15 Famous Foods in Spain You Must Try On Your Trip
Wondering what the most famous foods in Spain are and which ones are actually worth trying? You’re in the right place!
From tapas and paella to sweet treats like churros, Spanish cuisine is all about bold flavors, fresh ingredients, and lingering meals with friends or family.
As someone who lives in Spain, I’ve tried a ton of regional specialties–and honestly, some are way better than others!
In this post, I’m sharing 15 must-try Spanish dishes to help you decide what to eat on your next trip. Let’s get into the good stuff!
Famous Foods to Eat in Spain
Every region of Spain has its own specialties, whether it’s pintxos in the Basque Country or traditional Catalan foods in Barcelona.
But there are a few staples you’ll find almost everywhere. These are the traditional dishes from Spain you should try no matter which city you’re visiting.
🫒Want to try all these famous Spanish foods in one go?
I recommend booking a food tour with Devour Tours for an easy and fun way to sample Spain’s most famous dishes. They take you to the best local spots and do all the planning for you so all you have to do is show up hungry!
1. Paella
If there’s one food you’ve got to try in Spain, it’s paella.
This famous rice dish is cooked in a big shallow pan with saffron, veggies, and meat or seafood, and the crispy socarrat at the bottom is the best part.
The original paella comes from Valencia and is traditionally made with chicken, rabbit, and snails, but these days you’ll find all kinds of versions like seafood, black rice, or even veggie-friendly options.
Just know that paella is typically a lunch dish, not dinner. So be careful not to fall victim to tourist traps serving up frozen paella at night time!
If you’re near the coast, you’ll find tons of beachside restaurants serving fresh seafood paella for the perfect afternoon meal.
2. Jamón Ibérico
Jamón Ibérico is a type of cured Spanish ham and one of the most famous foods of Spain.
If it’s your first time visiting, you might be surprised to walk into a bar or market and see full ham legs hanging from the ceiling or mounted on stands behind the counter but that’s totally normal here.
The ham is aged for months (sometimes years), then sliced paper-thin and served as a tapa or with bread.
The most expensive kind is jamón ibérico de bellota, which comes from free-range pigs that eat acorns.
That special diet gives the meat a rich, nutty flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture that’s totally worth trying.
3. Tortilla Española
Tortilla española, also known as “tortilla de patata”, is hands down my favorite Spanish food.
It’s a thick potato and egg omelet that you’ll find just about everywhere in Spain, and it comes in all kinds of variations.
Some people like it hot and runny, others prefer it cold and firm, and the debate over whether it should include onions is basically a national argument.
You’ll even find it stuffed into a crusty baguette as a bocadillo, which makes for a super satisfying snack or quick lunch.
No matter how you like it, you’ve got to try it at least once while you’re here!
4. Churros con Chocolate
Churros con chocolate are a must-try food in Spain, but just a heads up, they’re probably not what you’re used to.
Unlike the sweet, cinnamon-sugar-coated churros you’ll find in Mexico or the U.S., Spanish churros are plainer and skinnier.
They’re typically served with a cup of thick hot chocolate for dipping, which isn’t super sweet either but still so satisfying.
And believe it or not, this is actually a popular breakfast food here. For the best experience, head to a local café or churrería in the morning and order a plate to share.
5. Croquetas
Croquetas are one of those popular foods in Spain that are dangerously addictive!
They’re small, crispy bites filled with a creamy béchamel cheese mixture, usually combined with ingredients like ham, chicken, mushrooms, or cod.
When you order them, you typically tell the server how many you want, and you’re probably going to wish you ordered more!
They’re especially popular as a tapa or bar snack, and every restaurant has its own spin on them. If you see croquetas on the menu, don’t skip them.
6. Patatas Bravas
Patatas bravas are another one of my personal favorites and a go-to tapa when I eat out in Spain.
They’re fried potatoes that can come in different shapes. Sometimes they’re chunky like russet potatoes and other times more like wedges or cubes.
What makes them special is the sauce, which is usually a slightly spicy brava sauce, sometimes paired with aioli on top.
They’re crispy, flavorful, and surprisingly filling for such a simple dish.
7. Manchego Cheese
Manchego cheese is one of the most famous cheeses in Spain and you’ll find it at most markets across the country.
It’s made from sheep’s milk in the La Mancha region and has a firm texture with a slightly nutty, salty flavor.
You’ll often find it served in thin slices as part of a tapas platter or paired with jamón and olives.
It also goes great with a glass of red wine and makes for an easy snack at any time of day.
8. Olives
I used to hate olives, but after living in Spain, they’ve totally started to grow on me!
You’ll find them served as a free tapa in some bars or offered as a snack before a meal, and there are so many different kinds to try.
The best place to sample them is at a local market, where vendors sell big bowls of olives in all sorts of marinades and varieties.
Some are stuffed, some are spicy, and others are just super salty–but they’re all worth a taste.
Even if you’re not an olive person, give them another shot while you’re here.
9. Gazpacho
Gazpacho is one of those foods from Spain that might catch you off guard since it’s a soup, but it’s served cold.
If you’re expecting something warm and cozy, this will totally mess with your brain chemistry at first.
It has a strong veggie flavor, made with blended tomatoes, peppers, cucumber, olive oil, and garlic.
I’m not even a big tomato person, but somehow it’s super refreshing, especially on a hot summer day.
10. Padron Peppers
Padrón peppers make a simple but addictive snack that’s hard to stop eating.
They’re small green peppers, pan-fried in olive oil and topped with sea salt, and the way you eat them kind of reminds me of edamame–just pick one up, pop it in, and discard the stem.
Most aren’t spicy, so don’t be too worried if you can’t handle a little heat.
They’re great for sharing, but don’t be surprised if you end up eating the whole plate yourself.
11. Chorizo
Chorizo is a cured Spanish sausage with a smoky flavor that comes from paprika, and it’s way milder than you might expect.
I can’t handle really spicy foods, and I’ve never had an issue with the chorizo in Spain.
You can find it sliced up at local markets or served at tapas bars.
It’s also amazing on a sandwich, especially when paired with cheese and a fresh baguette.
12. Albondigas
Albondigas are Spanish-style meatballs, and they’re usually served as a tapa in a rich tomato or garlic-based sauce.
They’re super flavorful and comforting, especially if you’re in the mood for something warm and hearty.
You’ll find them at traditional tapas bars, often made with beef or a mix of meats, and sometimes topped with herbs or served with bread to soak up the sauce.
They’re not overly fancy, but they hit the spot.
13. Bacalao
I’ll be honest, I’m not a huge fish person, but bacalao (salted cod) is one of the most popular dishes in Spain.
It’s usually soaked to remove the salt, then cooked in all kinds of ways depending on the region.
Sometimes it’s baked with tomatoes and peppers, other times it’s fried into crispy croquettes or served in a garlicky sauce.
You’ll spot it on a lot of traditional Spanish menus.
14. Migas
Migas is a traditional Spanish dish made from leftover bread crumbs that are fried up with garlic, paprika, and often bits of chorizo or bacon.
It started as a humble shepherd’s meal but has become a comfort food favorite in many parts of Spain.
The texture is crispy, savory, and super satisfying, especially when topped with a fried egg or some grapes, depending on the region.
It’s not as well-known as paella or jamón, but locals love it.
15. Turrón
Turrón is a classic Spanish nougat sweet that’s a famous food in Spain and especially popular around the holidays.
I’m allergic to nuts so I haven’t been able to try it myself, but everyone I know raves about it!
It’s typically made with almonds and honey, but there are tons of different varieties from soft and chewy to hard and crunchy.
You’ll find it in bakeries and specialty shops in most parts of Spain.
It also comes in cute gift sets, which makes it a great (and easy) souvenir to bring back from Spain.
Final Thoughts: Best Food to Eat in Spain
I hope this list gave you a better idea of what to eat in Spain and maybe even got you excited to try something new!
Whether you’re into meats, cheeses, seafood, or sweets, there’s no shortage of delicious dishes to eat in Spain.
And if you want to skip the guesswork, I highly recommend booking a food tour with Devour Tours–it’s the easiest way to try a bunch of these classics in one afternoon or evening.
Just make sure to show up hungry!
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