Published on and written by Cyril Jarnias
Spain, a country of sun and passion, is also renowned for its rich and varied gastronomy. For expatriates newly arrived on Iberian soil, culinary discovery promises to be a flavorful and captivating adventure. This guide will take you through the flavors, traditions, and subtleties of Spanish cuisine, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the local culture through its iconic dishes.
The Specifics of Spanish Gastronomy
Spanish cuisine reflects a thousand-year history, influenced by various cultures and civilizations. It is characterized by its regional diversity, with each region having its own specialties and culinary traditions.
The Mediterranean on the Plate
Mediterranean influence is omnipresent in Spanish cuisine. Olive oil, the king ingredient, is used in most preparations. Fresh vegetables, seafood, and aromatic herbs are also essential elements of this sun-drenched gastronomy.
The Tapas Culture
Tapas are much more than a simple snack in Spain. It’s a true way of life, a way to socialize and share a friendly moment around varied small portions. From simple marinated olives to elaborate croquetas, tapas offer a range of flavors to discover.
Iconic Dishes
Among the essential dishes of Spanish cuisine, we find:
- Paella valenciana: this saffron rice dish garnished with meats and vegetables is the culinary emblem of Spain
- Tortilla española: a thick omelet made with potatoes and onions
- Gazpacho: a cold tomato soup, perfect for hot summer days
- Jamón ibérico: an exceptional cured ham, a pride of Spanish gastronomy
Good to Know:
Spanish gastronomy is recognized for its quality and diversity. It combines simple but quality ingredients with often ancestral preparation techniques, resulting in flavorful and authentic dishes.
The Cultural Importance of Gastronomy in Spain
In Spain, food is much more than a simple physiological need. It is at the heart of social and family life, playing a central role in interpersonal relationships and celebrations.
Meals, a Time for Sharing
Spaniards place great importance on meals with family or friends. These moments are opportunities to get together, chat, and enjoy life. Meals often stretch over several hours, especially on weekends.
Festivals and Culinary Traditions
Many Spanish festivals and traditions are closely linked to gastronomy. For example, the Fallas of Valencia are an opportunity to taste traditional paella, while Saint John’s Day is celebrated with grilled sardines on the beaches of Catalonia.
Regional Pride
Each region of Spain has its culinary specialties of which it is proud. This regional diversity contributes to the richness of Spanish gastronomy and reflects the unique history and culture of each territory.
Good to Know:
Gastronomy is so deeply rooted in Spanish culture that some dishes or products benefit from a Protected Designation of Origin (PDO), guaranteeing their authenticity and quality.
Discovering Traditional Markets
To truly immerse yourself in Spanish culinary culture, nothing beats visiting traditional markets. These vibrant places are the beating heart of local gastronomy, where expatriates can discover a multitude of fresh and authentic products.
Iconic Markets
Among the must-visit markets, we can mention:
- Mercado de San Miguel in Madrid: a historic covered market offering a unique gastronomic experience
- La Boqueria in Barcelona: one of the largest markets in Europe, renowned for its product diversity
- Mercado Central de Valencia: an architectural gem housing stalls overflowing with local products
Products Not to Miss
In these markets, expatriates can discover:
- An impressive variety of seasonal fruits and vegetables
- Artisanal cheeses like Manchego or Cabrales
- Quality cured meats, including the famous jamón ibérico
- Freshly caught seafood and fish
- Typical spices and condiments of Spanish cuisine
The Art of Shopping the Spanish Way
Shopping in Spain is an experience in itself. Don’t hesitate to chat with the merchants, ask for advice on product preparation, or taste before buying. It’s also an opportunity to practice your Spanish and familiarize yourself with the local names of foods.
Good to Know:
Spanish markets are generally open in the morning, from Monday to Saturday. On Sunday, most are closed, with the exception of some tourist markets in large cities.
Iconic Restaurants to Discover
Spain is full of restaurants offering an authentic culinary experience. From traditional taverns to starred establishments, here’s an overview of places not to miss for food-loving expatriates.
Taverns and Tapas Bars
These establishments are the heart of Spanish social life. Among the most renowned:
- El Rinconcillo in Seville: the oldest tapas bar in Spain, dating back to 1670
- Casa Labra in Madrid: famous for its croquetas de bacalao (cod)
- La Cova Fumada in Barcelona: birthplace of the famous bomba (spicy potato ball)
Gourmet Restaurants
For a high-end culinary experience:
- El Celler de Can Roca in Girona: voted best restaurant in the world multiple times
- Akelarre in San Sebastián: three Michelin stars for innovative Basque cuisine
- DiverXO in Madrid: the avant-garde fusion cuisine of chef Dabiz Muñoz
Typical Addresses
To taste regional specialties:
- Casa Botín in Madrid: the oldest restaurant in the world, specializing in cochinillo asado (roast suckling pig)
- 7 Portes in Barcelona: a Catalan institution renowned for its paella
- Etxebarri in the Basque Country: master of the art of wood-fired cooking
Good to Know:
In Spain, it’s common to dine late, often after 9 PM. Restaurants adapt to this rhythm and generally serve until midnight, or even later in large cities.
Contemporary Trends in Spanish Cuisine
Although deeply rooted in its traditions, Spanish cuisine is nonetheless dynamic and constantly evolving. Curious expatriates can discover the new trends shaping the contemporary Spanish culinary landscape.
Fusion Cuisine
Many Spanish chefs draw inspiration from world cuisines to create innovative dishes, blending traditional techniques and international influences. This trend is particularly visible in large cities like Madrid and Barcelona.
Return to Roots
Paradoxically, there is also a return to the roots of Spanish cuisine. More and more chefs are highlighting local products and ancestral recipes, reinterpreting them with a modern touch.
Plant-Based Gastronomy
Although Spanish cuisine is traditionally rich in meats and fish, there is a growing rise in vegetarian and vegan cuisine. Many restaurants now offer animal-free options, reinventing Spanish classics in plant-based versions.
Sustainable Cuisine
The growing concern for the environment is also reflected in Spanish gastronomy. More and more chefs and restaurants are adopting sustainable practices, favoring short supply chains and seasonal products.
Good to Know:
These new trends coexist harmoniously with traditional cuisine, offering expatriates a rich and varied culinary panorama.
Table Etiquette: Codes to Know
To fully integrate into Spanish culture, it’s important to know the codes and etiquette that govern meals, whether in a family, professional, or formal context.
In a Family Context
- It’s common to arrive slightly late (15-30 minutes) to a dinner at friends’ homes
- Bringing a small gift, like a bottle of wine or dessert, is appreciated
- Meals are often served family-style, with several dishes in the center of the table to share
- It’s polite to taste all the dishes offered
In a Professional Context
- Business lunches are common and can last several hours
- It’s good manners to wait for the host to start eating before serving yourself
- Professional discussions generally begin after the main course
- It’s customary to split the bill, unless the invitation was explicitly stated otherwise
In a Formal Context
- Punctuality is expected for formal dinners
- The dress code is generally more elegant than for a casual meal
- Utensils are used from the outside in
- It’s polite to wait until all guests are served before starting to eat
Good to Know:
In Spain, it’s common to make eye contact when toasting and say “¡Salud!” (To your health). Not doing so may be considered impolite.
Finding International Ingredients
Although Spanish cuisine is delicious, expatriates may sometimes crave cooking dishes from their home country. Here are some tips for finding international ingredients in Spain.
International Supermarkets
Many large Spanish cities have supermarkets specializing in international products. For example:
- Taste of America: chain specializing in American products
- Asian Market: for Asian ingredients
- Carrefour: some hypermarkets have a section dedicated to international products
Ethnic Grocery Stores
In the cosmopolitan neighborhoods of large cities, you often find grocery stores specializing in world cuisines:
- Indian grocery stores
- Latin American product stores
- British specialty shops
Farmers’ Markets
Some farmers’ markets have stands for international products. It’s an opportunity to discover ingredients from around the world while supporting small local producers.
Online Shopping
Many Spanish websites specialize in selling international food products. It’s a convenient option for finding rare or specific ingredients.
Good to Know:
If you can’t find a specific ingredient, don’t hesitate to ask locals for advice. They can often suggest a Spanish equivalent or tell you where to find the product you’re looking for.
The discovery of Spanish gastronomy is an exciting adventure for any expatriate. From colorful markets to starred restaurants, through lively tapas bars, Spain offers a rich and varied culinary panorama. By immersing themselves in local culinary traditions while respecting table etiquette, expatriates can not only satisfy their taste buds but also integrate more easily into Spanish culture.
Remember that food is an excellent way to create bonds and share friendly moments. So don’t hesitate to invite your new Spanish friends to share a meal, whether in a local restaurant or at your home to introduce them to the flavors of your home country.
Enjoy your meal and ¡buen provecho!
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Cyril Jarnias is an independent expert in international wealth management with over 20 years of experience. As an expatriate himself, he is dedicated to helping individuals and business leaders build, protect, and pass on their wealth with complete peace of mind.
On his website, cyriljarnias.com, he shares his expertise on international real estate, offshore company formation, and expatriation.
Thanks to his expertise, he offers sound advice to optimize his clients' wealth management. Cyril Jarnias is also recognized for his appearances in many prestigious media outlets such as BFM Business, les Français de l’étranger, Le Figaro, Les Echos, and Mieux vivre votre argent, where he shares his knowledge and know-how in wealth management.
