It's one thing to know what you're going to eat...

Okay, so now you have some idea what sort of food you can order--but Tapas venues prepare and serve things in different ways. It's worth mentioning that there's no such thing as a 'standard' to which Tapas dishes are made and, just because you really enjoyed something at one place, doesn't mean it will taste just as great everywhere you go!

A la Brasa: Barbecued (usually over charcoal)
A La Plancha: Supposed to mean "griddled;" often turns out to be fried
A Leña: Cooked over firewood
Al Ajillo: In a sauce made from olive oil, garlic and chilli
Al Vapor: Steamed
Alitas: Made-up word used to describe 'small wings.'
Coctel: Cocktail
Del Mar: "From the Sea"
En aceite: In Oil
En vinagre: In Vinegar
Frito(s) (Frita(s)): Fried
Mariscos: Shellfish
Muslitos: Made-up word first used to describe small chicken legs and now also applies to any meat or shellfish pressed into a shape.
Parillada: Mixed Grill
Pescados: Fish
Picante: Spicy (hot)
Selección: A Selection
Surtido: An Assortment

Tapas Guide | Associated Terms

Alarcón
Altea
Anna
Barx
Batea
Bocairent
Calpe
Caravaca de la Cruz
Cuenca
Dénia
Gandía
Jalón
Jávea
La Drova
Moraira
Morella
Oliva
Requena
Simat
Sitges
Teulada
Torre del Marenyet
Tossa de Mar
Valénicia
Villena
Xativa
Yecla