Spain is a culinary paradise. Gastro lovers will be in heaven here as food is deeply rooted into the country’s way of life, with each day revolving around meal times.

This destination has a reputation for some of the top culinary wonders of the world, with temples to gastronomy found throughout the country. Traditional Spanish food is represented throughout the land, with each region proudly boasting its own spin on things, from Galician and Basque to Catalan and Castilian.

Here are some of the best, and most famous, Spanish food dishes to try during your next break to the country.

Paella

Cooked in an enormous pan and infused with saffron, paella is one of the most quintessential and wildly popular gastro exports of Spain. This yellow-tinged rice dish originated in Valencia during the 19th century but has spread up and down the country since.

A traditional take on paella will include chicken, rabbit and green beans, but the dish has evolved to include seafood, snails and sausage, depending on where you try it. Explore the whole gamut during your trip or simply stick to the classic version.

Patatas bravas

Grazing leisurely on tapas, small plates of food, in crowded bars is a popular way to dine in Spain. This style of eating is a sociable experience, designed to encourage you to chat to fellow diners while you nibble away.

Most traditional tapas dishes are based on humble ingredients – think cold meats, cheeses, sardines, tomatoes, eggs, potatoes, olives and bread. This is how patatas bravas was born, with fried potato cubes smothered in a spicy tomato sauce. It’s a real tapas staple and the perfect accompaniment to any meal.

Albóndigas

Forget Sweden and Italy - Spain is the place to tuck into tasty meatballs. Plump and packed with flavour, these meaty bites are typically served with a rich, smoky tomato sauce infused with paprika and garlic.

Tapas bars tend to be the best places to try albóndigas. Devour a pile of them, mop up the sauce with crusty bread and wash it all down with a glass of red. Delicious.

Jamón ibérico

Legendary jamón ibérico is a must-try while in Spain. This melt-in-the mouth cured meat comes from the black Iberian pigs of the western part of the country who graze on sweet acorns, which produces an unmistakable intense nutty flavour.

Swinging from the ceiling of tapas bars or being peddled on market stalls, you’ll find legs of jamón ibérico all throughout the country. Sample a platter of wafer-thin slices with garlic-infused crusty bread and a chilled glass of wine.

Crema catalana

Indulge your sweet tooth by ordering a pot of crema catalana, the Spanish cousin of crème brûlée. Invented in Catalonia as part of the annual Saint Joseph Day celebrations, this rich dessert can now be found on menus all over the country.

Take a bite and experience citrus-flavoured cream, with a hint of cinnamon, juxtaposed by a crunchy caramelised sugar topping. It’s the ideal way to finish off a meal.

Manchego cheese

Made from sheep’s milk, manchego is a firm buttery cheese with a distinct nutty sweet taste. It’s made in the Castilla-La Mancha region in the heart of Spain.

Manchego is popularly served with crusty bread and quince jelly though you’re also likely to sample a lot stuffed into and grated on top of various tapas dishes. Live by the motto that when in Spain everything tastes better with a bit of manchego.

Leche frita

Literally meaning fried milk, this sweet delicacy from the north part of the country is a prized street food dish. Flour, milk and sugar are mixed together into a dough which is then portioned, fried, sprinkled with cinnamon and glazed with sugar.

Save room for pudding and order this dessert while dining out. It’s often served with a dollop of fresh cream or scoop of ice cream.

Bocadillos

Grabbing a bite on the go? Bocadillos are the Spanish interpretation of a sandwich and are the perfect grub to for refuelling during a busy day of sightseeing.

Baguettes are filled with pretty much anything you fancy, though can vary depending on where you’re holidaying. Head to a bakery and take your pick from popular options including chorizo, ham, tuna, cheese or squid. Order one and wolf it down in a leafy park or sun-kissed plaza.

Tortilla española

Another Spanish staple, this omelette-style dish combines eggs, potato and onion to create a dish that’s sliced into hearty wedges. Simple enough, but oh-so-tasty.

You’ll find tortilla española served hot or cold in all good tapas bars, often laced with ham or cod. It works perfectly as a side dish to more exotic fare.