1. Being surrounded by water (Atlantic Ocean on the west, Mediterranean Sea on the
east, and Cantabric Sea on the north), Spain’s diet has a lot of seafood in it. The
famous rice dish, the paella, is filled to the brim with fresh seafood such as mussels,
shrimp, squid, and fish. Crabs such as the snow crab (centello), blue crab, and buey
de mar are popular in Spain. Whether incorporated in the empanada or as crab
cakes or simply boiled in sea water, these crustaceans are a delight. Lobsters may
be boiled and served with sauce or the meat mixed with a rice dish. Seafood is also
found in soups and stews or sometimes enjoyed steamed or boiled (in the safe way
to eat, of course). Either way one thing we can be sure about, Spain loves their
seafood.
Spain also has a lot of Roman influence like ham, lentils, and mushrooms, which were
common at the northern part of the country. The southern part of Spain had a lot of
Mediterranean influence, with the influx of healthy dishes. Typical dishes include
stews, sausages, and cheeses. Spanish food in general, has rich, robust flavors which
say a lot of their culture and character. There’s not one food that’s bland. The
paella alone
has a bit of
tartness added
with the
squeeze of
lemon on the
rice dish before
eating.
Tapas, in
Spanish cuisine
are a variety of
appetizers
either cold or
warm, usually
served to
encourage
conversation in
parties.
Spanish tapas
may consist of

2. olives, cheese, ham, and baby squid (the Spanish do really love their seafood).
Chorizo, mussels, and even mushrooms are also popular. Tapas are still popular in
today’s modern restaurants and are sometimes recreated in home parties and small
functions. Many restaurants nowadays have added their own versions of popular
Spanish tapas in their menu.
A forever evolving culture, Spain’s food choices to continue to grow. As history has
written, Spain has also brought a bit of their tradition and food in the countries they
colonized, like Mexico and the Philippines. With globalization, more food is being
recreated, with more influences coming from other countries. Trends nowadays add
tweaks and updates to traditional Spanish dishes, either making it available to
everyone or introducing cuisine to children. TV shows in cable or local channels
introduce Spanish culture as well as describing food and giving tips and tricks on
how to recreate these dishes at the comfort of the viewer’s kitchens. This rich culture
still will live on.