Spain

In Spain, you will see the famous 'Menu del día' in many places around lunch time (13:30 -16:00). In most restaurants, this menu consists of a drink, starter, main course + dessert or coffee. Ideal for an extensive lunch, because it takes a while before dinner (on average at 20:00) will be served. 

Valencia

The traditional paella originates from Laguna Albufera (Valencia) and is still prepared in the traditional way (wood fire) in several places. Are you planning on visiting Valencia? Then book your place at Casa Carmela in time (at least 1 month in advance)! Like many traditional restaurants, it has limited opening hours and it is a very well known place. Back to the roots? Then visit the Laguna Albufera (20KM from Valencia), take a boat trip and eat at one of the paella restaurants. My go-to restaurant in Albufera: El Mornell.

Other Valencian specialties

  • Horchata
    A sweet drink made from tiger nuts (Chufas), delicious on a hot day to cool off or to get some energy if you have discovered the Valencian nightlife until late at night! Taste it at Horchatería Santa Catalina or at Mercado Central!
  • Oranges 
    Valencia CF has orange in its club colours as a symbol of the city, since the oranges from the Valencian region are perhaps the tastiest in the world! Get yourself some fresh oranges or orange juice at Mercado Central!
  • Agua de Valencia
    Agua de Valencia isn't Valencian water, but a cocktail consisting of a mix of fruit juice, cava and liqueurs. Enjoy this typical Valencian drink during sunset at Hotel Barcelo (rooftop bar) with a beautiful view of the City of Arts and Sciences! 

Seville

The Andalusia region in southern Spain is known for the best tapas in the country. Seville, as the capital of the region, has a wide range of tapas bars. Small, cosily decorated and a lovely Spanish vibe. There is so much choice, you'll want to taste a bit of everything. Real delicacies include: 

  • Patatas bravas (potatoes in a spicy Spanish way)
  • Espinacas con garbanzos (chickpeas with spinach)
  • Remojón (an Andalusian salad of orange, cod, onion and garlic)
  • Croquetas (croquettes with various fillings)
  • Jámon ibérico or serrano (Spanish types of ham).

Discover Seville's tastiest tapas at the authentic bar Bodega Santa Cruz Las Columnas, Casa Pepe Hillo, located next to the Plaza de Toros and therefore featuring a classic bullfighting theme or at El Pasaje.

Madrid

The Madrid cuisine, to an outsider, may have one of the oddest flavor combinations imaginable. El Cocido Madrileño (Madrid stew), for example, is a traditional (winter) dish from the Spanish capital. If you order this in a restaurant you will get three courses: soup, beans and meat. 

The Madrileños have also given their own twist to the calamari (squid), by serving it on a hard roll: bocadillo de calamares. Score a tasty bocadillo at the Mercado de San Miguel.

So is there anything other than meat and fish? Of course there is! Churros with chocolate for breakfast, because Spaniards love sweet. Chocolatería San Gines is one of Madrid's best places to score this treat.

Photo: chocolateriasangines.com