The Top 5 Spanish Tapas

Spain is famous for its tapas - small plates that can be eaten on their own or shared with a large group. In many Spanish restaurants and bars, it's common to receive a free tapa with every drink you order. There's an incredible variety of tapas across Spain, and most cities have their own signature dish. So where should you start? Here are my recommendations for the best tapas to try the next time you visit Spain.

Patatas Bravas

Patatas bravas are probably the most famous tapa in Spain, and for good reason. Fried potatoes covered with a mild red sauce - what more could one possibly want?

In Spain, there's what is called The Bravas Rule. To test the quality of food at a restaurant, order the patatas bravas. If they are good, the rest of the food on the menu will be too. If not, it's time to move on to a new restaurant.

Tortilla de Espana

Sometimes called the Spanish omelet, tortilla de España is simple Spanish cooking at its finest. Tortillas are eggs, potatoes, and (sometimes) onions and it's absolutely delicious. There's a fierce debate as to whether the onion belongs there (#teamconcebolla) but either way, these are a must-try whenever you're in Spain.

Croquetas de Jamón

These are by far my favorite tapa, and also the first tapa I ever tried in Spain. Croquetas are the ultimate comfort food - soft and creamy on the inside and crunchy on the outside. Fillings can range between chicken, spinach, cheese, or cod, but classic croquetas are served with ham.

Huevos Rotos

Huevos rotos or "broken eggs" are a classic dish with potatoes topped with ham, cheese, and fried eggs. When you get these, it's best to mix everything up so the runny yolk gets evenly spread over everything. It's absolute heaven!

Pimientos de Padrón

So simple yet so good - and one of the few tapas that are vegan-friendly. These are small green peppers that are cooked until browned and usually covered in salt. Most of them are very mild, but every now and then you'll get a rare spicy one.