Tapas Hunters Starter Pack – 9 Tapas Every First-Timer Should Try

The Tapas Hunters Starter Pack is your guide to eating tapas in Spain for the first time. It can be daunting to come to a new country like Spain and have to pick what to eat. There are a lot of options, but you may not know what they mean. You could fall into the flashy advertising of tourist traps – and you’ll probably walk away disappointed. Or just give up and go to an international restaurant so you can order something you are familiar with.

It would be a shame to come to Spain and not enjoy good Spanish tapas. We believe it’s a great gastronomic destination and traditional food deserves your attention. So we compiled a list of the most common tapas you’ll find anywhere in Spain for you to know what to order: a Spanish tapas guide for first timers – 9 Tapas You Should Try.

1. Jamón ibérico – Cured Iberian Ham

Thinly sliced cured Iberian Ham made from black Iberian pigs, raised freely in the countryside and fed with acorns and other natural resources.

Salty, fatty, melts in your mouth – these are just a few ways to describe the Jamón ibérico. But you can’t understand it until you have tasted it.

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2. Patatas Bravas – Spicy potatoes

Cubed fried potatoes with a spicy paprika sauce – Patatas bravas are one of the most popular Spanish tapas. While there are different versions around the country, the passion for these spicy potatoes is high.

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3. Croquetas de jamón – Ham Croquettes

Crunchy breadcrumbs on the exterior, creamy béchamel on the inside, savoury bits of jamón – these are Croquetas de jamón. Small, big, oval, long, round – no matter the shape, this tapa is on every menu at Spanish restaurants.

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4. Calamares fritos – Fried calamari

Calamari – either rings or sticks – come with a crunchy coating made out of flour with or without egg, and then are deep fried in very hot oil until golden. Calamares fritos is the generic name for a very popular Spanish tapa, while in menus you can find it with a variety of names, based on how the calamari were prepared and their

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5. Tortilla de patatas – Spanish omelet

Unlike Mexico and Central America, where Tortillas are a staple flatbread, Tortilla de patatas is an omelet in Spain. Originally made with just potatoes and eggs, the Spanish omelet has many versions. There’s even a big debate if the best tortilla is with or without onions.

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6. Pan con tomate – Bread with tomatoes

Bread, tomatoes, and olive oil – that’s all it takes to make Pan con tomate. The tomato is rubbed onto the slice of bread, sprinkled with salt, and then topped with the best extra-virgin olive oil you can get. Optionally, garlic is rubbed onto the bread before the tomato, as step zero.

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7. Gambas al ajillo – Spanish Garlic Prawns

Spanish white prawns quickly cooked in olive oil, garlic and chili peppers – these are Gambas al ajillo, a fundamental dish in Spain. Although the technique of cooking them for a minute in a clay dish with lots of hot olive oil is essential, what makes this Spanish tapa special is the use of good ingredients and showcasing them.

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8. Huevos rotos con jamón – Broken Eggs

Runny egg yolk dripping over crispy French fries, topped with luscious Jamón ibérico – is what Huevos rotos con jamón means. One more example of the apparent simplicity of Spanish cuisine, when in fact, it’s about showcasing high-quality products and combining them with perfect balance.

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9. Boquerones fritos – Fried Anchovies

Deep-fried, crunchy anchovies are a pillar of Spanish food. A simple, satisfying snack to mix with other tapas, Boquerones fritos are especially popular in the South of Spain, though they are present throughout the country. What makes them great is the freshness of the anchovies and how often the frying oil is changed.

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