adminIntroduction
Spanish tapas are small portions of food served as appetisers or snacks, typically accompanied by drinks.
Overview of Tapas and History
Tapas are an integral part of Spanish cuisine and culture. They can be served hot or cold and include various dishes such as olives, cheese, cured meats, seafood, vegetables, and more complex preparations. Tapas can be combined to make a full meal or enjoyed as snacks between meals.
The word “tapa” comes from the Spanish verb “tapar,” meaning “to cover”. There are several theories about the origin of tapas:
- One popular explanation dates back to the 13th century when King Alfonso X of Castile recovered from an illness by drinking wine with small dishes between meals. He then decreed that taverns could not serve wine without accompanying food.
- Yet another King Alfonso this time the XIII further enriches the tapestry of tapas history. Legend has it that during a visit to a tavern in Andalusia, his wine was served with a tapa (cover) of ham to prevent sand blown by the wind from mixing with the wine. Pleased with this innovation, the king continued to order his wine “with the cover,” thereby popularising this custom among his subjects.
- Another theory suggests that tapas originated as a practical measure to cover wine glasses with bread or meat slices to prevent fruit flies from entering the drink. This practice was especially common in Andalusia.
- Some claim tapas were used during the Spanish Inquisition to identify conversos (Jews who had converted to Christianity) by offering them non-kosher foods.
Historically, tapas were often served free with drinks in Spanish bars and taverns. This tradition still exists in some parts of Spain, though it’s becoming less common.
Tapas can range from simple, traditional dishes to sophisticated culinary creations. Whilst you will find most of the dishes below in Benidorm Tapas bars it is interesting to understand the development of these little dishes.
Traditional Tapas
We start with the classics that have defined Spanish tapas for centuries. Picture this: you’re at a cosy tapas bar, and the first thing you’re served is a plate of Patatas Bravas, those irresistibly spicy potatoes, or perhaps some Jamon Iberico, thinly sliced and rich in flavour. Traditional tapas also include Gambas al Ajillo, shrimp sautéed in a garlic-heavy sauce that’s simple yet packed with flavour. These dishes are the pillars of tapas, offering a taste of Spanish culinary history in every bite.
Modern Takes
Moving on to the contemporary twists, chefs like José Pizarro are reimagining what tapas can be. Imagine Patatas Bravas but with a modern, verdant twist, or Croquetas that aren’t just your usual ham and cheese but are filled with wild mushrooms or king crab. These modern takes keep the spirit of traditional tapas alive while providing a fresh and exciting culinary experience. It’s all about innovation without losing the essence of Spanish flavours.
Regional Specialties
Each region of Spain offers its unique take on tapas, influenced by local ingredients and culinary traditions. In the Basque country, you’ll encounter Pintxos, small bites often skewered with a toothpick, featuring combinations like anchovy, olive, and pepper. Down south in Andalusia, you might enjoy Pescaíto Frito, a variety of small fish fried in a light batter. These regional variations not only highlight the diversity within Spanish cuisine but also the rich tapestry of its food culture.
In Spain today, eating tapas is often a social activity. People may go “bar hopping” (tapear in Spanish), trying different tapas at various establishments throughout the evening. This creates a vibrant dining culture centred around sharing food and conversation.
Main Areas for Tapas in Benidorm Old Town
The aim here is to highlight the 3 main areas where tapas bars have congregated so you can hop between establishments or try a different area every day.
Tapas Alley 1
Tapas Alley, the main street is highlighted on the map in orange and numbered 1 it does include the covered area that I would think of as an alley but Tapas Alley has spread to include a number of adjoining streets in this area.
In Tapas Alley you will find a selection of tapas bars that offer snacks through to full-on meals, in this area you will also find some very good restaurants. If you are looking for a special night out this is the place to go the atmosphere is vibrant and lively and the restaurants are very nicely layout and decorated which is generally expressed in their prices, yes Tapas Alley is the most expensive palace to eat in Benidorm but in their defence, the quality of the food is very good, portion size can be larger than other areas and if you are careful in what you drink and order it can be cost-effective without being a Scrooge.
I feel I must add that whilst there are many bars and restaurants to choose from in Tapas Alley there are a few groups that own the majority of them, such as Saltoki and Grupo Aurrera.
Rincon de Ruzafa – Tapas Square 2
Located just off Avenida Ruzafa you will find this amazing little square with approx 6 tapas bars and a very traditional restaurant. I have noticed a lot of English have now found this square and are calling it Tapas Square which is why I include that name although it’s not official.
I do have a little place in my heart for Rincon de Ruzafa as what is now La Croqueta was one of the first restaurants I used to frequent many, many years ago. Since those early days, I must say I have visited frequently most of the bars La Mina, Zodiac and Croqueta being my favourites for no real reason.
The bars in Tapas Square are a little more rustic and I will say traditional ie if you buy a drink you get a tapas included which you don’t really get in Tapas Alley unless your face fits (we do get them at certain bars where we know staff). So you buy a drink get a free tapa and then pay extra for others, one of the main things that differentiates Tapas Square is the deals most offer bottles of wine and a number of tapas deals so if there is a group it can work out cheap, that said price in this area are cheaper than Tapas Alley.
Area 3
Area 3 is a square off Carretera Doctor Perez Llorca is quite sad the square used to be full of tapas bars but has become quite rundown and many of the bars have closed, so what used to be a square full of bars is now one side with bars that come and go, that said some have navigated the ravages of time.
That said tapas in this area are traditional and cheap similar to Tapas Square in its style but without the deals. We don’t go here as much as we used to but it is well worth a visit and support the independents.
If you do visit you will find it rustic, definitely, more of a destination for the locals for some reason it always seems to be the older clients, I can only say this is because it’s close to the beach maybe on the way back for a siesta.
