Ir de tapas

When you came to Spain you have to try tapas. It is a appetizer which is very popular and delicious. In some region they call it bocas or pintxos. The word tapas come from "tapar" which mean "cover". Probably tradition come from Andalusia where people cover their glasses with sherry by slice of bread or meat to protect from fruit flies. Later Spanish started to add jamón or other products to the tapas.

There are different kinds of tapas e.g.: fuet, banderilla, jamon serrano, mariscos, olives, oreja, patatas bravas, tortilla espanola. 
Big impact for Spanish cuisine had Ancient Rome and Moors who conquered Spain for many years. Actually Spain belonged to Arab Empire over 700 years. Till today it is easy to find influence Arabic (especially in Andalusia) cuisine for tapas e.g. almonds, citrus fruits and fragrant spices.



 Tapas

Also after descubrimiento de América (1492) Spanish cuisine began use new products e.g. tomatoes, sweet and chili peppers, maize and potatoes. 

Tapas are also known in other countries. For example in Middle Eastern it is mezze and in China dim sum.