Tapas

One of the first things you'll want to do when you arrive in your new city is, of course, EAT! In my opinion, there's no better way to experience a culture than to eat your way through it. And what's one of the foods Spain is most known for? Tapas! Although tapas were originally created in Andalucia, a region of Spain where Sevilla is located, as an American in Barcelona, you still have to try some tapas to really experience Spain (although I highly recommend going to Sevilla for the real stuff).

A meal of tapas in Sevilla -- tortilla de berenjena y queso, croquetas de jamon y queso, pollo, albondiga, queso y jamon con pure de papas, crepe de queso de cabra y frambuesa

Origins of Tapas
There are several theories surrounding the origin of tapas. Perhaps the most famous theory is that when King Alfonso X was drinking a beer, flies and other bugs were flying around the drink so much to his annoyance that he requested a piece of bread or cheese to put on top of the cup to keep the bugs out. This practice was then repeated and spread vastly. In Castellano, or Spanish, tapear means "to cover," and the word tapa means "lid,"which is perhaps how tapas originated.

So...What Exactly is a Tapa?
Tapas are small plates of food which can range from anything from cheese on a small piece of toast, to roasted potatoes with a special sauce. My favorite tapas are croquettas de jamon y queso and patatas bravas. I highly recommend you try both of these as they are Catalan specialties and can be found at almost every restaurant in Barcelona. Tapas aren't a specific type of food, but a way of serving food. Tapas are also not appetizers. In Spanish culture, it is customary to make an entire meal out of tapas -- you don't stop eating and ordering tapas until you are full.

   

The Best Tapas in Barcelona...
Cal Pep -- located in El Born district at Placa de les Olles 8, Cal Pep is legendary, and the prices reflect that status! But the tapas are all fresh seafood and well-worth the price.

Can Paixano -- a cava bar located by Playa Barceloneta, Can Paixano is always crowded with young people. The environment is always extremely crowded and you can never get a waiter, but once you do....order up! The tapas are worth the wait!