Almost nothing compares to the inherently social and vibrant dining experience of Iberico tapas with a group of friends, family and loved ones, and one of the biggest reasons why is the sheer variety.
Because each individual tapa is a small dish, there is a lot of passing around, sampling different plates and enjoying a dinner as varied and vibrant as the tastes of the Mediterranean themselves.
Because there are so many tapas dishes out there and many variations and fusions with other culinary traditions, it is worth showcasing just a few of the most popular dishes to help a newcomer get started.
Tortilla De Patatas
One of the most famous and popular dishes in Spain, this classic dish is an omelette with potatoes and onion that is typically served cold and in chunks, although it can sometimes be seen hot or even without onion, although that does lessen the flavour somewhat.
For a truly authentic tapas dining experience, everyone should try tortilla de patatas at least once, and it is also commonly served as a main meal and a sandwich filling too.
Calamares a la Romana
Seafood is a very common part of tapas and there are few tapas dishes as delightfully indulgent as calamari. The combination of deep-fried squid rings and a chunk of lemon is the definition of perfect finger food, and it has thus become a staple of many tapas tables.
Patatas Bravas
Almost everyone who has tried tapas has had this combination of fried potatoes and either salsa brava or alioli. Whilst more commonly served with the former, a lot of tapas bars in east Spain love the distinct garlic taste of alioli, as tapas is simply not complete without garlic.
Pan Con Tomate
Bread is an exceptionally common accompaniment to tapas, but in Catalonia, one of the most popular tapas dishes is this simple mix of tomato, olive oil, garlic and salt on top of warmed rustic bread.
Whilst some people prefer its crustier counterpart bruschetta, there are few dishes as hearty or as refreshing as pan con tomate.
Croquetas de Jamón
Easy to eat, indulgent and filled with many different delightful tastes of Spain, traditional tapas croquettes are a mix of bechamel and Spanish ham that is rolled up to make a dough, before being coated in breadcrumbs and fried to a golden brown crisp.
Gambas Al Ajillo
Combining two overriding tapas traditions in garlic and seafood, these fried prawns generally have a little bit of a paprika and cayenne pepper kick that makes people come back for plate after plate.
Gazpacho
A refreshingly chilled tomato soup, gazpacho is a tapa with not only a lot of history but also a lot of utility. Whilst it is an inherently delicious mix of tomato, garlic and many other vegetables that works as a dish in its own right, it is also often served as a drink.
Historically, during the summer months when it was too warm to drink wine, people would drink gazpacho instead as an incredibly refreshing alternative.