We all can agree that Spain is one gorgeous city but when hunger strikes, you're ready to stuff your face with anything (halal/Muslim friendly at least?)!
Don't fret, rumbling tummies! When in Spain, you HAVE to try the delicious and authentic fare they have to offer. So here's 6 savoury dishes you have to try while in Spain?
Disclaimer: Do note that none of the following dishes are halal-certified so do look for Muslim-friendly alternatives and consume at your own discretion.
1. Paella
Seeing this colourful dish, we can't help but salivate! We strongly suggest that you have Paella in Valencia, Spain where it was originated. The quality in Valencia is incomparable to any other location in Spain. Ok, what is Paella? Paella is saffron coloured rice usually mixed with all sorts of seafood ingredients such as clams, mussels, shrimps, lobster, crabs etc.
Disclaimer: Do make sure that they do not add in any meats like chicken (unless it's halal!), chicken stock or alcohol when preparing the dish.
2. Croqueta
This is one of our favorite Spanish foods mainly because it is filling and delicious. Croqueta is fried bread crumbs filled with mashed potatoes and literally anything else, normally chicken or fish or cheese or ham etc. There is a place called Javier Martin Croquetas where there are 32 flavors of these scrumptious appetizers. They range from sweet croquetas, cheesy croquetas, spicy croquetas and so on.
3. Patata
There is something about the Spaniards and potatoes. Potatoes are included in almost all of their dishes. If you are having a Spanish meal and potato or bread or olive oil are not included; you need to check its Spanish authenticity. However the main potato dish popular in Spain are:
Tortilla Española
A Spanish omelette made with potatoes.
Patata Bravas
Boiled and fried potatoes with a vinegar, tomato and red pepper sauce poured on it. Sometimes added to this sauce is aioli- mayonnaise and garlic.
4. Bocadillo de Calamares
Credit: By Tamorlan (Own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0], via Wikimedia Commons
If you are big on seafood, you would enjoy this delicious fried octopus sandwich. Sometimes cheese and vegetable are included with the fried calamari rings but usually it’s just left like that.
5. Huevos Roto
We haven’t had this dish yet, but we heard that it is scrumptious! Huevos Rotos translates to broken eggs and consists of potatoes, sliced meat (make sure it's halal or omit the meat), green pepper, garlic and the typical seasoning spices.
6. Pulpo a la Gallega
This dish is for the seafood lovers as well. Pulpo is squid. This dish originated from Galicia, Spain. Galicia is by the Atlantic Ocean; naturally the best seafood comes from this region of Spain. Pulpo a la gallega is boiled squid mixed with potatoes and sprinkled with pepper, olive oil and salt.
Any of these yummy dishes caught your fancy? Let us know in the comments below??