Food of Spain
The varied and delicious food of Spain is as diverse as the country itself. Travelers to Spain are in for a treat: this country is passionate about its food, and enjoys sharing it with their visitors. The food can vary greatly from region to region, and is normally based on ingredients and products that are native to that area. Seafood tends to be popular around the coast, and other fowl and meat is common in the central areas.

The Spanish are connoisseurs of fine wines, so be sure to pick out some locally made products to sip with your meals. Another popular drink is Sangria, a typically red wine often sweetened with sugar. This chilled drink is served with fresh fruit floating in the glass, and is absolutely delicious. Spain is also one of the few countries in the world that serves Absinthe, a green-colored alcohol distilled in Wormwood. Be wary of this drink however: it is extremely strong, sitting usually around 75% alcohol, so a few sips of this stuff is enough to make you see double!

Gazpacho is a popular dish throughout Spain, a cold tomato-based soup served with various vegetables. Paella is also common and should definitely be tried when in Spain. This rice dish usually features an array of meats or, even better, fresh seafood. The rice is flavored with Saffron, giving it an exquisite flavor and lively yellow colour. Queso Manchego is a sheep's milk cheese that is popular throughout the country, and should definitely be sampled during a trip to Spain. Another delicious dish is the Tortilla Espanola, a potato omelet that is also often served in a sandwich, making for a great lunch or snack.

Northern Spain is synonymous with stews, as their beef tends to be too tough to cook any other way. One of the most popular of these is the Cocido, a dish that is cooked by slowly stewing the beef with chickpeas and other vegetables, which vary region to region. Coastal Spain's cuisine is loaded with fresh seafood cooked to perfection.

The dining options are so varied that it can be hard to choose. If you want to get try a few different dishes, make your way to a Tapas Bar. Tapas are small appetizers that can usually be bought one at a time to be sampled. A few of these tasty morsels can make a great meal, and next time you enter a restaurant you will have a better idea of exactly what you like.

Flan, a heavy egg custard topped with seared, liquid sugar is a popular dessert, along with Churros, a deep fried donut often served with hot, melted chocolate for dipping.