Spain is a country where food plays a central role in both daily life and celebrations. With its rich history, diverse regions, and distinctive culinary influences, Spain offers a world of flavours to explore.
Here are 14 must-try Spanish dishes that capture the essence of this country’s culinary art.
Spain Cuisine: 14 Spain Famous Food To Try in 2025
Spain’s culinary scene is as vibrant and diverse as its culture, with each region offering unique flavours and timeless traditions.
From the bustling streets of Barcelona to the sun-drenched beaches of Valencia, Spanish food reflects the country’s rich history, passionate spirit, and love for fresh ingredients.
Non-Vegetarian Spain Cuisine
1. Paella – The Iconic Spanish Dish
Paella is arguably Spain’s most famous dish, and it embodies the country’s love for rice. Originating from the Valencia region, this iconic dish traditionally features a combination of seafood, chicken, rabbit, and vegetables, cooked together with rice, saffron, and a mix of other aromatic spices.
Must Try: The traditional seafood paella or a mixed paella that includes both seafood and meats.
Price Range: INR 1,500 onwards(approx. €17)
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2. Tortilla Española – Spain’s Classic Omelette
The Spanish tortilla, or Tortilla Española, is a beloved dish in Spain, often enjoyed as a tapa or light meal. Unlike the Mexican tortilla, this Spanish version is a thick, hearty omelette made with eggs, potatoes, and sometimes onions. The potatoes are sliced thinly and fried before being mixed with eggs and gently cooked until set.
Must Try: Tortilla Española with a touch of onion, served with a side of bread or salad.
Price Range: INR 400 onwards(approx. €4)
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3. Jamón Ibérico – The Finest Spanish Ham
Jamón Ibérico is a type of cured ham that is considered one of the finest in the world. Made from Iberian pigs, which are raised in the meadows of Spain, this ham is dry-cured for several months or even years, resulting in its rich, complex flavour. Jamón Ibérico de Bellota is of the highest quality, made from pigs that are fed a diet of acorns.
Price Range: INR 2,000 onwards(approx. €22)
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4. Churros con Chocolate – A Sweet Spanish Treat
Churros con Chocolate is a sweet, indulgent dish that has become synonymous with Spanish breakfast. These crispy, dough-based pastries are fried until golden brown and dusted with sugar, then served with a thick, rich cup of hot chocolate for dipping.
Must Try: Churros con Chocolate with extra chocolate sauce for dipping.
Price Range: INR 350 onwards(approx. €4)
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Vegetarian Spain Cuisine
5. Gazpacho – A Refreshing Spanish Soup
Gazpacho is a refreshing, chilled vegetable soup that originates from Andalusia in southern Spain. Made with fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, onions, and garlic, the soup is blended into a smooth, velvety texture. It’s typically served cold, making it the perfect dish to cool down on a hot summer day.
Must Try: Gazpacho topped with finely chopped vegetables and croutons.
Price Range: INR 400 onwards(approx. €4)
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6. Patatas Bravas – Crispy, Saucy Perfection
Patatas Bravas is one of Spain’s most famous tapas dishes. It consists of crispy fried potatoes served with a spicy, tangy tomato sauce (sometimes with aioli). The dish is simple but incredibly flavorful, combining the crunch of the potatoes with the heat of the sauce. While variations of the dish exist across Spain, the traditional version comes with a spicy sauce made from smoked paprika, garlic, and vinegar, giving it a distinct taste.
Must Try: Patatas Bravas with extra aioli on the side for dipping.
Price Range: INR 300 onwards(approx. €3)
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7. Pimientos de Padrón – A Flavorful Snack
Pimientos de Padrón are small, green peppers from the Galicia region in Spain. They are typically sautéed in olive oil and sprinkled with sea salt, resulting in a simple yet delicious snack or tapas. While most of these peppers are mild, a few can be surprisingly hot, making eating them a fun game of chance.
Must Try: Pimientos de Padrón with a drizzle of olive oil and a pinch of sea salt.
Price Range: INR 400 onwards(approx. €4)
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Street Food in Spain
8. Croquetas – The Spanish Comfort Food
Croquetas are small, golden-fried bites that are filled with a creamy mixture of béchamel sauce and various ingredients such as ham, chicken, or seafood. These crispy, savory snacks are a staple in Spanish cuisine and are often served as tapas. The crunchy exterior and the smooth, rich filling make croquetas incredibly comforting and addictive.
Must Try: Croquetas de Jamón (ham croquettes) or Croquetas de Marisco (seafood croquettes).
Price Range: INR 300 onwards(approx. €3)
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9. Fabada Asturiana – Hearty Asturian Stew
Fabada Asturiana is a hearty, comforting stew from the Asturias region in northern Spain. It’s made with large white beans, chorizo, black pudding, and other cured meats, creating a rich, flavorful dish that is perfect for colder months. The dish is often slow-cooked to allow the flavours to meld, resulting in a thick, savoury broth.
Must Try: Fabada Asturiana with extra chorizo and black pudding.
Price Range: INR 700 onwards(approx. €8)
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10. Calamares a la Romana – Crispy Fried Squid
Calamares a la Romana is a popular Spanish dish consisting of squid rings that are battered and deep-fried until crispy and golden brown. The dish is typically served as tapas, accompanied by a wedge of lemon for squeezing over the crispy squid. It is one of the most commonly found street foods in Spain, especially in coastal towns where seafood is abundant.
Must Try: Calamares a la Romana with a squeeze of lemon and a side of garlic aioli.
Price Range: INR 500 onwards(approx. €6)
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11. Empanadas – Savory Spanish Pastry
Empanadas are delicious, savoury pastries filled with various ingredients like tuna, chicken, beef, or vegetables, seasoned with Spanish spices. These turnovers are typically baked or fried until golden brown and crispy on the outside, while the filling remains warm and flavorful inside.
Must Try: Empanada de Atún (tuna empanada) or Empanada de Carne (meat empanada).
Price Range: INR 400 onwards(approx. €4)
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Desserts in Spain
12. Rabo de Toro – Bull’s Tail Stew
Rabo de Toro, or bull’s tail stew, is a traditional Spanish dish that comes from the Andalusia region. It is slow-cooked for hours, resulting in tender, flavorful meat that falls off the bone. The stew is made by braising the bull’s tail in red wine, onions, garlic, tomatoes, and a variety of aromatic spices.
Must Try: Rabo de Toro with a generous helping of sauce, paired with rice.
Price Range: INR 900 onwards(approx. €10)
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13. Tarta de Santiago – A Sweet Spanish Delight
Tarta de Santiago is a traditional almond cake that originates from the region of Galicia in northern Spain. This delicious dessert is made primarily from almonds, eggs, and sugar, giving it a light, nutty flavour with a subtle sweetness. The cake is typically decorated with the cross of Saint James (the symbol of the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage) on top, which gives it its name.
Must Try: Tarta de Santiago, served with a glass of Galician orujo liqueur.
Price Range: INR 400 onwards (approx. €4)
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14. Pulpo a la Gallega – Octopus Galician-Style
Pulpo a la Gallega, also known as Polbo á Feira, is a traditional dish from the Galicia region, made with octopus that is boiled and seasoned with olive oil, paprika, and sea salt. The octopus is typically served on a wooden platter, accompanied by boiled potatoes, making it a simple yet flavorful dish.
Must Try: Pulpo a la Gallega with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of paprika.
Price Range: INR 800 onwards(approx. €9)
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FAQs
What is the most famous food in Spain?
Paella is considered the most iconic dish in Spain, with regional variations and a deep cultural significance. It’s a must-try for any visitor.
What are some must-try desserts in Spain?
Tarta de Santiago, churros con chocolate, and flan are some of the most delicious Spanish desserts you can indulge in.
Is Spanish food spicy?
Spanish cuisine is not typically known for being overly spicy, but certain dishes like Patatas Bravas and Pimientos de Padrón may have a slight kick to them.
What is the best time to visit Spain for food?
Spring and fall are the best times to visit Spain for food, as the weather is pleasant and many food festivals take place during these seasons.
Can I find vegetarian food in Spain?
Yes, Spain offers plenty of vegetarian dishes such as gazpacho, tortilla Española, and pimientos de Padrón.
Is seafood important in Spanish cuisine?
Seafood plays a vital role in Spanish cuisine, especially in coastal regions, where fresh seafood dishes like pulpo a la gallega and calamares a la romana are incredibly popular.
What is a typical Spanish breakfast?
A typical Spanish breakfast often consists of coffee with tostada (toasted bread) topped with tomato, olive oil, and sometimes jamón or cheese.
Where can I find the best paella in Spain?
Valencia is the birthplace of paella, and it remains the best place to experience an authentic version of this dish. However, many coastal cities also serve excellent paella.
