Tapas: a flavourful journey through Spain

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Guest writer: Miss Lopez

Spain, a country associated with sun, sand and a passionate way of life, is a place I am happy to leave and never want to cut ties with, even though I spend most of my time in Sweden.

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Recently, I had the privilege to go on a tapas trip, and every time I go to Spain I have to say that the more I eat tapas, the better it gets, a real taste experience for me, and also a childhood memory. I know how much you love food, so now I want to share my experiences and some of my favourites among the countless tapas dishes I tried during my trip.

There is something special about eating tapas in Spain. I think it's the whole experience and atmosphere that makes tapas taste better in Spain. If you are ever going to eat tapas, Spain is the place to do it!

The combined flavour experience of the small dishes is like a journey through the country's varied landscapes and culinary traditions. I love the variety of flavours, so tapas are perfect for me. Every time I set foot in Spain, I am determined to taste everything I come across, and I was not disappointed.

One of my favourites is Calamares a la Romana.

A cheeky favourite. One of the very first tapas dishes I tasted during my last visit was Calamares a la Romana. I immediately fell in love, and I want to point out that the flavour reminds me of my childhood in Spain when I ate Bocadillo de calamares, which is very characteristic, especially in Madrid.

These easy-to-fry squid rings are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. How delicious! Served with a wedge of lemon and a garlic sauce, they are a perfect combination of flavours and textures. Just writing about it makes my mouth water as I remember the flavour. There's something about the marine flavour that makes them an unbeatable favourite.

Pimientos de Padrón

The little surprise. In a small tapas bar in a small village in the north of Spain, more specifically in Padron, Galicia, where they come from and are now known all over the world, I was introduced to the real Pimientos de Padrón - small, green peppers that are known to be a real treat. Most of them are mild, but some can be really hot.

It's like a flavour plate where every bite is a surprise. The flavour is so much better on the spot! They were served in olive oil and flake salt, which brought out their natural flavour. I couldn't stop eating them and realised that they were a wonderful taste experience that I didn't know I was missing.

Paella

A dish with history and character. When talking about Spanish cuisine, it is impossible not to mention paella. This iconic dish has a rich history and comes in many different variations all over Spain. During my trip to Valencia, the home of paella, I visited a restaurant that specialises in this delicious dish.

There was something magical about watching the chef cook the paella over an open fire and the aroma spreading through the air. The saffron coloured rice, the succulent seafood and the perfect balance of spices made it an unforgettable meal. By the way, my mum used to cook paella every Sunday, so paella for me is a party!

Chipirones

Small but flavourful seafood. Another seafood that I can't get enough of is chipirones, or small squid. These little creatures were perfectly grilled and served with a squeeze of lemon. I loved the flavour of them, reminiscent of the sea. Their texture was incredibly satisfying, and I found myself ordering them over and over again.

A tapas trip in Spain

Every time I am in Spain, a tapas trip is never the same as the previous one, always a flavour experience that will follow me for a long time to come and can live inside me until it is the next time to come home to Spain again. Both Spain and Sweden are home to me. There is something about the variety of flavours, the simple but captivating dishes and the friendly atmosphere of the Spanish tapas bars that makes it an unforgettable experience.

Exploring different regions' tapas is like taking a culinary journey through Spain's diverse cultures and landscapes. From the coastal flavours of Andalusia to those of Catalonia, or Galicia and Madrid, where I come from, every bite is a journey in itself.

So if you ever have the opportunity to travel to Spain, be sure to explore the world of tapas on your own. Remember that the atmosphere does so much for the flavour, so I would say that tapas is a lifestyle to be experienced on the spot. You will find that there is so much more to love than the classic tapas dishes I have mentioned here. There's always something new to discover and taste, and I'm sure you'll fall in love with tapas as much as I did.

I also live in the north of Spain so I often commute between Spain and Sweden, so my tapas trips to Spain and my adventures with tapas have forever changed my view of food. From the crispy Calamares a la Romana to the surprising Pimientos de Padrón, from the traditional paella to the small but flavourful chipirones, I have always found a new love every time I return to Spanish dishes.

I'm looking forward to returning to Spain and exploring even more tapas dishes, because in Spain food is a source of joy and love, and it's a love I've brought home with me, even in Sweden. Thank you for joining me on this tapas journey to Spain. I hope you will also have the opportunity to discover the amazing flavours and dishes that this beautiful country has to offer. Don't forget to experience tapas on location in Spain, where the flavour is at its best, especially in wineries and on every street corner in the Spanish cities. 

So if you ever have the opportunity to travel to Spain, be sure to explore the world of tapas on your own. Remember that the atmosphere does so much for the flavour, so I would say that tapas is a lifestyle to be experienced on the spot. You will discover that there is so much more to love than the classic tapas dishes I have mentioned here. For me, Spain is much more than sunshine and sangria, and I'd love to share the rich culture and countless culinary treasures that this beautiful country has to offer.

¡Viva España, Tapas & feelgood!

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Miss Lopez

Isabel López is a prominent Spanish-Swedish entrepreneur with a degree in law and sociology from Stockholm University and extensive experience as an expert in influencer marketing and social media in Sweden. In recent years, she has built a strong career in digital marketing. Since 2009, Isabel has played a central role as a digital creator under the @misslopez brand in her own company in Sweden. During her professional career, she has led, developed and participated in many online marketing projects, with particular expertise in industries such as retail, fashion, tourism, health, coaching and personal development.

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