For those who have just arrived in Spain, have you ever faced a menu full of Spanish words that seem completely foreign? Unless it’s ‘Jamón’ or ‘Paella’, most items look totally unfamiliar. To help you move beyond the habit of simply pointing at pictures when ordering, I’ve put together this extremely practical Chinese-to-Spanish restaurant menu guide that will surely help all you food lovers out there!
Let’s talk about Spain’s culinary treasure—Tapas. Rather than being a single dish, Tapas is actually a style of eating. These small portions are perfect for sharing with friends while enjoying a drink. Popular options include: Patatas Bravas, Gambas al Ajillo, Tortilla Española, and, of course, the crowd favorite, Jamón Ibérico. Order a couple of these and pair with a glass of wine—simply perfect!
When it comes to main courses, Paella is a must-try! Be aware, though, that in authentic seafood paella, the rice is purposely a bit firm, which might take some getting used to. Besides the seafood variety, there are other options like Valencian paella with rabbit and chicken, and squid ink rice, although beware—the latter can stain your mouth black, so maybe not the best choice for a date, haha! For more information on Spanish and Japanese menus, check out Spanish Cuisine Japanese Menu Collection. Apart from these, don’t miss delicious options like Cochinillo Asado and Pulpo a la Gallega, which are definitely worth a try.
Once you’re full, it’s time for a drink! Sangría is a staple on almost every table—red wine mixed with fresh fruit, both refreshing and helps balance out rich food. If you don’t drink alcohol, try Mosto or Café con Leche. For dessert, I recommend Crema Catalana, which is similar to crème brûlée but with a lighter, fresher taste.
Here’s a simple table of useful phrases for ordering in Spanish restaurants—become a menu pro in no time!
| Chinese | Spanish |
|---|
| I would like… | Quisiera… |
| Menu, please | La carta, por favor |
| The bill, please | La cuenta, por favor |
| Do you have any recommendations? | ¿Qué me recomienda? |
This menu is by no means exhaustive—Spanish cuisine is incredibly diverse and profound. Feel free to add your own favorite dishes or share funny stories in the comments! Bon appétit and enjoy your meals in Spain!
