What to Eat in Spain: 15 Best Traditional Spanish Foods & Drinks Travelers Swear By

Originally published on May 4, 2026 | Last updated on May 4, 2026

Best Traditional Spanish Foods & Drinks Across Spain: Barcelona, Valencia, Madrid, Galicia, Asturias, Basque Country & Canary Islands Through Real Traveler Stories, Local Insights, Must-Try Regional Dishes, Food Traditions, Travel Experiences & Authentic Culinary Culture for Every Foodie Traveler

This article features the best traditional Spanish foods and drinks every Europe-bound foodie should try. Beyond mere descriptions, this piece includes firsthand food and travel stories from people who’ve actually been there, as well as local creators. It is penned with a well-thought-out idea of how you would tell your friends and fellow traveler, that one traditional Spanish food experience.

For a quick overview, here is what you will learn from this piece:

• Favorite traditional Spanish dish or drink you should list on your itinerary
• Where travelers go for the best Spanish traditional foods and drinks
• Stories, traditions, and cultures behind some of the most-loved Spanish foods

Best Traditional Spanish Foods Travelers Recommend

In answer to direct questions, foodies usually ask when looking for travel destinations in Europe or beyond. “You have to try this when you go…” — that’s exactly what the piece discusses, and of course, readers like you are looking for. This is written only from the traveler’s perspective, conveying their firsthand experience.

What to Eat in Barcelona: Bambas al ajillo paired with a glass of tinto de verano

Kelly @writetravel on Instagram recommends looking for a great place when you find the best Bambas al ajillo paired with a glass of tinto de verano

When visiting Barcelona, don’t miss the quiet coastal town of Vilassar de Mar. There’s a restaurant there called El Espinaler that has the best gambas al ajillo. The restaurant is so popular that it was even featured by Anthony Bourdain. This classic tapa consists of fresh shrimp sizzled in a garlic-infused olive oil. Be sure to pair it with a glass of tinto de verano (a red wine spritzer that locals prefer over sangria). ¡Buen provecho!

Traditional Spanish Food Travelers Love in Valencia: Llonguets and More

So in Easter, we tend to eat a lot of desserts in Valencia. The “Llonguets” are not nearly as common, but it’s what my in-laws make, and they’re incredible. Like a fluffly sweetbread, and they get stuffed with chocolate or a sweet potato paste.

And the “Mones de Pasqua” are more common throughout the entire territory (not necessarily all of Spain, though). It’s not stuffed, and instead comes with a boiled egg on top. And the tradition is to whack someone in the head with a boiled egg. And they say a little rhyme when they do it (Ací em pica, ací em cou, ací t’esclafe l’ou), which just means “Here it itches, here it burns, and here I smash the egg”. It rhymes in Valencian, so it sounds catchier.

In terms of other foods that I think are worth noting:

Arròs al forn – it’s a baked rice dish that, in my opinion, is better than paella and less well-known.

Esgarraet – roasted & shredded red pepper that is a fantastic appetizer/tapa

Cremaet – It means “little burnt” and it’s a coffee drink with rum, where they actually light the rum on fire to burn off the alcohol. This is usually a mid-morning drink that has a lot of tradition as well.

“Esmorzar” is related to the cremaet. Back when field workers needed a lot of energy, they’d eat a huge sandwich mid-morning to get them through until lunch. And now people have it as a social event or after morning exercise. You get an enormous sandwich, salad, olives, peanuts, and either wine/beer. Then you finish with a cremaet.

Orxata & Fartons – Orxata is made with tiger nuts and kind of tastes like almond milk. It’s great in the summer. The fartons are sweet bread that’s dipped in it. People drink orxata either in a liquid or a slushie form. The only thing is that this is a VERY hit-or-miss. It’s a weird flavor, and people either love it or hate it. Also, not to be Mexican Horchata, which has a similar name but is completely different.

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Tenerife – Traditional Canarian Food & Drinks Every Europe-Bound Foodie Must Try

Alexey Chunaev @alchunae on Instagram

One must stop that a traveler must have on their calendar when traveling to Tenerife, it is traditional Canarian cooking in Adeje, especially at Otelo restaurant. A family-run restaurant for over 3 decades near the entrance to the Barranco del Infierno trail. After the hike or just a dinner or lunch, locals often stop there for food that is the roots tied to the island.

A must try is potaje de costillas con maíz, it’s a rich Canarian rib and corn stew, followed by pollo frito Canario. This, on its own, varies by village and family recipe. In Adeje, ordering the garlic chicken (pollo al ajillo) is almost a ritual. Locals do not ask for a menu. We say Potaje for all Pollo y postre, no need for a menu. Menus are available, of course. Otelo is also known for rabbit dishes, generous family-style portions, and breathtaking views over the coastline.

The final pièce de résistance that makes the experience memorable is not only the food but the location. Going at sunset is the best time, when the mountains turn gold and the Atlantic ocean sunset with La Gomera and El Hierro islands as a backdrop catches the last light, feels like part of the meal itself, food for the stomach and the soul.

And do not leave without a barraquito, Tenerife’s iconic layered coffee with condensed milk and liqueur (or the alcohol-free leche leche). In other parts of Spain, you may hear it called café bon bon, but in the Canary Islands, it has its own character.

Patatas Bravas and Spanish Paella on The Must-Try Foods in Barcelona.

Spanish Paella comes as the top choice according to André Ribeiro@deh_ribeiro92 on Instagram.

One of those “you have to try this when you go” experiences in Spain, for me, was paella, especially in Barcelona.

The first time I had it there, it wasn’t in a tourist-heavy area, but in a more local neighborhood, at a restaurant a local friend recommended. The atmosphere was relaxed, and the whole experience felt much more authentic. You could tell it wasn’t just about the food, but about taking your time and enjoying the moment.

I also tried paella in Mallorca, in a central square at a more casual local spot. It was simpler, but still very good. That contrast made it more interesting, because you realize how the same dish can vary depending on where you are.

Another must-try is patatas bravas. It became something we ordered almost everywhere. The first time, near the beach in Barcelona, it was incredible and easily the one that stood out the most. After that, we kept comparing it in different places.

For drinks, sangria is always a safe choice, but trying vermouth at La Boqueria in Barcelona was something different and surprisingly memorable.

What really stands out is how social and relaxed the food culture feels. It’s as much about the experience as it is about the meal.

Santiago de Compostela and Barcelona Traditional Foods

Julie from Travel and Tinsel also names Paella as a must-try for foodies headed to Spain.

After visiting Spain several times, with the longest visit being 5 months, you have to try these classic dishes!   Paella is a must-try. I’ve had it in many different areas, including Barcelona and Santiago de Compostela. It originates from Valencia.  It’s a rice dish known for using saffron as a spice that gives it its yellow color.  Everyone does it a bit differently, but it usually has mussels, shrimp, and veggies.  It can also be made with chicken.  

Also, Spanish tortilla is a classic dish that is available throughout the country.  I probably tried it in every region from the north to the south!  Sometimes it’s served like a sandwich or cold.

In the Galicia region, try pulpo a la gallega (octopus) and caldo gallego (a soup).

In Barcelona, for dessert, try chocolate con churros. It’s fried bread with warm pudding.

For coffee, café con leche is a classic.  It’s basically espresso with the same amount of milk.  More similar to what we call a cortado in the US, but better!

Peach juice is another delicious beverage and is available at a lot of bars throughout the country.  It truly tastes like you are drinking a peach.  Turn it into a cocktail by adding some peach liqueur.

15 Traditional Spanish Foods Across The Country by Region

Spain is one of the best food destinations in Europe, besides Italy, Greece, and Italy.

Valencian Paella

1. Paella stands as one of the best traditional and regional foods in Valencia. It is also known as the Spanish rice specialty that Valencians are proud of –Its tradition and origin follow the authentic regional flavor and rules of recipe order, blending rabbit, chicken, and local beans.

The Andalusian Gazpacho & Churros

2. Gazpacho is a traditional Spanish soup served cold, and indeed is the pride of Andalusian recipes.  Gazpacho is a tomato-based soup originating from the southern region of Spain, loved for its cooling effect in this hot Andalusian climate.

3. Churros are also a traditional Spanish dessert, regarded as a fried pastry in the Andalusia region, popular for dessert choices, and also often enjoyed for breakfast, accompanied by thick hot chocolate.

Best Traditional Spanish Foods in the Community of Madrid

4. Bocadillo de Calamares, one of the must-try street foods in Madrid, is a traditional Spanish squid sandwich originating from Madrid, featuring crispy fried squid in a crusty baguette.

5. Tortilla Española, known as a traditional Spanish omelette, is a popular dish among locals and travelers in Madrid. Served also as a tapa or sandwich filling, Tortilla Española is widely enjoyed in Madrid’s bars, too.

Catalonia Traditional Foods

6. Crema Catalana, a creamy dessert with caramelized sugar and citrus notes, is an iconic meal locals and travelers enjoy in Barcelona.

7. Escalivada, consisting of smoky roasted eggplant, peppers, and onions, often served with olive oil and bread, is a traditional Spanish roasted vegetable dish originating from the Catalonian Region.

Galicia Traditional Foods

8. Pulpo a la Gallega is a traditional Spanish seafood featuring tender octopus seasoned simply with paprika and olive oil. Pulpo a la Gallega is one of the top choices of dishes that originate from Galicia.

9. Empanada Gallega, a large baked pie filled with tuna, meat, or vegetables, is a traditional Spanish stuffed pastry that foodies enjoy in the region of Galicia.

Traditional Foods in the Asturias

10. Fabada Asturiana, a hearty stew of white beans, chorizo, and pork, perfect for colder northern climates, is a traditional Spanish bean stew from the autonomous community of Asturias.

Basque Country Traditional Foods

11. Pintxos, bite-sized snacks served on bread with toppings, are famous in San Sebastián as one of the traditional Spanish small bites known to originate from the Basque Country.

12. Bacalao al Pil Pil, salt cod cooked in olive oil with garlic, creating a silky emulsion sauce, a traditional Spanish cod dish enjoyed in the Basque Country by locals and travelers.

Traditional Foods in Castilla-La Mancha

13. Pisto Manchego, consisting of a tomato-based vegetable dish often topped with a fried egg, stands as a perfect traditional Spanish vegetable stew from Castilla-La Mancha.

Traditional Food Choice in the Canary Islands

14. Papas Arrugadas, small salted potatoes served with mojo sauces, a traditional potato dish from the Canary Islands, is a signature island specialty.

Region-Independent Traditional Spanish Food  

15. Jamón Ibérico,  enjoyed throughout Spain, with top-quality varieties coming from regions like Extremadura and Andalusia, is a region-independent traditional Spanish cured ham delicacy loved across Spain by locals and visitors.

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