Walking along the cobbled streets of Spanish cities, we are often seduced by paella and gazpacho, typical Spanish dishes. However, behind these culinary icons lie lesser-known but equally delicious specialities. By taking an interest in these dishes, you can deepen your knowledge of Spanish culture and go beyond the tourist clichés. It's an invitation to discover the authentic Spain, the one that lives in the local tapas bars or early-morning bakeries. An enriching gastronomic journey for anyone looking to broaden their culinary horizons.
Little-known savoury dishes
In Spain's rich gastronomic panorama, some specialities are unfairly overlooked. Yet their unique flavours and textures are sure to delight even the most demanding palates.
Calçots are one of these culinary nuggets. This is a sweet grilled onion that is traditionally eaten during winter festivities in Catalonia. Another Catalan treasure is escalivada, an assortment of grilled vegetables - aubergines, peppers, onions - generously drizzled with fruity olive oil.
Zarzuela, for its part, offers an unforgettable marine symphony with its variety of fish and seafood simmered in a broth flavoured with garlic and saffron. Further south, in the Valencian region, we find fideuà: a vermicelli paella that dances harmoniously with seafood.
The arroz negro completes the range, with its squid-ink-tinted rice offering a unique taste experience. The chipirones - small fried squid - add a crispy note, while the hígado encebollado (foie gras with onion) evokes the nobility of the Spanish terroir.
Discover unusual tapas
Maritime escape: seafood tapas
Spain is a seafood lover's paradise, and its tapas are no exception. The range of seafood flavours can be seen in a series of spicy albóndigas, multi-faceted dumplings in which fish and prawns rival in succulence. Solomillo, traditionally made with Iberian pork, is given a new twist here with red tuna and a soft version of squid.
Vegetarian daring: unusual vegetarian tapas
As well as the inevitable patatas bravas or huevos rotos, Spain also offers a myriad of surprising vegetarian options. The unexpected star is the ensaladilla rusa, which is a veritable explosion of sweet and savoury thanks to its daring combination of green olives, potatoes and carrots in a crispy, slightly spicy sauce. A perfect blend of tradition and culinary innovation to seduce even the most demanding palates.
Forgotten Spanish desserts
Regional sugar factories
In Spain, some regional sweets are unfairly overlooked. Take buñuelos, for example, delicious doughnuts often filled with cream or chocolate. Originating in Valencia, but widespread throughout Spain, they are a treasure trove of Spain's culinary heritage that deserves to be discovered.
Traditional pastries ignored
One of the traditional pastries that is often overlooked is bizcocho. This fluffy sponge comes in a variety of flavours and is usually served at family celebrations. Despite its exquisite taste and light texture, bizcocho remains surprisingly absent from gastronomic guides devoted to Spain.
Original artisanal ice creams
Spain's artisanal ice cream scene also offers its fair share of all-too-frequently forgotten originality. Roscón, for example, an ice cream wreath flavoured with candied fruit and usually eaten to celebrate the New Year, is a must-have that deserves to be celebrated for its authentic, refreshing flavours.
Local beers and drinks
Spain, a land of contrasts and traditions, boasts an astonishing range of local beers and drinks that reflect the country's unique identity. Beer holds a special place in the hearts of Spaniards. From robust browns to light blondes, each region has its own brew.
Spain's proximity to French vineyards has not prevented it from refining its wine production. Spanish wines are renowned for their aromatic richness and powerful body. La Rioja and Ribera del Duero are appellations that have won over wine lovers the world over.
Cider also occupies a special place in Spanish gastronomic culture, particularly in Asturias, where it is drunk in the traditional "escanciado" style, poured from a certain height to release its aromas.
Visitors can't miss the sangria, a refreshing drink that combines red wine, fresh fruit and spices and is an undeniable symbol of Spanish hospitality.
Finally, the Tinto de verano deserves a special mention. This summer drink combines red wine (tinto) with lemon soda or lemonade to create a light cocktail perfect for quenching your thirst under the scorching sun.
That's how we might briefly describe some of the little-known specialities that are so representative of local know-how when it comes to traditional Spanish drinks.
