You probably have been to a tapas restaurant if you are from the States and you live in or near a major city. How could you not enjoy ordering a plethora of small plates of deliciously made tapas? The tapas bar is an absolute package to go with friends and family on a hot afternoon.
Enjoy the drinks, the great food, and you’re set for the rest of the day.
But, if you haven’t ventured to any tapas bar yet, now is the right time to do so. Here is some information along with the couple of tips that would help to make the most out of your dining experience.
What are Tapas?
In exact words; “Tapas can be anything, particularly when it comes down to ingredients.” Tapas are basically a bunch of small plates or appetisers that are meant to help gulp down some wine or beer and mostly enjoyed as an evening snack before the main course. In other words, it’s a traditional way of a family get-together with an informal meal made up of a wide range of different dishes that you share.
Rather than having a single person ordering separately and then eating from a single plate, the basic idea of Tapas is to let the group choose a combo of different “small portion” dishes and pick away at them. Hence, everyone in the house gets a chance to try the variety of tapas, textures, mixing flavours and mesmerising eating experience.
When to Eat Tapas
Tapas are the heart and the soul of the food world, and there is a reason for that – they fill in the gaps of the day. It does not supplement a meal or take the place of a meal just like an appetiser. However, they are served at bars, and people entertain themselves in these treats before lunch and before dinner. The best time to eat tapas is in the evening. It’s a pre-dinner snack. Therefore, you are suggested to go around 20:00. You may also see places where tapas are served as early as 18:00.
Tip: “Tapas tastes better when you eat it with your family.”
How To Order Tapas
The best way to get the most out of a tapas night or lunch is to base your selections by ordering two to three tapas per person, i.e. four people would typically order eight to twelve tapas for them. But, if you like any particular dish, then order two parts or if you just want to taste it, sticks with one. You are always free to add more as you go along.
The order will arrive in two to three dishes at a time, and this offers you an ultimate chance to try different tapas whole drinking, chatting and enjoying with your family and friends. The emphasis is always on sharing and letting you enjoy your food and drink.
What To Eat
- Jamon
- Chorizo
- Gambas
- Chopitos
- Albóndigas
- Pescadito Frito
- White Sardines
- Patatas Bravas
- Spanish Tortilla
- Pan con Tomate
- Aceitunas (Olives)
- Pimiento de Padron
Types of Tapas
Tapas are the best representatives of Spanish cuisine and also the most economically available export. The food in a real sense is humble, typically requires less preparation and hence there is an abundance of cold meats, pickles and cheese.
The variety of tapas is as surprising as its name. But, the most common of them all is ‘basic Spanish cupboard-fillers such as olives, nuts and crisps, followed by hot or cold tortilla de patatas, sardines and other small fish, roasted vegetables, croquetas and an endless list of cold meats and cheese placed on top of slices of white bread.
How To Eat Tapas – The Tapas Etiquette
As mentioned above, tapas can be anything; they can be hot or cold, finger food or can be eaten with a fork or spoon. It all depends on the type of tapas you order. At Vamos Restaurant in Melbourne you will not only get to choose from a variety of special board but also get to order from an ever-changing selection based on seasonal specialties. Offering the best of Spain and Latin America Fusion with a Melbourne twist.
Is your belly ready to rule the world?
Is there anything that we missed? Let us know in the comments below. Also, share your experience with tapas. We would love to hear them.