Getting to know Spanish cuisine starts by visiting Spanish restaurants to taste the dishes as authentic as they get. Whether you’re planning to visit Span, or just want to explore local Spanish restaurants near you, knowing the right etiquette and practises when dining in Spanish restaurants is a must.
However, knowing where to start can be overwhelming and confusing, so at least learn a few phrases, especially if most people inside are Spanish speakers. But even if they’re not Spanish speakers, it can still be awkward if you’re the only one who doesn’t know about the practises of dining in Spanish restaurants.
In this article, we’ll guide you on how to dine in Spanish restaurants for the first time.
1. Understanding Spanish Dining Culture
The Spanish dining culture revolves around company, food, and drinks. If you’ve seen a Spanish movie or TV series before, you might’ve noticed the relaxing pace of the people while having meals. Here are some of the things you should keep in mind when dining in a Spanish way.
Mealtimes
Mealtimes in Spain can be a bit different from the rest of the world. Their lunch can be a bit late, which is around 2 PM. After lunch, they have the siesta, which is when many restaurants are closed and is also their break time. At around 5 PM, restaurants open again, and people start to drink and eat tapas. After drinking, it’s dinner time, which is around 9 PM onwards.
Tapas culture
Tapas culture means a lot of things, including the small plates bite-sized and the company you experience while having drinks and sharing small plates of snacks.
Laidback Dining Experience
Spaniards believe that meals should be savoured, and this is one of the reasons why they take their time whenever they eat. This also applies to Spanish restaurants. You don’t need to eat fast, and you should also wait if the others aren’t done eating yet.
2. How to Navigate the Menu
When navigating the menu, you may encounter some sections you’re not familiar with. Some of these include:
- Entrantes- starters
- Tapas- small plated dishes
- Raciones- for sharing
- Platos principales- main courses
- Postres- desserts
Meanwhile, before ordering, take your time to scan the menu, and get to know other Spanish dishes, instead of just ordering paella. Although there’s no reason why you shouldn’t try authentic paella, you should still give chance to other dishes. Who knows, you might discover your new favourite dish just by trying them out.
On the other hand, if you’re not sure of what to order, you can always ask for the best seller or recommendations.
3. Must-Try Spanish Dishes
Meanwhile, since it’s your first time in a Spanish restaurant and your target is to taste authentic, popular dishes, then you should try:
- Paella- one of the most popular Spanish dishes made of rice, and seafood or chicken.
- Tortilla Española- Spanish omelette made from eggs, potatoes, and onions, cooked in olive oil.
- Croquetas- many people are familiar with croquetas made from potatoes, but the base of the Spanish version is bechamel.
- Patatas bravas- although the main ingredient is potatoes, the bravas sauce can significantly elevate the fried potatoes. At the same time, the potatoes are crunchy on the outside, and soft inside.
4. Drinks to Pair with Your Meal
Although Spanish restaurants and bars take their time when letting their customers eat, it’s another thing when it comes to drinks. So, before looking for various dishes, you should be ready to order your drinks.
As you know, Spain is known for incredible drinks. So, whether you like to try Sangria, Cava, Horchata, or Tinto de Verano, you should decide as soon as you sit down. However, if you still don’t know which one to choose, you can always ask for recommendations.
5. Dining Etiquette Tips
Aside from deciding what dishes and drinks you should try in Spanish restaurants, you should also understand some of the dining etiquette for a more enjoyable experience. Here are some things you should take note of:
- Sharing is a common thing, so don’t hesitate to order Raciones or various dishes that everyone can taste.
- Instead of butter, bread is often served with olive oil. This is because Spain is well-known for their high-quality olive oil.
- Always be patient, especially when it’s serving time. This is also why you should take your time looking at the menu. If you’re in a hurry, you should look for other restaurants instead.
- When it comes to tipping, you can still leave some, but you’re not obligated to, unlike other types of restaurants.
Final Thoughts
Knowing and understanding the culture of Spanish restaurants can help you prepare for your first time. By considering this guide, you won’t find it hard to blend in, and no one will know that it’s your first time.
Let us know how your first time in a Spanish restaurant went by leaving a comment below!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Aliana Baraquio is a web content writer who also loves cooking dishes from different countries. If you want to experience a Barcelona-style restaurant that serves high-quality food, and a modern, contemporary, fresh feel from the south of Europe, visit TAST Catala Spanish Restaurant.
