Spain Travel: Tapas! Authentic Spanish Cuisine

Wednesday, September 22, 2010

Tapas are canapes served day in & day out in every bar & cafe in Spain. They can be served cold or warm. You can have them as appetizers, or combine them for a full meal. Popular items for tapas are cheese, omlettes, ham, sausage, meatballs, seafood, veggies & bread.

Tapas is a tradition that is believed to have begun in the 19th century in Andalusia, where single slices of cheese or ham were used to "cover" glasses of sherry to deter flies (Spanish verb Tapar means to cover). After finishing their drink people would eat the ham or cheese. Tapas are so much a part of the culture & social scene in Spain, that they invented the verb tapear which means to go & eat tapas!

Want to experience authentic tapas in Spain? Take a look at our wonderful selection of Spain tours.