Spain is well-known for its gastronomía and unique dining schedule, with most restaurants serving lunch around 2 pm, and dinner after 8:30 pm. Most kitchens close in-between and food is not served. This initially was hard to adjust to, as I was used to eating much earlier, and found myself starving and snacking before dinner. At this point I have completely shifted my eating habits; eating dinner at 7 would feel unnaturally early. However, I’m sure I will switch back once arriving home!
While Spain is famous for many dishes, including paella, gazpacho, and cerdo iberico, tapas and tapas hour is one of Spain’s most prevalent traditions. Tapas are small plates or portions of food, that are accompanied by drinks. The word tapa comes from tapar, which means to place something on top of something else. This comes from original tapas, which were generally a piece of bread or toast with some kind of meat or cheese on top. Tapas are often eaten before lunch or before dinner, and bars will participate in tapas hour, with deals when purchasing drinks and tapas, before restaurants officially open for meal time. People often hop from bar to bar drinking and trying food at each place. They are often eaten standing up or outside on the terrace, in a more casual setting. Tapas are not only a traditional aspect of Spanish cuisine, but they are an integral part of the social life in the country. Tapas allow for friends to spend time together and catch up, and provide engagement with the local community.
I have eaten many tapas since arriving in Spain, ranging from more modern plates like smoked salmon, or duck with goat cheese, to the more traditional Spanish tortilla, which consists of eggs, potatoes, and onions. I enjoy tapas because it allows me to spend time with friends, visit unique parts of the city, and try numerous types of food that I would not otherwise, if they were only served as large plates. Tapas have also helped ensure I am no longer starving throughout the day as I wait for proper dinner time!
A few pictures of tapas I have tried during the last month:
