Spain, a diverse country and people, Christian, Jew and Muslim invaded by the Romans and the Moors with a sea border that has allowed the early introduction of fruit and vegetables from the new world that easily grow in Spain’s micro climates.

The Romans introduced Olives and irrigation; Spain now produces over 50% of world olive oil production. The North African Moors brought Almonds, Citrus Fruits and Spices including Saffron and the ships from the New World introduces Tomatoes, Sweet Peppers, Chilli Peppers, Corn, Beans and Potatoes, all of which are complemented by the abundant seafood available from both the Atlantic and Mediterranean – the result is one of the world’s great cuisines.

Tapas are a small appetiser traditionally served alongside a beer or wine throughout Spain but with its origins originally in Andalucía. The origins of Tapas are not clear, it means cover or lid. Many claim that the Tapas was developed as a cover to the sherry glass to discourage the fruit flies from invading – usually a slice of bread with jamon or chorizo, both salty, to encourage further sales! Another explanation is that king Alfonso XII when visiting a bar in Cadiz, ordered a sherry and the waiter covered it with a slice of jamon to protect it from the sand. Whatever the reason the Tapas remains an important part of Spanish socialising and culture.

In Andalucía, away from the tourist areas, it is normal for bars to automatically offer tapas with every drink ordered – each bar offers a different range of between 8 and 12 tapas so a varied meal is consumed by visiting several bars. A Tapas need not be complicated, for example “Cojonudos” which means magnificent, fantastic, awesome - this is a slice of bread with a fried quails egg with either Morcilla (black pudding) or Chorizo – simple yet delicious. Another favourite are the Pimientos de Padrón from the province of Coru?a these are small green peppers fried in olive oil served with a little salt – most are mild but a few are quite hot! These are now available in the UK when in season.

If visiting Barcelona I cannot miss a visit to La Boqueria Market along La Rambla de Sant Josep, this amazing market is an assault on the senses, the colour, smell, sound and most importantly taste of the amazing Tapas that are being prepared throughout the market. Famous for its seafood, try Barcelona’s famous Croquettas de Bacalao.

In these chastened times Tapas is an ideal offering for many Restaurants. By offering small dishes realistically priced, the customer can decide how much to spend, the better the Tapas the more will be ordered – and if there are more to feed the option of ordering a “racion” a large plate.

Tapas offers flexibility, you can call in for a small snack and a drink as an alternative to the ubiquitous coffee shop at any time of day. Tapas need not be expensive, for example El Pirata Tapas Bar in the heart of Mayfair offers Tapas from as little as £2.90 with many offerings for less than £6.00.

Successful Tapas bars both in Spain and in the UK are very much ingredient led – the portion may be small but the quality of the ingredient should be excellent – so utilise local foods in season, a slice of Serrano ham wrapped around fresh asparagus in June is absolutely delicious and inexpensive to produce. In our outside catering business we frequently offer champiñones al jerez as a vegetarian dish with garlic, chille and dry Manzanilla Sherry. We serve it alongside our giant paella’s and Chorizo a la Plancha and it is always popular at food festivals.

The popularity of Tapas has certainly spread far beyond the borders of Spain and now it is possible to find even Italian restaurants in the UK are introducing a small dish menus sometimes called  “cicchetti” or “spuntino”.  One high street I visited recently had a restaurant offering Thai Tapas and why not.

The Tapas need not just be served in Restaurants; many make ideal Take Away items, served cold or easily re-heated in the oven or on the hob. The success of Tapas is, as ever, good local ingredients, good company and a glass or two of vino tinto. Tapas, be it in the bar or at home, brings people together – they are dishes for sharing, they encourage good conversation for all to enjoy!

Article by Nick Hayward,
Managing Director of the Edeli Group
Edeli Ltd, Spanish Food Importers
Ilumunada Ltd, Spanish Outside Caterers