Discover the authentic flavours of Spain! From classic Jamón to Paella, explore the 5 delicacies you simply must try on your next trip.
Spain is much more than stunning beaches and historic monuments; it's a destination where the dining table is the centre of all social life. For those travelling with Kiri , we know that cuisine is a fundamental part of the discovery experience. If you're planning your next getaway, prepare your palate for these five delicacies that define Spanish identity.
While there are variations across the country, the true Paella has its roots in Valencia. This rice dish, cooked in a wide, shallow pan (the paellera), is an explosion of textures and flavours. The traditional Valencian version includes chicken, rabbit, green beans, garrofó (a type of local white bean) and, of course, the saffron that gives it its characteristic golden colour.
The secret to a good paella lies in the socarrat — that slightly toasted, crispy layer of rice at the bottom of the pan. It's a dish to be shared with friends or family, celebrating togetherness, just as Kiri's collaborative planning feature allows you to bring all your travel companions together in one itinerary.
You can't talk about Spain without mentioning ham. But this isn't just any ham. Jamón Ibérico de Bellota is considered the best in the world. It comes from free-range Iberian pigs raised in the 'dehesas' (oak pastures), where they feed exclusively on acorns (bellotas) during the acorn-feeding season.
The result is a cured meat with marbled fat that melts in your mouth, offering notes of nuts and an unparalleled aromatic complexity. When visiting Madrid or Seville, look for traditional taverns where it's hand-carved by master carvers.
The Tortilla de Patatas is, perhaps, Spain's most democratic dish. Found in almost every tapas bar from Galicia to Andalusia, its ingredients are humble: eggs, potatoes, olive oil, and salt. However, there's an eternal national debate: with onion or without onion?
Regardless of your preference, the texture is key. A good tortilla should be juicy on the inside and golden on the outside. It's the perfect snack to refuel between museum visits or walks through historic cities that you've organised in your Kiri app.
For those visiting Spain during the hot months, Gazpacho is a lifesaver. This cold soup of tomato, cucumber, pepper, onion, and olive oil is refreshing and nutritious. If you prefer something more substantial, Salmorejo (typical of Córdoba) is the ideal choice. It's thicker, contains more bread and garlic, and is usually served with chopped boiled egg and Iberian ham on top.
These soups represent the Mediterranean diet at its best: fresh, seasonal, and flavourful ingredients that keep you feeling light so you can continue exploring every corner of your destination.
We finish on a sweet note that serves as both a classic breakfast and a comforting snack. Spanish Churros are fried until crisp and served with a cup of hot chocolate so thick you can almost eat it with a spoon. In Madrid, the iconic Chocolatería San Ginés is a must-visit, but you'll find excellent variations across the country, such as Porras (which are thicker and fluffier).
Eating Times: Remember that the Spanish eat lunch and dinner later than most. Lunch is usually between 2:00 PM and 3:30 PM, and dinner rarely starts before 9:00 PM.
Go for Tapas: Don't just sit down in one restaurant. Try the "tapeo" — hopping from bar to bar, sampling a speciality in each one.
Bookings: The best places fill up fast. Use Kiri to save the addresses of the restaurants you've discovered and attach your bookings to avoid wasting time in queues.
Exploring Spanish cuisine is to dive into the culture of a people who know how to live life with passion. With Kiri, you can organise all these gastronomic points of interest, ensuring you don't miss out on any of these delights. Happy travels and, above all, ¡Buen provecho!