If you’re planning a Spanish vacation and why wouldn’t’ you as it is a remarkable and diverse country, you may want to get clued up as to what to eat where. Unlike most countries different regions offer different dishes and their own version of traditional Spanish favorites. So with this in mind, you may want to consider combining Spain travel and food next time you visit.

Let’s explore this in more depth when traveling to the best places to visit in Spain.

Comunidad Valenciana

Buried in the heart of Comunidad Valenciana is the city of Valencia. The fifth-largest in Spain and situated on the beautiful Spanish east coast, it is known for several mouthwatering dishes:

• Horchata de chufa – This refreshing drink made from the roots of chufas was introduced by the Moors. It has an almond taste and particularly refreshing on hot days in the long hot Spanish summer. Despite the taste, the drink contains no nuts.
• Paella – This is the national dish of Spain and it is said to originate from this region. It is believed to taste best when it features rice grown in the region and often the dish is a mix of ingredients including prawns, cod, chicken, rabbit and vegetables.
• Fideuá – The dish is similar to Paella but instead of rice fine pasta is used that has been flavored with rockfish. Traditionally, Spanish households preferred this dish to Paella as the pasta cooked faster than the rice.

Comunidad de Madrid

Comunidad de Madrid is home to Spain’s capital city, Madrid and arguably, it is home to the gastronomic scene in Spain. The region especially Madrid is packed full of award winning restaurants and bars and covered markets are where many locals buy their food.

• Bocadillo de calamares - Seafood is popular in Madrid and almost every restaurant has an acclaimed seafood dish on its menu. The bocadillo de calamares is one of Spain’s much loved dishes featuring slices of crispy squid sandwiched in a fresh crispy roll.
• Churros con Chocolate – Madrid is truly a 24/7 city and whether you are starting the day or ending the night, many flock to the legendary La Chocolatería San Ginés to have freshly cooked doughnuts (churros) which you dip into thick chocolate. So thick in fact that the spoon stands up in it. Wow!
• Cocido Madrileño – To get through Madrid’s winter, many Spanish turn to cocido madrileño, a hearty stew made with noodle broth, chickpeas, chorizo, blood sausage, and meat, normally veal, bone marrow, chicken or serrano ham.

Catalonia

This diverse region of Spain features sandy beaches, incredible architecture, the enigmatic city of Barcelona, and stretches down to the mountains of the Pyrenees.

• Calçotada – This dish features spring onions and is a favorite at winter festivals. They are grilled over an open fire which is fuelled by grapevine, wrapped in newspapers and served with salvitxada, a source.
• Butifarra negre amb mongetes – To get through the winter, many Catalonians turn to this dish which features black sausage, beans, leeks, and peppers in a wine broth. Often served with crusty bread it is arguably a perfect tapas.
• Pan con Tomate – Hailing from Catalonia originally, this simple tasty dish is simply tomato paste spread on bread seasoned with garlic and salt. It has been adopted by the whole of Spain and millions of Spanish have it for breakfast.

Spain has some amazing food, you should try it next time you are there.