanish dish, the tradition of tapas is still rife here in Catalonia (where other Spanish traditions such as bull-fighting and flamenco are not considered part of the culture). Whereas many venues specifically choose to dub themselves 'tapas restaurants' you can find great tapas in many places that don't. So here is our undiscriminating (in the good sense) guide to where to eat tapas in Barcelona...
Cal Pep
A near legendary venue in El Born, presided over by none other than the eponymous Pep. Succulent fresh seafood tapas.
Placa de les Olles 8
Sol Soler
A local favourite with the people of Gracia, this unfussy and friendly restaurant specialises in vegetarian tapas.
Placa del Sol 21
Can Paixano
A xampanyeria (champagne bar) and charcuterie in one, Can Paixano is one of the most popular eateries in Barcelona and packed - really and truly and uncomfortably packed - every night with locals who come for cheap cava and fantastic mini-sandwichs and other tapas dishes.
C/Reina Cristina 7
La Boqueria Market
This is where all of Barcelona's best ingredients are delivered so it makes sense to try some tapas right at the source... there are a good dozen or so tiny restaurants in and around the market, and lunch at La Boqueria is something you won't forget in a hurry.
La Rambla 89
If you're interested in finding out more about Barcelona, Catalonia and Spain's food culture then we strongly suggest you head over to our article on gastro-tourism and explore the possibilities of cooking classes, tapas and wine tours.
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