The Basque Countries include the south-west of France and the north-west of Spain. However, tapas is usually associated with Spain. In the Basque area, they are often called pintxos, but whatever they’re called, tapas are widely available in bars and restaurants. If you have the time, rent a vehicle from a car hire and travel the beautiful north-west area of Spain to take in the best of Basque cuisine.
First of all, it’s worth knowing a little more about tapas so you know what you’re looking for (unless you prefer to be surprised, of course). Tapas is a selection of small snacks, a little like appetisers, and they can be enjoyed both hot and cold. The Basque word ‘pintxos’ is a reference to the wooden skewer used to secure the tapas and which the bar or restaurant staff also use to tally how much each customer has eaten.
Customers often order a small number of tapas (say four or five) for a bar snack while bar-hopping before a late dinner or a dozen or so for a more substantial meal such as a weekend lunch. They are perfect for family celebrations or informal get togethers with friends as they are great for breaking the ice since people have to move about and pass popular dishes back and forth. A good tip is that when there are several people eating, it is wisest to ask for either a whole dish or half dish serving (ración and media ración, respectively) as this will cost considerably less than buying individual servings for each person.
There are lots of rumoured explanations about the origins of tapas which is Spanish for ‘covers or lids’. One version states that tapas began life as a practical solution for keeping flies out of people’s drinks by covering glasses with slices of salted meat which had the ‘accidental’ benefit of increasing customers’ thirst. Another suggests that bar owners used chunks of ripe cheese which also had the side-effect of covering up wine that was past its best. Whatever the reasons, locals and tourists alike adore this way of eating and many bars still serve up an individual tapa free with a drink.
Classic tapas, which are available pretty much anywhere, include meat dishes, seafood dishes, olive and vegetable-based dishes, as well as various breads. If you’re not sure what to go for, here is a dozen suggestions to help you make your first choice from meat, seafood and vegetable options.
First of all, four popular vegetable options.PatatasBravas are a good choice as they are both tasty and filling. Basically, they are fried potato cubes in a spicy sauce. Setas al Ajillo are mushrooms gently fried in olive oil flavoured with garlic. Pintxos de Encurtidos are a selection of olives and pickled vegetables served on skewers. Pimientos de Padrónare tiny tasty green peppers done in olive oil, an enticing combination of mild and spicy peppers to keep you guessing.
Seafood is well loved in Spain and this is reflected in some of the most popular tapas. Watch out for Zamburiñas, which are scallops in a delicious marinara sauce – especially if you’re near Galicia where they are a local speciality. You must try Calamares which look like onion rings, but are in fact rings of squid, deep-fried in a light and crispy batter. Or, if you’re feeling particularly adventurous, try Puntillitas – tiny whole squids that have been battered and deep-fried. Also well worth watching out for are Gambas which are fried prawns served in a variety of ways, with garlic, chili or peppercorns.
Spain is famed for its delicious chorizo (or txorizo if you’re in Basque country) and this features in a number of tapas. Cojonudo is a great way to enjoy this spicy sausage at its best as it comprises a slice of chorizo, a quail’s egg and a piece of rustic bread on a wooden skewer. Alternatively, Raxo is a meaty mouthful consisting of pork with garlic, paprika and parsley. And if you want something very simple, then an excellent meat choice is Carne Mechada, a very tender piece of beef, or Albóndigas which are meatballs in sauce.