Benidorm holidays would not be complete without a visit to the famous “Tapas Alley” which runs from the Plaza de la Constitutio to Santa Domingo. A favourite with tourists and locals alike, this is where to head if you want to sample some delicious Catalan cuisine.
Tapas is a great way to try Spanish food and it can come in a variety of ways. For example in some bars you’ll automatically be given a tapa for each drink you order. You could be sitting in a bar and a waiter will walk from table to table offering tapas, you choose whatever you like from the tray and it will be added to your bill. You can also order off a menu just like in any other restaurant, or you’ll see it displayed on the counter and you just pick what you like the look of when you order your drink at the bar.
Tapas comes in many shapes and forms. It can be something cold like a few olives, manchego cheese or jamon (Spanish cured ham). It could equally be something hot like patatas bravas, meatballs or squid. Here are a few must try dishes when on holidays in Spain:
Patatas Bravas
This literally means brave potatoes and are fried potatoes covered in a fiery sauce. Hugely popular and found on many a tapas bar menu.
Albondigas
These are delicious fried meatballs. Served alone, or often with a tomato sauce or an almond based one.
Calamares
Squid rings, sometimes fried in batter, or without. Great with salt and pepper and a squeeze of lemon.
Boquerones
White anchovies served in vinegar or deep fried.
Pinchos
Kebabs of pork, chicken or lamb, often with a spicy seasoning and grilled. A nod to Spain’s Arabic past.
Chorizo al Vino
Chrorizo sausage cooked in red wine. A tapas bar menu staple.
Croquetas
Delicious deep fried sausages of potato mixed with bechemel sauce and ham, fish or chiciken and rolled in breadcrumbs
Tortilla
Triangles of Spanish omelette filled with potato and onion. Another hugely popular and filling dish.
There are lots of dishes to choose from in a tapas bar, all as delicious as the next. If you find you particularly like something or would like a larger portion, ask for a racion (portion) or medio racion (half portion), both of which are larger than the small tapas style serving.
Why not head off to Benidorm with Direct Holidays and sample some delicious tapas from Tapas Alley for yourself? Read about things to do whilst in the Old Town, Benidorm here from our holiday in the summer.