Food is a vital aspect in every Spanish home that is why foodie travellers search for the top 10 foodie destinations in Spain. Spanish dishes such as paella, jamon, cuchinillo, churros, and many more are much appreciated by other cultures and are often found served in restaurants all over the world. Earlier we wrote an article on top 10 places in Spain to visit especially for travelers.
However nothing beats eating Spanish cuisines prepared by Spanish locals using local ingredients and served amidst the best Spanish ambience. So what are you waiting for? Plan your trip to Spain and ready your palates for some of the most delectable dishes in the world.
Foodie travellers who cannot wait to set foot in Spain must apply for a Schengen Visa first. The requirements and visa processing are quite easy to complete and follow. You just need the following:
- Valid passport and copies of the front and back pages
- Current passport-sized photos with white background
- Completed Schengen Visa application form
- Proof of travel such as flight booking, travel itinerary, and hotel booking – You may get a Flight Booking for Visa and Hotel Reservation for Visa just for your visa application without having to pay for the airfare or hotel booking.
- Travel Insurance – It is better to acquire this from Schengen Travel Insurance, an affordable and reliable insurance company.
- Personal Coverage Letter
- Bank Documents
- For employed travellers, a No Objection Letter is highly recommended
Top 10 Foodie Destinations in Spain:
The expanse territory of Spain contributed to the variety and the uniqueness of local cuisines served within its different states. Spanish foods boasts of aromatic flavors from several spices like paprika, saffron, and turmeric. The top foodie destinations list aims to show food enthusiasts a glimpse of what to expect in Spain.
10) Madrid
Madrid is not only the capital of Spain and the center of tourism, but also a great foodie destination. While most tourists come to Madrid to shop and to immerse in Spanish history, some do visit Madrid for its unique dishes. One of the most popular foodie destinations in Madrid is Mercado San Miguel.
This vibrant market is located just outside Plaza Mayor. It is filled with local vendors selling tapas, jamon, pastries, local wine and beer, and many more. When in Mercado San Miguel, buy a plate of Jamon Iberico, a plate of tapas, and a bottle of wine.
Another foodie destination in Madrid is the local chocolate factory called Chocolateria San Gines. Established more than 100 years ago, this chocolate factory is really famous for its light yet crispy churros. An order of churros is served with a cup of thick chocolate which translates to heaven in Madrid.
9) Barcelona
Located at the north-eastern tip of Spain, Barcelona is the center of the Catalan region. As it fronts the Balearic Sea, Barcelona is famous for having the freshest seafood in the region. One of the must-try Catalan dish is esqueixada.
Esqueixada comes from a local word which means shredded and true to its name, this salad is composed of shredded salted cod with fresh or roasted vegetables topped with a local vinaigrette. This may be a simple dish but its simplicity is what makes it unforgettable. For the best esqueixada, go to Mercat de la Boqueria along the famous Las Ramblas Street.
8) Valencia
A certified Spanish foodie destination, Valencia popularized Paella Valenciana or steamed rice cooked with saffron, paprika, chicken, rabbit, and snails. Today, paella in Valencia has added many varieties like seafood paella, pork paella, and vegetable paella.
Going to Valencia without having a taste of this arroces dish is the worst decision ever. Once you set foot in Valencia, go to Restaurante La Pepica and order their famous Paella Marinara. Not only will be tasting the fresh seafood ingredients, you will also be eating it while facing the Balearic Sea. This unique atmosphere merits a spot in the top 10 foodie destinations in Spain.
7) Palma in the Island of Mallorca
Since you’re in Valencia already, might as well take a quick plane ride or a scenic ferry ride to Palma in the Island of Mallorca. Mallorca is the biggest island of the Balearic group of islands and its capital is Palma. Majorcan cuisine is mostly composed of local cheese, vegetables, or nuts. Bread is also a staple in Mallorca and the island has some of the best local bakers that make excellent ensaimadas and cocarrois.
One of the must-try in Palma is the Arros Brut or dirty rice, which is a soupy rice dish cooked with seasonal vegetables and meat all flavoured by saffron, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves and paprika. Go to Can Canet restaurant and order arros brut.
6) Alicante
South of Valencia, Alicante is also popular for its arros or rice dishes but what is really more popular among the locals is Alicante’s Coca Amb Tonyina. This famous local pastry is commonly served during the feast of St. John.
During this feast, rows and rows of food carts serving coca amb tonyina can be found almost everywhere in Alicante. This thin pastry is made from pine nuts, onions, figs and tuna belly all baked in a flaky dough. This historical Alicante dish dates back to the 18th century when local farmers celebrated harvest by serving coca amb tonyina.
5) Malaga
Part of the Andalusian region, Malaga is a town that is heavily influenced by the Moors during the early times. With such influence, it is expected that some local dishes will also have a semblance of Moorish taste. One of which is the local Antequeran bread called Mollete.
Mollete is a flat, round, white bread that is commonly taken during breakfast with slices of local tomatoes, a generous sprinkle of local olive oil, and thin slices of raw garlic and jamon. Some even add buffalo cheese or the local manchego cheese. Almost all hotels in Malaga serve mollete in the morning, so make sure you eat it every day.
4) Sevilla
The capital town of the entire Andalusian region, Sevilla is one of the most historic sites in the whole of Spain. Aside from its rich history, arts also plays a big role in enriching the Sevillan culture. Flamenco is a Spanish dance that originated in Sevilla so every taberna in this town features local dancers performing flamenco every night.
When there are performances in tabernas, there must also be great food that go with it. One of the best Sevilla dishes is called Secreto Iberico or Iberian Secret. This pork dish is cooked over high heat on a griddle which makes it crisp on the outside but tender in the inside. Eat this melt-your-mouth pork slices while enjoying a night of flamenco dancing.
3) Salamanca
Venture north of Spain and you will find the Salamanca. This simple town has a great many local dishes to offer which makes it part of the top 10 foodie destinations in Spain. One of the best local dishes here is Jeta. Jeta is made from pork cheeks cut in bite sized portion and slow roasted until perfectly soft.
Partner this sinful dish with roasted vegetables and you can never go wrong. Another local dish that every traveller must try is Hornazos. This local pastry is filled with ground sausages, meat, and eggs and baked to perfection.
2) Santiago de Compostela
Located at the north-western edge of Spain, Santiago de Compostela is a famous pilgrimage site to many devout Christians. What is not known to many travellers is that aside from being a religious town, this place is also a food mecca. One of the best traditional dishes in Santiago de Compostela is Vieiras or scallops.
This traditional baked scallops is known to have been the staple snack of the pilgrims. Aside from scallops, you must also try the Pulpo a la Gallega or the Galician octopus. All seafood in this area are fresh and all come from the Atlantic. Finally, try the local wine called Albariño. It best complements seafood dishes.
1) Burgos
Burgos is the capital city of Castile. This top foodie destination in Spain is often unfortunately skipped by travellers because of its unassuming reputation. What many do not know is that the local food in Burgos is quite distinct from the rest of the local Spanish cuisines. One of the must-try in Burgos is the morcilla or blood sausage.
While some foreigners find eating blood taboo, the local morcilla in Burgos makes you forget that what you are eating is pork blood because it is prepared with Spanish rice and stuffed inside cow’s intestine linings.
Another must-try is the local cheese or Queso de Burgos. This soft, white cheese is made from sheep’s milk. To get the best flavours out of this cheese, rush to any famous local restaurants and order a plate of tapas that has Queso de Burgos on it.
Finally, order a plate of suckling lamb. This dish is made from newly born lamb slow roasted over coal and wood giving it a smoky taste. Casa Ojeda is the most popular restaurant that serves suckling lamb.
Top 10 Foodie Destinations in Spain – Vamos a Comer!
Before venturing all over Spain to have a taste of their local dishes, make sure that you have acquired a Schengen Visa. If Spain is just one of the countries you wish to visit, then it is best to know the different types of Schengen Visa that will suit your travel itinerary. Should you need further assistance, you may contact us through our website and one of our friendly agents will get back to you.
Your palate will never be as satisfied once you go to all top 10 foodie destinations in Spain!
