One of the biggest perks of traveling in my opinion is the food. This was certainly true when I traveled abroad to Alicante, Spain. My host mom was an excellent cook, and I’m super grateful that she introduced me to their famous local cuisine. Food helped me learn more about the culture and its values. Eating in Spain was considered a social affair to be shared with family and friends. During my time in Spain, I learned that waiters may not hand you a check even if they see that you’re done until you ask for it! This is because mealtimes are traditionally much longer than in the United States since the people do more socializing.
Here are five of my favorite foods that I found to be unique culinary experiences.
1. Tortilla de Patatas
This is a Spanish omelet made with eggs and potatoes. It has a rich savory taste and is usually served as a tapa (the Spanish word for snack). My host mom would sometimes make these for breakfast, but they are delicious at any time of the day.
2. Paella
Paella is a classic Spanish rice dish made with vegetables, chicken, and seafood that is cooked and served in one pan. It’s usually cooked in olive oil and broth. It’s very filling but very delicious as a main course. Authentic paella is a real treat for the tastebuds, so I highly recommend trying it if you happen to be in the area. I’ve had paella with chicken and seafood, and I absolutely loved both.
3. Churros
For dessert, you can’t skip the churros! In Alicante, there’s a cafe called Valor, which is a local chocolate brand. I went with a group of friends and was pleasantly surprised by how large the churros were. Also, since Valor is known for its chocolate, there’s no excuse not to get some hot chocolate sauce for dipping.
4. Patatas Bravas
For a special twist on French fries, patatas bravas are essentially fried, cubed potatoes which are then served with a spicy sauce called salsa brava. This is another popular tapa dish to order for the table.
5. Sangria
Finally, while this is not food, I couldn’t help but put this in because I have yet to find a place here in the United States that has sangria like the kind I drank in Spain. For those of you who have yet to try it, Sangria can be best described as a fruit punch made with red wine and citrus fruits. Sometimes, they put other fruits such as peaches, strawberries, and apricots. It’s a perfect accompaniment for those of you who are 21+ to go with the dishes listed above.
I really enjoyed the relaxed pace accompanied by mealtimes as a break from the fast-paced culture I knew from back home. Good food has the power to make core memories that much more special, like the moments when you and your friends stumbled on hidden gem restaurants or simply shared and came up with inside jokes. I hope you have the chance to try out some of these foods and drink!