The Fascinating Origin of Tapas: A Spanish Culinary Treasure

At Spain and the Chef, we talk a lot about tapas, but what are they actually? Are they an appetizer, a snack, a tiny meal or a shrunken version of a traditional Spanish dish? Are they a modern invention or have they been there for long? How many kinds of tapas are there? Keep reading.

WHAT ARE SPANISH TAPAS?

Tapas indeed are small bites that are very popular, not only in Spain, in fact they have become a beloved culinary phenomenon celebrated worldwide. There are very famous tapas such as Tortilla de Patatas, Patatas Bravas or Ensaladilla Rusa, but there is no exhaustive list of them.

Tapas are no specific dish, but rather a format of a dish, which provides Spanish chefs with the opportunity to showcase and work with a myriad of flavors and techniques from Spanish cuisine daily.

It is also an opportunity for a chef, if not an obligation to tastefully pass on traditional recipes from Spanish culture, ensuring they are not lost, while mastering the latest culinary techniques to continue surprising our foodie visitors. If you are up for it, you could even take a tapas cooking class yourself and get a deeper understanding for what this means.

BUT, WHAT IS THE MEANING OF "TAPA"?

Literally meaning lid or cover, a tapa is an object used to close or cover a container. Smart Spaniards invented it to literally cover your appetite and calm down your stomach while enjoying a beer or a glass of wine. And since there are so many of them, it can be hard to choose just one. Luckily, they come in a very practical small format, allowing you to enjoy various culinary creations each time you entrust yourself to a Spanish chef.

WHAT DOES "COVERING" SOMETHING HAVE TO DO WITH "HAVING TAPAS"?

Of course, there is a legend behind tapas and as many things that come from our past, there is much controversy about their origin. Continue reading to discover the four most common legends about the origin of Spanish tapas and decide for yourself which one resonates most with you.

1. A windy day in Cádiz

During a trip to Cádiz in the 20th century, King Alfonso XIII stopped at a tavern during a windy day. While they waited, he ordered wine for the entire entourage. To shield the wine glass from the wind, the tavern owner placed a slice of ham as a "TAPA" over the king's glass. Impressed by the simplicity and delicious touch of the ham, Alfonso ordered more "tapas," and thus, the tradition of serving food with drinks was born.

There are several versions of this tale, each recounting a slightly different detail —whether it involved a slice of ham, ham on a slice of bread, or even a small plate with ham, all of them are quite easy to picture.

2. A drinking problem

The second legend takes us even further back in Spanish gastronomic history. In the 13th century, King Alfonso X "The Wise" introduced a custom of serving small food portions with drinks at court gatherings to prevent drunkenness and to "cover" the mouths that spoke too much under the influence of wines and spirits. This practice spread to taverns, calming intoxicated patrons and boosting drink sales.

3. The olive connection

A third version of the origin of tapas is associated with olives. During the 17th century, King Felipe II decided to promote olive cultivation throughout the country. Farmers were encouraged to plant olive trees and produce olive oil. As a result, olives became accessible and began to accompany drinks in taverns, solidifying as a key element in the tradition of tapas.

4. Medieval marketing

The last alternative doesn't involve kings but rather a medieval sales strategy. In the Spain of Don Quixote, the generosity and hospitality of tavern owners led to the custom of offering small portions of free food with wine and beer. This practice became solidified in the 19th century. To differentiate themselves from the competition, tavern owners began placing cold cuts, cheese, and olives on top of drinks to satisfy customers, and increase their sales.

WHICH ONE DO YOU BELIEVE?

No matter which of the legends appeals most to you, fact is, they all sound yummy. And it becomes quite clear that tapas are an Andalusian innovation.

So, you see that having tapas is not just about appetizers; it's a culinary experience of Spain's rich history, culture, and culinary diversity, from traditional, centuries-old recipes to innovative and experimental creations.

If you are lucky and get to visit Seville, be sure not to miss out on an unforgettable tapas tour or even totally immerse yourself in local gastronomy to experience the very essence of Spanish life. In the meantime, follow us on instagram or facebook to see more delicious Andalusian food and enjoy the flavor of every moment.

Óscar González Moreno