What Is Tapas: A Guide to the Traditional Spanish Appetizer

More so than most international dishes, it might be difficult for some people to understand what tapas are. Like aperitifs, bento boxes, or charcuterie boards, the term has been loosely adapted to take on many meanings, each of which varies depending on the international region in which the term is used.

But what exactly is tapas? What are its international origins, and what are some common recipes attached to this specific term? And most importantly, where might you order some tapas once you’ve finally figured out what it means in basic culinary lingo.

So … What Are Tapas? 

In essence, tapas are shareable dishes meant to be split between two or more people. Originating from Spain, they’re a staple dish of the Western European country, usually served around lunch and/or dinner.

Now, you might ask yourself, “So does that mean tapas are essentially shareable appetizers like we have in America? Have I been unintentionally eating tapas all these years without realizing it?” In short, no, you haven’t because tapas are considered a course entirely separate from the boneless wings or mozzarella sticks you order at the bar.

In Spanish culture, tapas are essentially larger dinners you can split with those at your table. Yes, you can order tapas and have your own dinner, but appetizers are still considered a lead-in to the main course. Like American appetizers, tapas are also typically served in casual dining establishments. You can also order as many different tapa plates as you choose, allowing for plenty of variety in the main meals.

Though it’s hard to put an exact number on it, tapas usually fall into one of three categories. 

There are cosas de picar, which, when translated to Spanish, roughly means “snacks” or “nibbles.” As the term suggests, these might be smaller snacks that you can easily share amongst your table, like olives, vegetables, fresh-sliced fruit, or cheese cubes.

Then there’s pintxos, which translates to “spike.” A product of Basque, this dish involves skewering a piece of food into a slice of bread, forming what looks like a small, open-faced sandwich.

Finally, there are cazuelas, which are larger dishes served in traditional Spanish cazuela bowls. This might mean sauteed shrimp, vegetable dip, hearty soups, or layered casserole dishes.

What Are Some Examples of Tapas

As one might expect, there are plenty of popular choices when it comes to tried-and-true Spanish tapa plates. For example, there’s gambas al ajillo, a seafood dish that involves soaking shrimp in garlic sauce. There’s also calamares fritos, a Spanish spin on classic Italian calamari that swaps out marina for aioli.

Another common entry on most tapas’ plates is cured ham and cheese. Regarding the latter, the type of cheese being used largely depends on the location, with Manchego a popular favorite in Castille and Roncal in Navarre.

Croquettes are another popular choice when it comes to tapas. Traditionally derived from ham, there’s also plenty of other protein options for your croquettes’ filling, including minced vegetables, locally-sourced seafood, or even your favorite type of cheese.

Steamed mussels, grilled cuttlefish, or boiled octopus are also commonly used in various regions of Spain. Taking advantage of Spain’s convenient location along the Atlantic, many of these fish come served in rich sauces filled with local herbs and spices, including garlic, aioli, and other seasonal favorites.

Of course, we can’t mention tapas without bringing up two of Spain’s most iconic dishes: gazpacho and paella. Gazpacho is a chilled soup with a traditional tomato base, although it can also incorporate alternative broths like dried fruit. While it’s served throughout the year, gazpacho is most commonly ordered in the heat of summer, where it’s seen as a refreshing way to combat the season’s high temperatures.

Paella, on the other hand, is a heaping platter of rice mixed with various meats and/or seafood, diced vegetables, green beans, and (most importantly) saffron. A traditional recipe in Valencia, paella has since become the national staple of Spanish cuisine, with many comparing it to Italy’s pasta recipes or the United Kingdom’s fish and chips.

When and Where Are Tapas Served

As mentioned above, tapas are a traditional food associated with Spain, so it’s not surprising that you can find it in the coastal Atlantic nation. However, you can also find tapas at various Spanish restaurants across the globe, whether you’re dining out in New York, Los Angeles, Paris, or the furthest regions of Greece.

When tapas are customarily served, that question falls more readily into the category of lunch and dinner. While certain dishes can be served for breakfast (such as Spanish omelets or huevos rotas), tapas are often looked upon as a midday or late afternoon repast rather than a meal to start the day.

No matter when or where you eat your tapas, this regional Spanish delicacy is a sensational treat year-round. As with all the best meals, it’s meant to be shared among those you hold near and dear to your hearts, allowing you to enjoy good food, refreshing drinks, and the pleasure of each other’s company in an informal setting.

Whether you choose to order it with steaming paella, chilled gazpacho, or garlic-doused shrimp, tapas are the perfect way to bask in the rejuvenating warmth of one another’s friendship – all the while stuffing your face with delicious Spanish dishes, of course.