Spain has hundreds of wonderful dishes that reflect its culture and heritage; the most famous and popular cuisines can be found in various parts of the country and have many different variations for each dish.  Some of the most popular dishes include tapas, jamon Serrano, paella, tortilla de patatas, olive oil, and wine. 

Tapas

Tapas are a great part of the Spanish culture.  Originally, tapas were created as little snacks that would be placed over wine glasses to keep the flies and other bugs out of there drinks. Typical tapas are very flat, and helped to keep the glasses covered. Now, tapas come in many different shapes and sizes. The seafood tapas generally look like onion rings.Tapas come in many different varieties such as seafood, cheese, eggs, vegetables, or even pastry type tapas.  There are tapa bars, or Tascas (tapa bars), throughout the country.  Generally, tapas are served as an appetizer, and in most cases are served with Spain’s finest wines and cheeses.   Most people in Spain eat tapas as a small meal between meals when socializing.  In parts of Spain such as Madrid Andalucia, and Extremadura, many bars are specifically tapa bars in which people come together to socialize, eat tapas, and a drink. All in all, tapas have been a part of Spain's culture and cuisine for many years and have changed and grown with Spain.