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Spanish Tapas Dishes & Dining

"Tapas" are small, savory dishes, a popular alternative to eating a full meal and usually served during the day. The main meal of the day for the Spanish is dinner which is served late, around 10 in the evening or later.

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The Spanish often skip breakfast and have tapas around noon instead or later in the afternoon whilst waiting for dinner.

Most Spanish bars here serve tapas, either from a menu or chalk board or the more traditional way in dishes under a glass counter at the bar. Many restaurants will also have tapas dishes as starters on their menus. Choosing several tapas dishes and sharing them is a nice way of making up a more substantial meal.

So if you'd like to try some tapas whilst you're here then below are 5 popular Spanish options and then 5 more typically Canarian options :-

 

Spanish Tapas

Jamón Serrano - Very thin slices of dry, cured ham often served alongside fresh melon

Calamares (fritos) - Fried squid in batter

Gambas - Prawns - usually served in hot, garlic oil

Croquetas - A croquette/risole typically of chicken (pollo), fish/tuna (pescado/atún) or ham with cheese (jamon y queso)

Tortilla Española - Omelette with potatoes and olive oil

 

Canarian Tapas

Papas con mojo - Small roasted and salted new potatoes served with a garlic sauce

Ropa Vieja - Chickpea stew with chicken, potatoes and any other leftover ingrediants from other dishes

Queso tierno con miel - Cured cheese (often goats cheese) served with honey

Potaje de berros - Watercress stew

Gofio escaldado - A savory roasted maize mouse

 

All Spanish tapas are typically served with fresh, crispy dry bread rolls and "allioli" - garlic mayonaise.

 

Currently the highest rated restaurant in the south of the island is "Wapa Tapa" in the Yumbo center, Playa del Ingles - A restaurant specialising in gourmet Spanish tapas cuisine. A true dining experience book in advance and expect to make an evening of it, a couple of hours at least.