As a Spanish student-athlete living in the U.S., food has been one of the things I’ve missed the most. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve found some favorites here too (I won’t say no to a good burger). But nothing hits quite like Spanish food. It’s not just the taste, it’s the feeling, the tradition, the culture behind every bite.
Back home, food is more than just something we eat. It’s a way of living. It brings people together. Whether it’s a Sunday lunch with family or a quick tapa with friends after class, food is a huge part of who we are. And honestly? I didn’t realize how special it was until I moved away.
Here’s the thing: a lot of people come to Spain and think they’ve tried “authentic” Spanish food. They go to the touristy spots, order a paella, maybe some sangría, and call it a day. But that’s not even scratching the surface. You have to know where to go, the local bars, the hidden spots, the places where the menu isn’t even in English. That’s where the magic happens.
The food culture in Spain is huge. You can try Pintxos from the north, Paella from Valencia, and Pescaito frito from the South. There is a huge variety of different tapas, tastes, and in general, a special feeling. It isn’t just food, it is home.
When people ask me if Spanish food is the best in the world, I smile. For me, it is. Not just because of the taste, but because of what it represents. If you ever visit Spain, don’t just follow the guidebooks. Ask a local, walk into the small bars, and try the dishes you can’t pronounce. That’s where you’ll really understand what Spanish food is about.
And trust me, once you taste a real tortilla de patatas or a tapa of jamon iberico, you’ll never look at food the same way again.
