When we arrived in Spain we were exposed to new foods, dishes and Spanish customs related to eating. Over the months that followed we have tried different dishes and foods. Some were very tasty while others were not to our liking.

What was important, was to keep an open mind and be willing to at least try the food or dish. We have had an amazing adventure by trying the different foods. Some of the taste and textures are difficult to explain but a photo can help. Here are a few of the adventurous dishes we have tried.

Olives are very popular here and you see them in almost every meal in one form or another. Spain is the largest producer and exporter of olives and olive oil in the world, so it is not a surprise to see olives regularly incorporated into food.

We have explored the world of olives and tried numerous varieties and styles of olives. Stuffed with sardines, stuffed with cheese and garlic to name a few.

We are on the coast of the Mediterranean Sea and there are many types of sea creatures in the Spanish diet. We have come across numerous fish or crustacean meals that we would not normally eat, however, we are committed to trying them at least once.

There are many dishes which use fish as a main ingredient.

We enjoyed the potato chips with small spiced fish. It was very tasty and was similar to potatoes and salsa. This is a very popular dish at local bars and pubs.

Salads with fish is a popular dish, sardines are normally one of the preferred fish on salad.

We have tried numerous types of different shellfish over the past year. There was the normal type of shrimp which are normally served with the heads still on them.

We also had different types of shellfish, some which looked more like crayfish.

There are numerous types of squid and octopus in Alicante. They are used in many different dishes.  We have tried different ones and have found them to be good depending on how they are cooked.

Paella is a popular dish here in Spain. There are many tourist restaurants that sell paella, although they may not be a traditional paella. The true Valencia Paella is made with rabbit and chicken.

There is black ink squid paella which we tried but it was not to our liking.

There were numerous other different types of dishes we tried and enjoyed over the year.

There is a weed called “Cyperus Esculentus” or “Chufa” and it can be found in the wild. In Spain, it is also cultivated for its edible root bulb. The root bulb is used to create a non-alcoholic beverage called “Horchata de Chufa”, which is very refreshing in the summer.

Chocolate and Churros is a very popular treat in Spain. The pastry is dipped in hot chocolate which is very tasty.

We have learned a tremendous amount about the Spanish cuisine and culture. The Spaniards celebrate eating and make it part of their social activities. They will take hours to enjoy a meal which will include staying at the table long after the meal is finished socializing for hours.

Tapas are an important part of the culture and part of the social fabric of Spain. When a beer is served at a pub or restaurant normally a tapa is also served. The tapas can range from simple peanuts to very complex tapas.

The food and culture in Spain are certainly different from North America. They tend to eat healthier, enjoy the social aspect of “breaking bread with friends” and celebrate the activity of eating.

“Adios y que tenga un grand dia”