Food culture in Spain

Herbs, spices, garlic and saffron - the Spanish kitchen is as rich and temperamental as the Spaniards themselves. For many, the Spanish food culture is one of the biggest reasons to focus on Spain. We understand why.

Paella, tortillas, tapas, gazpacho, calamares, chorizo, manchego and serrano ham. The list is long, and we haven't even gotten to the selection of wine yet. If you add to the culture, enjoying meals with near and dear ones, you have the recipe for a good, Spanish dining experience. The diversity in Spanish cuisine comes largely from the fact that the country has been through several invasions and has been populated by several different peoples over the centuries. Romans, Greeks, Celts, Moors and more have left their mark. Perhaps the most classic food board of them all is paella, which has its Spanish origins, more precisely the Valencia Region.

Several Spanish chefs have become prize winners, with three stars in the Michelin guide. There are lots of exciting, commendable, "fancy", rustic and well-known restaurants to explore in the area!

A bonus of the tasty food in Spain is that it is healthy. You have probably heard of the "Mediterranean diet", which involves plenty of fruit and vegetables, olive oil, fish, shellfish and whole grains. Small amounts of saturated fat and plenty of omega-3 help to reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Yet another reason to spend time here!

Did you know that Spain is actually the third largest in the world for wine, after France and Italy? Menecia, Syrah, Pinor Noir, Merlot, Ganacha and Tempranillo are all Spanish grapes, of which the latter mainly comes from the Rioja region - which is the most famous.