For All You Foodies: Spain Edition
It probably goes without saying that Spain, like Italy, has some of the best food in the world. Paella, ham, cheese, churros, seafood…I’m drooling just thinking about it all! Some of our absolute favorite memories from Spain revolve around the delicious meals we shared together, with family, and with friends. We had a hard time narrowing it down to the Top 5, but these are the ones we just can’t stop talking about (plus a few honorable mentions, of course).
Top 5 Meals
1. Seafood Paella – La Pepica, Valencia
When you want the best paella in Spain (aka the best paella in the world), you have to go to where it all began: Valencia. There are few things better than enjoying a pan of comfort food with the freshest seafood you’ve ever tasted, a bottle of wine, and a view of the beach.
2. Mussels in Tomato Sauce, Tortas with Beef and Blue Cheese Sauce, and Cook-It-Yourself Steak – La Pumarada, Oviedo
For our last night in Oviedo, we decided to go all-out. The mussels were the best we’ve ever had because the sauce tasted like tomato basil soup — and, yes, we slurped down every delicious ounce! The beef tortas tasted like taco meat on semi-sweet rolls, which was great when combined with the super salty cheese sauce. Lastly, the steak…it melted in our mouths and disappeared before our stomachs had time to catch up!
3. Flamequin and Fruit/Veggie Flatbread – Horno San Luis, Córdoba
Flamequin is a traditional southern Spain gift from the gods made of ham wrapped in pork loin and deep fried. Cheese is “optional” but, let’s be honest, are you really living if you don’t smother deep-fried-anything in gooey cheddar cheese? After devouring that savory dish, we were really happy to end on a sweet note with a flatbread covered in strawberries, grapes, orange slices, and carmelized onions.
4. Meat Board, Arroz con Pollo, and Cider – La Genuina, Oviedo
We happened upon this fun restaurant near the cathedral in Oviedo. We had heard about the famous cider, and we knew we wanted to try it, so we saw the cider tanks in the front window as a sign. We are so glad we did because this was the most perfect introduction to Asturias food culture that we could have hoped for! Our board included 5 different meats, the arroz con pollo gave Gabriel childhood flashbacks, and the cider dispenser was a fun way to enjoy — and properly pour — our first bottle of cider.
5. Ceviche, Salmon Tartar, and Sangria – Arenal, Barcelona Beach
We’re convinced that everything tastes better when you’re sitting on the beach. This was no exception. The fish in both the ceviche and the tartar were so fresh; they basically melted in our mouths. The acidity level in the ceviche was perfectly balanced with the creaminess of the fish and sweetness of the mango, and we even got a little heat from some peppers. (Surprisingly, we’ve had a hard time finding spicy food anywhere.) The cherry on top was the sangria that was more earthy than sweet, which was a nice, unexpected twist.
Honorable Mentions
Cider – La Gascona Street, Oviedo
Yes, I know I already mentioned cider in #4, but that’s how much we enjoyed it! We’ve never been big on ciders at home. Maybe it was the excitement of trying something new, the challenge to drink each glass in one swoop, or the impressive pouring technique, but we were totally into the cider culture in Asturias. Plus, the acid and bubbles paired really nicely with all the heavy food.
Croquettes – Everywhere
We ate more croquettes than any other food item throughout Spain. These deep fried pieces of heaven were stuffed with various mixtures of mashed potatoes, cheese, and meat. One of our favorites even had squid ink! These were perfect starters for a large lunch or a perfect tapa for late-evening snacking.
Chocolate con Churros – Chocolatera San Gines, Madrid
They had us at chocolate. Then they really had us with deep-fried bread to smother in said chocolate. (And I’m just now realizing how much fried food we actually ate…) The best part was that they weren’t stingy with the chocolate. We got a cup full with each order — way more than could be eaten with the churros. So, really, this one should be called “Chocolate con Churros con Spoon.” 🙂
I don’t know about you, but I need some ham and cheese STAT!
Our last food post should be coming out later this month (or early January), so keep your eyes peeled. We’ll be sharing all our faves from Scandinavia!
Big hugs,
Juliette