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Spain & Portugal Travel Tips

Dishes & Desserts

In the culinary world, the Iberian Peninsula is a treasure trove of flavors. From the sun-drenched shores of Spain to the picturesque landscapes of Portugal, Iberian cuisine is renowned for its use of fresh, locally sourced ingredients and a harmonious blend of flavors. Here you can find information on the dishes and desserts they've got to offer.

Staple Ingredients

One of the most notable ingredients in Iberian cuisine is olive oil, often referred to as liquid gold due to its high quality and rich flavor. Produced in abundance across Spain and Portugal, olive oil is used in a myriad of dishes, from drizzling over salads and grilled vegetables to sautรฉing seafood and meats.


Another staple ingredient is seafood, sourced from the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea, which plays a prominent role in both Spanish and Portuguese cuisine. From succulent grilled sardines and octopus to hearty seafood stews and rice dishes, seafood takes center stage in many traditional Iberian dishes.


Legumes are featured prominently in hearty stews, soups, and salads. From creamy chickpea-based dishes like cocido madrileรฑo to comforting bean stews such as feijoada, legumes add depth, texture, and protein to traditional Spanish and Portuguese recipes.


Finally, wine and vinegar are essential for marinating, braising, and deglazing, as well as for adding acidity and complexity to sauces and dressings.

Grilled sardines

Grilled sardines with fresh herbs, lemon and spices

Iberian Favorites

One iconic dish is paella, a flavorful rice dish originating from Spain's Valencia region, featuring a tantalizing combination of seafood, meats, and vegetables infused with saffron and other aromatic spices. Another beloved dish is bacalhau ร  brรกs, a Portuguese classic made with salted cod, onions, potatoes, and eggs, cooked to perfection and seasoned with parsley and olives.


Other notable Iberian dishes include cochinillo asado, a succulent roasted suckling pig enjoyed in Spain, particularly in Castile and Leรณn; and arroz de marisco, a Portuguese seafood rice dish bursting with the flavors of the sea. Additionally, dishes like gazpacho, a refreshing cold soup made with ripe tomatoes and vegetables, and caldo verde, a hearty Portuguese kale soup with potatoes and chorizo, highlight the region's diverse culinary offerings.

Seafood paella

Seafood paella with a glass of wine

Street Food

In Spain, a popular choice is the bocadillo de calamares, featuring crispy fried squid rings tucked into a crusty bread roll, often garnished with a squeeze of lemon for added zest. Tapas offers a variety of small plates ranging from classic favorites like patatas bravas (crispy potatoes with spicy tomato sauce) to more adventurous options like gambas al ajillo (garlic shrimp) and tortilla espaรฑola (potato omelet).


Meanwhile, in Portugal, the bifana reigns supremeโ€”a simple yet flavorful pork sandwich filled with marinated and thinly sliced pork, served on a soft bread roll and typically accompanied by mustard or hot sauce for an extra kick. If that won't make you full - the francesinha surely will! It is a hearty sandwich featuring layers of cured meats, sausage, and steak, smothered in melted cheese and a savory beer-based sauce, all served with a side of fries.

Bifana

The famous bifana sandwich

Desserts

Desserts offer a delightful conclusion to a meal, showcasing a blend of traditional flavors and sweet indulgences. In Spain, one iconic dessert is churros con chocolate, featuring crispy fried dough pastries served with a rich and velvety chocolate dipping sauceโ€”a beloved treat enjoyed any time of day, from breakfast to late-night snacks. Another Spanish favorite is the creamy and comforting flan, a silky caramel custard made with eggs, milk, and sugar, often served chilled and garnished with a drizzle of caramel sauce.


In Portugal, pastรฉis de nata is the quintessential pastry, featuring flaky puff pastry filled with a creamy custard filling, delicately flavored with hints of vanilla and cinnamon, and baked until golden and caramelized on top. These irresistible custard tarts are enjoyed throughout the day, whether as a morning pick-me-up with a cup of coffee or as a sweet ending to a leisurely meal. Another popular Portuguese dessert is the arroz doce, or sweet rice pudding, made with creamy Arborio rice cooked in milk, sugar, and fragrant spices like cinnamon and lemon zest, creating a comforting and aromatic dessert beloved by locals and visitors alike.

Churros

Churros with chocolate dip (churros con chocolate)