Sizzling seafood platters, jam-packed paellas and teeny tiny tapas plates are all on the ‘menu del dia’ here in sunny Spain, so there’s something to suit all appetites. Don’t expect to find the same delights in each region, though; this country is a tasty treasure map of local specialities.

It’s not unusual to be presented with a small plate of nibbles when you order a drink, with nuts, popcorn and tapas portions three of the most common. When it comes to the drinks, vino tinto (red wine) and vino blanco (white wine) will be found on almost every menu and can be ordered by the copa (glass) for a very reasonable price.

Must-try dishes

Patatas Bravas

Fried potatoes with sauce

Gorgeous crispy cubes of fried potatoes covered in a tomato-based sauce or served with aioli (a garlic oil/mayonnaise), patatas bravas are famous across Spain. Different regions have different variations, but it’s thought this delicious dish originated in Madrid.

Croquettes

Breadcrumb-covered mashed potatoes

A regular on the tapas scene, croquettes are small breadcrumb-covered rolls, filled with mashed potatoes and/or béchamel sauce. These crispy delights often contain ham, chicken, fish or spinach and pine nuts.

Paella

Valencian rice dish

You’ll struggle to find a traditional Spanish restaurant that doesn’t serve this delicious rice-based dish. Made from rice, stock, chicken and seafood, and seasoned with saffron, herbs and spices, this flavoursome one pot is a simple yet satisfying introduction to the delights of Spanish fare.

Gambas al Ajillo

Garlic prawns

Often it’s the simple recipes that are the best, and Gambas al Ajillo might just be one of them. Shell-on prawns are served in a sizzling garlic-flavoured olive oil or butter, with chillies, and garnished with parsley.

Divine drinks of Spain

Café Solo

Espresso

An espresso is the traditional way of drinking coffee in Spain. If you prefer your coffee a little less strong, order a cortado (espresso with a tiny bit of milk) or a café con leche, which is an espresso with milk, but often it’s still a lot stronger than the latte you’d expect at home.

Sangria

Wine-based cocktail

Probably Spain’s most well-known tipple, sangria is a refreshing mix of wine, brandy/rum, orange juice and ice, with chopped fruit and sugar for extra sweetness. It’s usually served in a jug for sharing at the table

Cerveza

Beer

Often serving its beer super-chilled, Spain has created some famous brews and you’ll most likely have heard of plenty of them. Cruz Campo, Mahou Cinco Estrella and Estrella Damm are just three of the biggest hits here.

Vino Tinto

Red wine

Spain has plenty of fantastic wine regions, with Ribera del Duero, Valencia, and La Mancha to name but three. Vino tinto (red wine) is regularly served chilled here in Spain, despite being enjoyed at room temperature in other countries and cultures.