Tapas is a traditional rustic style of food that originated in Spain but is now served at restaurants and bars around the world. It’s a selection of small sharing plates that can be passed around a group, allowing everyone to sample a little bit of everything. Perfect for food lovers who always wish they could order more than one dish.
It’s essentially like enjoying a series of delicious and expertly prepared bar snacks as you chat with your friends or a loved one over a glass of something chilled and relaxing. No wonder it is so popular!
Traditional tapas dishes include Spanish omelettes (often called tortilla de patatas and made with potatoes and onion), ham croquettes, fried potatoes, calamari (battered fried squid) and pan tumaca (bread, tomato, garlic, and olive oil seasoned with salt and served warm).
However, it’s also common to find modern and creative twists on traditional recipes. The ingredients can also vary depending on the region of Spain they are sourced from. Some of the best international tapas bars still insist on buying most of their ingredients from the homeland to ensure the best and most authentic flavours.
Whatever’s on the menu, it’s a fun and sociable way to sample new foods and even get to know a date a little better! In Spain, tapas is much more than a style of cooking or a way of eating dinner; it’s a part of the culture and fabric of life. In some regions, tapas bars are small cosy places where the locals gather after work and catch up with friends.
In the cities, they are at the heart of the social scene, open late into the night and full of gossip, music, flirting, and of course delicious cooking aromas.
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