Spain is known for its diverse regional cultures, and the foods of Spain reflect this tremendous variance. Each region has its own signature dish.
Valencia and Alicante
Perhaps the most famous Spanish dish is paella, the saffron rice dish of the Valencia and Alicante regions on the Mediterranean Coast. It is usually laden with seafood, but chicken and vegetarian versions are also popular.
Asturias
In the north, the main dish is "fabada," a white bean stew with various cuts of pork, including sausage.
Castille
In and around Madrid, perhaps the most famous dish is suckling pig, which was Ernest Hemingway's favorite.
Andalusia
In the south, especially Andalusia, Spaniards beat the heat with the cold soup gazpacho.
Tapas
Spain is famous for its mid-morning, mid-afternoon and evening or late-night snacks known as tapas. These delectable treats originated as small sandwiches placed atop drinks to prevent flies from drowning in one's glass. Great tapas include "gambas al ajillo" (garlic shrimp); "tortilla" (frittata); "patatas bravas" (spicy potatoes); "lomo" (pork loin); and "croquetas de jamon" (ham croquettes).
Plato del Dia
"Plato del Dia" is the Spanish version of the prix fix meal. It typically includes a drink (non-alcoholic, draft beer or wine), salad or appetizer, main course and a dessert ("postre") or coffee.
Tags: dish Valencia, dish Valencia Alicante, most famous, Valencia Alicante
