If you’ve just arrived in Spain, you’ve probably faced the challenge of staring at menus in utter confusion. Aside from familiar dishes like Paella and Jamón with Spanish-Chinese food name comparison, all the other words might look completely foreign… Don’t worry! I’ve put together a comprehensive Spanish food name and translation collection that covers almost everything on Spanish menus. Next time you order, you won’t have to rely solely on gestures or Google Translate! 😂
First up, you can’t miss the iconic Tapas!
Tapas are Spain’s famous small-plate appetizers, with countless varieties. You can have two or three dishes by yourself as a meal, or order a whole table to share with friends. Must-try Tapas include:
- Patatas Bravas
- Gambas al Ajillo
- Croquetas
- Tortilla Española
After enjoying the appetizers, it’s time for the main course. Spain is known for its hearty main dishes, especially various types of roasted meats—a must for meat lovers! Check out the complete list of Spanish food names for all the details!
- Cochinillo Asado - The most famous dish in Segovia!
- Cordero Asado
- Rabo de Toro - Tender and full of gelatinous goodness!
You can’t talk about Spanish cuisine without mentioning paella! Keep in mind that the most traditional version from Valencia actually features rabbit and chicken. The seafood version is the one most visitors usually try.
To make ordering even easier, here’s a simple classification table:
| Category | Spanish | Common Dishes/Notes |
|---|
| Meat | Carne | Solomillo, Chuleta, Pollo |
| Seafood | Marisco / Pescado | Pulpo, Calamares, Mejillones |
| Soup | Sopa / Crema | Sopa de Ajo, Gazpacho |
| Drinks | Bebida | Cerveza, Vino, Sangría |
And finally, it’s time for dessert! Spanish desserts are truly special, so be sure to save a little room at the end of your meal.
- Churros con Chocolate - The top choice for breakfast or afternoon tea!
- Crema Catalana - Quite similar to French crème brûlée, but don’t mix them up.
- Tarta de Queso - The Basque “lava” cheesecake that’s now a global sensation!
That’s all for now! Feel free to add your own recommendations or share hidden-gem restaurants and dining experiences in the comments!
