10 Best Food In Spain To Die For!

While the Dorians were invading Greece in 1100 B.C., luckily, Spain was curating the signature ‘Jamon Iberico’. Sounds like the best thing to do, right? Spanish food has golden ties with many great civilisations and countries. The bold and flavour-rich food choices experienced the touch of divinity with olive oil, wine & fish bought by Romans. The Moors came with gastronomical luxuries like almonds, spices, and apricots. Paella and Gazpacho found their way through the tomatoes, potatoes, peppers, and corn of the Americans. We can just go on about the history of food in Spain. But that’s not what we are here for. Is it? 

So, without further ado, let us pick our forks up, folks because you are going to have to eat a Spanish dish after reading the blog. We are here today to find out the answer to the best Spanish food every student studying in Spain asks Siri or Alexa, ‘the best Spanish food near me’ or the ‘best paella in Barcelona near me’. The competition among the dishes for the position of best Spanish food is quite intense. Choose your winner for the best food in Spain from the list of signature dishes below: 

10 Best Food In Spain: A Gastronomic Affair!

1. Churros

Average cost/ serving: €4- €5

Best Restaurants In Spain: Chocolatería San Ginés (Madrid), Chök (Barcelona), Cafetería Alhambra (Granada, Valencia)

“You are the coffee to my Churros” must be the apt tagline for the signature breakfast dish. Often, the best breakfast in Barcelona is undoubtedly the Churros with Coffee. It is not just the best food in Spain but also is an integral part of celebrations and the best food in Barcelona. A flour dish created with water, salt and a meticulous frying technique is, in fact, a tradition. You are supposed to eat Churros with coffee at 4 A.M. - 5 A.M. after the New Year celebrations when in Spain. If you are thinking of the best place to taste, you find the best churros in Madrid.

2. Paella

Average cost per serving: €12- €24

Best Restaurants In Spain: La Taberna De Peñalvar (Madrid), Arume Restaurant (Barcelona), Arrocería (El Palmar)

Did you settle with Churros already? No, wait! We have nine more to go with Paella, deserving all your attention in the competition to find the best food in Spain. Though it is one of the most popular Spanish dishes, Paella traces its origin back to Valencia. Cooked with love, to begin with, Paella is the best Spanish food for most people due to its fulfilling nature. Seafood, pork, chopped meat, chicken, peppers and rice cooked al dente make it a soul food besides being the best Spanish food. The Al dente impact is found only in the best Paella in Valencia.

3. Jamon Iberico

Average cost/ serving: €20- €30
Best Places In Spain: Mercado Jamón Iberíco (Madrid), Ibericos Gastro Bar (Peurto De La Cruz), Mesón Iberíco (Malaga Spain)

Being an Iberian is associated with immense pride and joy. The Iberians have beautifully married their prized history into their food culture. Not only is Jamon Iberico the best food in Spain, but it is also an emotion. The Pig ham in the dish is cured for up to two days. It is one of the finest hams in the entire world. Rub a bit of garlic and roasted tomatoes into a slice of bread. Add the blanket of Jamon and enjoy the finest bites right out of your dreams. 

4. Tortilla De Patatas

Average cost/ serving: €3- €4
Best Places In Spain: Hoy Tortilla (Madrid), Casa Dino (Madrid), Pez Tortilla (Madrid)

If Spain had a food emblem, it is the dish we will be discussing here. Tortilla de Patatas are the definition of life i.e., crisp on the outside and juicy on the inside. Is it not? We may use some travel inspiration for you here alongside the talk on the best food in Spain. The emblematic authentic Spanish food is an omelette cooked with fried potatoes, chorizo, and onions. However, you will need the best tortilla press if you are in the mood to cook at home. But legend has it that there are as many versions of the dish as the chefs cooking them. And if you ask us, you will find the best tortilla de patatas in Madrid. 

5. Gazpacho Andalusia

Average cost/ serving: €20- €40
Best Places In Spain: Las Hermanas De Los Ancares (Barcelona), Holladalús (Salou), Eneko Basque (Seville)

The land of hills, rivers and the most picturesque coastline of Spain, Andalusia brings you the taste of Spain. With a small bite of Gazpacho Andalusia, you will be able to reveal the secrets of the soul. It is also one of the best Spanish dishes and can easily top your list of the best food in Spain for summer. It is a delicate dish cooked with garden produce, peppers, cucumbers, tomato, olive oil and various other choices.

6. Pulpo A La Gallega

Average cost/ serving: €5- €6
Best Places In Spain: Pulpera Gastro Galicia (Fuengirola), Pazo do Pulpo (Ses Cadenes), Restaurante Casa De Gallega (Seville)

Let’s have so much fun! We mean, the dish will scream the same to you. It is a tribute to the abundant nature of the northwest peninsula in Galicia. Due to its unmatched taste, it is served and loved globally in the finest of settings. Octopus cooked with olive oil, potato and paprika with recipes passed on for generations. Taste the absolute best of Pulpo A La Gallega in the Lugo region. Also, It is a strong competitor for your choice of the best food in Spain, we believe. 

7. Cocido

Average cost/ serving: €30- €40
Best Places In Spain: Neuvo Horno De Santa Teressa (Madrid), Casa Carola (Madrid), La Cruzada Tablerna Madrileña (Madrid)

Also known as the Madrid Stew, the soupy delight is one of the signature and the best food in Spain. Cocido is an authentic Spanish food traced back to humble origins. It is infused with all kinds of meat and veggies alongside some aromatic herbs. The Spanish delight is served in two stages, first the soup and then the meat. 

8. Crispy Patatas Bravas

Average cost/ serving: €1- €10
Best Places In Spain: Atari Gastroleku (Donostia San Sebastian), Bar El Tomas De Sarria (Barcelona), Docamar (Madrid)

Authentic Spanish food is synonymous with fun and party. Served with lemonades in the summers or a jug of Sangria, it is crispy, filled with flavours and easy to cook. The recipe for patatas bravas, or the most popular Spanish tapa, is to take cube-cut, parboiled and golden fried potatoes. 

Prepare the Bravas sauce with smoked paprika, garlic aioli, olive oil, and tomatoes. Toss both the potatoes and bravas together and garnish with grated cheese or with a side of cheese dips. The best patatas bravas in Madrid is a fact that Barceloneans might disagree with.

9. Fideuà

Average cost/ serving: €20- €40
Best Places In Spain: La Paella De Su Diagonal (Barcelona), L’Àmfora (Barcelona), Miku Macu (Barcelona)

Also known as the daughter of the sea, Fideua is a close cousin of Paella. It honours the sea and includes squids and prawns, the luxuries of the oceans. The recipe for Fideua is angel hair pasta broken to 2 cm in length and golden fried. Set aside the pasta. Now, fry the onions, pimento (Spanish paprika), tomatoes, garlic, squid and prawns. Add fish stock and cook all of it for a while. Add the Fideua pasta and cook.

If you are cooking for family and friends, you would need a bigger space and pan to cook, as squid frying may be dangerous. You can serve it with home-baked bread. Best Fideua in Barcelona or the best Fideua in Valencia? You may check for yourselves. You will be close to the best restaurants and commute options at student housing in Barcelona or Valencia by amber.

Since we are about to close the list, let’s end with a sweet tooth. You have to accept that your writer has some affinity for Spanish deserts. Without any delay, jumping onto the delightful desert!

10. Ensaïmada De Mallorca

Average cost/ serving: €10- €30
Best Places In Spain: C’an Joan De s’Aigo (Palma), Pastiserria Mallorquina Formentor (Barcelona), Pastelería Mallorca (Madrid)

A dessert that is melt-in-your-mouth, silky, buttery, fluffy, and beautiful, Ensaimada Mallorquina graces the Spanish baking lineage and is considered the best food in Spain, especially by desert lovers. Topped with cream cheese, the luscious bites take you on an otherworldly journey. The Enasaimada recipe includes strong flour, reduced pork lard, eggs, butter, cream cheese, yellow cheese, water, and olive oil. You can savour the best Ensaimadas in Mallorca.