Spanish Foods to Try

Spanish cuisine boasts a wide range of delicacies that vary by region that should not be missed. Make sure to plan around their typical dining hours; Lunch from 2 to 4 pm (in which most establishments are closed) and dinner from 9 to 11 pm.

Here is what you should make sure to check out:

• Fish: A staple part of the Mediterranean diet. Especially good in coastal regions and large cities with a wide variety to choose from, you can experiment.
• Lamb: Especially popular in Northern Spain.
• Pork and Cured meats: Spain is famous for its ham and pork products such as cured "Serrano" ham and "chorizo".
  
• Shellfish/Seafood: Abundant in many regions and meals such as the world renowned Spanish "paella" rice dish. Also recommended is "pulpo" (octopus) often served with potatoes and paprika and calamari (fried squid).
• Wine: "vino de la casa" (house wine), "vino tinto" (red wine), vino blanco (white wine), or vino rosado (rosé).
• Cheese: There are hundreds of varieties ranging from light, medium to strong in flavor and made from cow, sheep, or goat milk. The most known cheeses are "manchego" and "cabrales".
• Offal: For the brave, Spaniards make use of most parts of the animals they eat. You can try typical dishes such as "callos" (tripe or stomach lining), "jeta" (pig mug), "riñones" (kidneys), "criadillas" (testicles), "lengua" (tongue), "crestas de gallo" (rooster combs), morcilla (blood sausage), and the list goes on. 
• Tapas/Pinchos: Small snack sized portions of a variety of foods available in bars most of the day.

My personal favorites? Paella, pulpo a la gallega, calamares, and lobster with rice. Let me know yours!