Have you ever experienced this as a newcomer to Spain? You walk into a restaurant, the waiter enthusiastically hands you the menu, and suddenly you’re staring blankly at a long list of Spanish words, only to awkwardly point to someone else’s table and say ‘Quiero ese’? Don’t worry, I was the same when I first arrived! That’s why I compiled a Chinese-Spanish food translation guide with common Spanish dishes translated, hoping to help everyone order with confidence from now on.
First of all, let me introduce the true essence of Spanish cuisine: Tapas! Tapas are not a specific dish, but rather a style of eating—think of them as “small plates” or snacks that go perfectly with drinks. There are endless varieties and they are also budget-friendly. Ordering a couple of Tapas and grabbing a beer or a glass of wine is the most authentic Spanish way to relax. Popular choices include: Patatas Bravas, Gambas al Ajillo, and the world-famous Jamón Ibérico. Make sure to try it—the finest ham melts in your mouth and delivers a nutty flavor of acorns, truly a top-notch treat for your taste buds.
For main courses, the most famous is, of course, a full list of Spanish dishes and their Spanish names—paella. But bear in mind, authentic Valencian paella actually focuses on chicken and rabbit, not seafood. The version most people are familiar with, full of prawns and mussels, is usually labeled Paella de Marisco on the menu. Keep an eye on the description before ordering. Additionally, roast suckling pig and roast lamb leg are traditional specialties in central Spain: crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, perfect for sharing with a group.
After a hearty meal, you’ll probably want something to drink. For beverages, Sangría is the star—crafted with red wine, fruit, and a splash of spirits, it’s refreshing but stronger than it tastes, so don’t overdo it! If you want a lower alcohol option, try Tinto de Verano (literally “summer red wine”), which is essentially red wine mixed with lemon soda or soft drinks. If you want to discover more drink options, check this complete list of Spanish food and drink names in Spanish. For dessert, Churros con Chocolate is a staple for both breakfast and afternoon tea, and don’t miss Crema Catalana—similar in texture to French crème brûlée but with a unique Spanish twist. Personally, I find churros are tastier savory, the sweet ones can be a bit too much, haha!
To make things even easier for you, here is a simple table of some of the most-ordered Spanish dishes—feel free to screenshot and save it to your phone for reference:
| Spanish Name | Chinese Translation |
|---|
| Tortilla de Patatas | Spanish Potato Omelette |
| Pulpo a la Gallega | Galician-style Octopus |
| Gazpacho | Spanish Cold Soup |
| Croquetas | Croquettes |
| Calamares a la Romana | Roman-style Fried Calamari Rings |
Of course, this list isn’t exhaustive—Spanish cuisine is vast and every region has its own specialities. Feel free to share your favorite dish or any culinary mishaps in the comments, and let’s help each other eat and drink well in Spain!
