Tapas refer to appetizers or snacks in Spanish. The word “tapa” translated in Spanish means “top,” and this explains the origins of tapas-style of food.

According to one Spanish legend, there was a king who had an illness that only made it possible for him to consume only a small amount of food and wine at a time. It is a surprise for a king to eat a small portion since kings have feasts, even though tapas fulfilled the need.

Another story traces the origin of tapas to the use of a slice of bread or meat to cover sherry, a sweet and fruity wine from Spain, to prevent flies from nose-diving into it. Because The “wine coverings and toppings” were usually salty, bar attendants served them with wine to make the patrons even thirstier.

Classic Spanish Tapas Dishes

Although tapas came onto the scene long ago, they have evolved from the slice of bread or meat covering a wine glass to tiny plates for people to eat. In Spain, dinner is usually served late, so tapas are eaten in the late afternoon to reduce hunger while waiting for dinner.

One thing to know about tapas is that they vary according to regions: near the coast, you will most likely find seafood, but in other regions, you may find root veggie-based foods.

Here are some classic Spanish tapas:

Patatas Bravas Patatas Alioli – They are made of fried potatoes covered in tasty sauces. While bravas sauce is spicy, aioli is made of olive oil and garlic.

Gambas al Ajillo – This is garlic shrimp.

Tortilla Espanola – This is a potato and egg dish.

Croquetas de Jamón (Ham Croquettes) – This is made with Spanish cured ham and eaten with a glass of wine or beer as a snack.

Chopitos – These are deep-fried baby squids

You can enjoy different tapas in various restaurants all over the world. But for the best Spanish tapas while in Melbourne, just book your spot in the best tapas restaurant and bar by checking out https://www.vamos.net.au/. You will not only find great tapas and drinks in a fantastic environment but can even enjoy incredible music by live musicians.

Why eat Tapas?

Tapas can be several small portions of various dishes, say two or three croquettes, roasted beets accompanied by feta and walnuts, a few slices of bread with some toppings such as hummus, and so on. These small servings can be awesome served with a bottle of wine for a group of guests. The idea is not to eat to one’s fill but just to have some food so that the wine does not go straight to one’s head. The various small dishes also allow the guests to sample four or five different dishes at once.

Since tapas do not all come at once even when ordered at the same time, eating one dish at a time allows those eating the opportunity to savour each of them while also registering if they are getting full. This is unlike the case where the guests are served platefuls of foods and gobble them up and end up overeating.

While out for a dinner, eating tapas can give you and whoever is accompanying you the chance to order small portions, and if you are not satisfied, you ask for more as you deem necessary as opposed to ordering huge servings and not eat even half of it, thus wasting your money or eating excessively.

Tapas are also a good idea for those who experience hunger pangs on and off, like small kids, and can hardly wait for the main meal. It is also healthy to eat small portions spread throughout the day than a few big portions.

Final Thought

While tapas may have originated from the Spanish, they do not have to be Spanish because small portions of various foods from other regions, or so-called appetizers, can suffice to be tapas. You can enjoy tapas while eating out or at home, and the best thing is you have room to be creative and try out many different dishes.

Published: 2019-09-20 11:19:02