Food and Drink
Latest articles about food, drink, and food culture in Spain.
American tourist fined for entering US with nearly 9 kg of Spanish meats
An American tourist who packed his suitcase full of chorizo, fuet and other Spanish cold meats has been fined €500 at Seattle Airport upon returning from Spain.
What you need to know before having a barbecue in Spain
Spaniards may prefer to meet friends at bars and restaurants to eat and drink but for many foreigners who are used to barbecuing in their home countries the question remains: is it legal to have a barbecue in your Spanish home?
Is it true 10pm dinners in Spain are dying out?
A recent article in The New York Times claimed Spaniards are no longer eating out as late as they famously do. The Local's reporter and travel writer Esme Fox sets out to unearth if there's any truth to this.
11 fruits and vegetables eaten in Spain that aren't common elsewhere
Have you ever come across some of these 'unusual' fruits and vegetables in Spain? They may surprise you because they're not eaten in many other places.
'Nothing beats ready salted': Your views on crisp flavours in Spain
We asked our readers what they think of Spanish crisp or chip flavours and how they compare to flavours back in their home countries. When it comes to the crunch, are you more jamón serrano (cured ham) flavour or fried egg?
Can they charge you for tap water in Spain?
It's not that common to ask for tap water in Spain, but if you do, are bars and restaurants allowed to charge you for it? What about if you're not a customer?
What are the origins of Spain's tapas food culture?
Tapas are an intrinsic part of Spanish eating culture, consisting of small plates of food shared with friends or family along with drinks. There are some fascinating theories about how this typically Spanish way of dining came to be.
Warm milk? What shocks Americans about grocery shopping in Spain
Professional jamón cutters, fresh orange juice machines, unrefrigerated milk and eggs, and no rush whatsoever - there are plenty of surprises (many of them pleasant) that Americans face when they start food shopping in Spain, writes Jennifer Lutz.
The best Spanish food and drink to keep you cool during the summer heat
If the summer heat is making you lose your appetite, these delicious Spanish food and drink specialties will help fill you up whilst keeping you cool. ¡Buen provecho! (Enjoy your meal).
What are the rules for setting up a food truck in Spain?
Food trucks have become trendy, sought-after additions to festivals and events in Spain. If you're interested in setting up your own food truck in Spain, here's everything you need to know, from the legal requirements to some tips.
Mercadona to open on Sundays over summer in Spain's tourist areas
Spain's most popular supermarket has announced that it will be open for longer in areas of high-tourist concentration during the peak summer months, closing later on weekdays and opening on Sundays.
How to get involved with urban gardens in Spain
If you fancy yourself green-fingered or live in an apartment without access to your own outdoor space, you'll find that Spain has many urban gardens and allotments that you can potentially join.
Why do so many bars and restaurants in Spain close on Mondays?
If you live in Spain or come here regularly on holiday, you’ll probably have noticed that Monday is the day when many bars and restaurants stay closed and you have far fewer options than any other day of the week. But why is this?
Spain's bar and restaurant terraces to close during heatwaves
Terraces are popular throughout the year in Spain, but it’s the summer season when they really come alive. In a historic new agreement, this could all be set to change.
A guide to shopping at your local fruit and veg store in Spain
One of the best ways to integrate into life in Spain is to buy your fruit and veg at your local greengrocer in Spain, called a 'frutería'. Follow our tips on how to shop at them.
'Cervezas': The beers to order in different parts of Spain
Spain may be better known for its wines than its beers, but it has some excellent varieties to choose from. Here's what 'cerveza' to order in different parts of the country.
Seven key points from Spain's new food waste law
Spain's new law to help reduce food waste came fully into force on April 3rd 2026. Here's how it'll affect you, from being able to ask for doggy bags at all restaurants to getting great supermarket deals on 'ugly' but perfectly good fruit and veg.
Ten mouthwatering dishes to enjoy at Easter in Spain
After diligently avoiding sweets and other tasty temptations for Lent, Catholic Spaniards know how to ring in the end of the religious season with amazing dishes during Holy Week.
152 times a year: The stats that show Spaniards' love for eating out
Low wages, chronically high unemployment and rising prices never seem to prevent Spaniards from enjoying drinks and meals out with friends and family. New data illustrates how much importance Spaniards give to these eating rituals.
How to spot restaurants in Spain that are tourist traps
If eating and drinking what the locals have and paying the right price for it matters to you, there are several tell tale signs that certain restaurants in Spain are tourist traps and only in it for the money.
Culture, politics, food: What makes Europeans proud of their country?
A recent survey by the Pew Research Centre delved into what people feel proudest about in their country, with Europeans pointing to history, food and culture among the main reasons.
Spain to ban sale of energy drinks to under-16s
Spain's Consumer Affairs Ministry has announced that it will implement rules to ban the sale of energy drinks to people under the age of 16.
Why paella is eaten for lunch and not dinner in Spain (and mainly on Thursdays)
Spaniards are known to be pretty puritanical when it comes to paella. Not only in terms of ingredients, but when to eat it and even which day.