Tapas are so much a part of Spain's culture (not just food culture) that entire meal times center around them. With that being said, there are huge amounts of various tapas that you can find throughout the country, which makes it practically impossible to understand all of them. Additionally they range drastically in flavor, composition, and ingredients, which makes them even difficult to pin down as just one, general food group.
In short, a 'tapa' is anything that's served in small portions and passes as a snack. It's usually smaller than an appetizer but will the trick with regards to tiding one over until your meal. Sometimes, tapas are even served after dinner. So, where to start?
Where Did Tapas Originate from?
In to understand in which the idea of a little plate originated from, it's important to know the good reputation for tapas. It's thought that, based on legend, the dish got its start throughout the Twentieth century. One day when King Alfonso XIII stopped right into a bar, he was given a glass of wine. However, a windstorm was kicking up a terrible amount of sand so, in order to keep debris from the king's glass, the bartender supposedly covered it with a plate of cured ham. Since tapas comes from the Spanish word tapa or tapar, 'to cover,' it makes sense. The non-literal meaning of a 'small plate' originates from the thought of serving a small snack with wine.
Another theory dates back towards the Middle Ages when it is believed that people would drink mead or wine to keep warm. To temper some of the alternative results of drinking so much, small plates of food were served during the day to keep one's stomach full.
Types Of Tapas And Restaurants
There are some various kinds of tapas that one might encounter during a visit to Spain. Actually, many of these ideas regarding tapas have been adopted around the world – therefore, one could even encounter them without ever leaving their city, state, or country.
Traditional Tapa
The most traditional kind of small plate is the tapa. Although this varies from place to place, in Spain, if a person requests a tapa, they likely be brought a very small plate filled with olives or cured meat. It'll be much more of a little bite than the usual small plate – just something enough to whet hunger and provide diners a taste of something refreshing.
Media Ración
This may be the second-largest tapa that can be ordered and will also be slightly larger than the typical small plate. This is what most people consider when they think of tapas, also it usually includes enough for up to three people to share among themselves.
Ración
The largest of all of the kinds of tapas one can order, this is usually enough for the entire table. Often, this includes whether slightly larger plate with one style of tapas or a mix of several different smaller tapas plates. This usually comes with a price whereas the tapa (the tiniest plate) might come free having a meal.
Tapas Restaurants
There are a couple of types of tapas restaurants: a tapas bar, and an actual tapas restaurant. A tapas bar will be a dining establishment that – because the name implies – serves strictly small plates. Instead of having them on the menu for free with a meal, they'll all come with a price and will range in dimensions and elegance. In Spain, most of these are stand-up only but in Barcelona, visitors will find that tapas bars have tables and lots of individuals will spend hours eating, drinking, and conversing there.
In contrast, a tapas restaurant is found additionally beyond Spain. Because the concept of a little plate has became popular, many countries have entire restaurants focused on the idea of small appetizers. These are usually places with a full bar, serving a menu filled with small appetizer-sized options to select from.
Tapas Classifications
There are hot and cold tapas, and each type suits one of these simple two categories. Hot tapas are usually cooked to order given that they should be served warm and can include everything from fried food to something pan-sauteed. Cold tapas really are a bit more convenient given that they can be prepped ahead of time, and are served chilled or at 70 degrees. This includes any type of salad or anything that's marinated or pickled. When it comes to the design and style and kind of tapas it's possible to order, they're broken down into four main dishes.
- Tostas. These are simple and easy, and contain a slice of excellent bread that's topped with a few kind of meat, jam, or spread. It can be eaten with the hands and it is a popular option at bars since it negates the requirement for utensils.
- Pintxos. This kind of small plate also includes a slice of good, crusty bread, but a skewer is served atop it. Pintxos can be served as skewers by themselves, too – the treatment depends around the restaurant.
- Conservas. Often found in the form of seafood, conservas are usually anything that arrives of a can. We're talking about the very best quality tuna one will discover, that's been marinated inside a delicious mixture of spices and herbs.
- Tablas. The most common form of tapas – and the one that lots of people recognize immediately – is tablas. This can be a traditional serving of charcuterie and cheese, generally served having a glass of wine.
