The Most Popular Lunch in Spain, Ranked
Voting rules: Choose the lunch you think is the most popular!
Updated on Apr 22, 2024 07:18
In the bustling streets of Spain, lunch is not just a meal; it's a day's highlight, a siesta's prelude, and a cultural spectacle. Knowing the most favored lunch choices can turn any ordinary day into a sumptuous journey through Spanish flavor landscapes. That's why a dynamic, community-driven ranking of such a crucial meal proves incredibly useful. It aids tourists and locals alike in making informed, palate-pleasing decisions.
This live ranking evolves with each vote, reflecting real-time preferences and trends across diverse Spanish locales. It's an engaging way for people to express their culinary preferences and influence others' dining choices. Each vote helps paint a more accurate, flavorful picture of what's currently sizzling in Spain's kitchens. So dive in, cast your vote, and see how your favorites stack up against the crowd!
What Is the Most Popular Lunch in Spain?
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185votesThis is a classic Spanish lunch, made with a crusty baguette and thinly sliced cured ham. It is simple, affordable, and widely available throughout the country.The Bocadillo de jamón, or ham sandwich, is a traditional and immensely popular lunch dish in Spain. It is a simple but delicious creation consisting of a baguette or similar type of bread, sliced jamón serrano (cured ham) as the main filling, and often accompanied by optional additions such as tomato, olive oil, or cheese. It is a go-to choice for a quick and satisfying meal in Spain, enjoyed by people of all ages.
- Main Ingredients: Baguette, jamón serrano (cured ham)
- Optional Additions: Tomato, olive oil, cheese
- Typical Serving Style: Served as a whole sandwich, usually cut into halves or quarters
- Preferred Bread Type: Crusty baguette or similar type of bread
- Ham Type: Jamón serrano (cured ham)
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215votes
Tamorlan · CC BY-SA 3.0This dish is made with potatoes, onions, and eggs, and is typically served cold or at room temperature. It is a staple of Spanish cuisine and can be found on many lunch menus.The Tortilla española, also known as the Spanish omelette, is a classic dish in Spain. It is a thick, round omelette made with eggs, potatoes, and onions. The dish is typically cooked in olive oil until the potatoes are soft and slightly golden, and the eggs are set. It is usually served at room temperature, making it a popular option for lunch or tapas. The Tortilla española is a versatile dish that can be customized by adding other ingredients such as peppers, chorizo, or cheese.- Main ingredients: Eggs, potatoes, onions
- Cooking method: Fried in olive oil
- Texture: Soft and slightly firm
- Shape: Thick, round omelette
- Serving temperature: Room temperature
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320votesThis iconic rice dish originated in Valencia and is now a popular lunch option throughout Spain. It can be made with a variety of ingredients, such as seafood, chicken, or vegetables.Paella is a traditional Spanish rice dish that originated in the Valencia region. It is renowned for its vibrant colors, rich flavors, and enticing aroma. Paella is traditionally cooked in a shallow, wide pan known as a paellera, which allows for even heat distribution and the formation of a delicious crust at the bottom of the rice. The dish typically consists of short-grain rice cooked with a variety of ingredients, such as saffron, chicken, rabbit, seafood (including shrimp, clams, and mussels), and vegetables (such as bell peppers, tomatoes, and green beans). It is seasoned with spices like paprika and often garnished with lemon wedges. Paella is enjoyed as a communal dish, bringing people together to savor the flavors of Spain.
- Origin: Spain
- Type of rice: short-grain rice
- Cooking vessel: a wide, shallow pan called a paellera
- Key ingredients: saffron, chicken, rabbit, seafood (shrimp, clams, mussels), vegetables (bell peppers, tomatoes, green beans)
- Seasonings: spices like paprika
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418votesThis cold soup is perfect for hot summer days and is made with tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, and other vegetables. It is a refreshing and healthy lunch option.Gazpacho is a cold soup originating from Spain. It is typically made with raw, pureed vegetables such as tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, onions, and garlic. The soup is seasoned with olive oil, vinegar, and salt, and often garnished with croutons or chopped vegetables. Gazpacho is known for its refreshing and tangy flavors, making it a popular dish during hot summer months.
- Origin: Spain
- Temperature: Served cold
- Main ingredients: Tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, onions, garlic
- Seasoning: Olive oil, vinegar, salt
- Garnish: Croutons, chopped vegetables
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517votesThese small, fried balls are filled with ingredients such as ham, cheese, or mushrooms. They are a popular tapa (snack) and can also be enjoyed as a lunch dish.Croquetas are a traditional and beloved Spanish appetizer that consists of small, breaded and deep-fried, bite-sized pieces of creamy and rich filling. The filling is typically made with a mixture of bechamel sauce, often flavored with ingredients like ham, cod, chicken, or mushrooms. The crispy golden exterior contrasts with the soft and flavorful interior, making them a popular choice as tapas or snacks in Spain.
- Size: Small, bite-sized pieces
- Texture: Creamy and smooth interior, crispy exterior
- Filling: Bechamel-based, often with ham, cod, chicken or mushrooms
- Cooking method: Breaded and deep-fried
- Popular variations: Jamón (ham) croquetas, bacalao (cod) croquetas, pollo (chicken) croquetas
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67votes
Dr. Bernd Gross · CC BY-SA 4.0Ensaladilla rusa (Russian salad)
Lucien OlivierThis salad is made with potatoes, carrots, peas, and mayonnaise, and is often served as a side dish or lunch option. It is creamy and satisfying.Ensaladilla rusa, also known as Russian salad, is a traditional Spanish dish typically served as a tapa or side dish. It consists of a combination of diced boiled potatoes, carrots, peas, and hard-boiled eggs mixed together with mayonnaise. The salad is often garnished with olives, tuna, or anchovies. It is served chilled and makes for a refreshing and filling lunch option.- Main Ingredients: Potatoes, carrots, peas, hard-boiled eggs, mayonnaise
- Garnish Options: Olives, tuna, anchovies
- Serving Temperature: Chilled
- Food Type: Tapa, side dish
- Origin: Spain
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713votesThese small skewers can be made with a variety of ingredients, such as grilled vegetables, meat, or seafood. They are perfect for sharing and make for a light lunch option.Pinchos, also known as pintxos, are a popular type of food in Spain, specifically in the Basque country. They are bite-sized skewers commonly served as an appetizer, often accompanied by a slice of bread as a base. Each pincho typically consists of small portions of different ingredients, providing a variety of flavors and textures in one serving.
- Typical Ingredients: Various combinations of meats (such as ham, chorizo, or marinated chicken), seafood (like prawns or anchovies), vegetables, cheese, and olives.
- Bread Base: Pinchos are usually served on a slice of bread, which serves as a foundation for the toppings.
- Skewer Presentation: The ingredients are often skewered onto a toothpick or small skewer, making them easy to handle and eat.
- Variety of Flavors: Pinchos come in a wide range of flavors, allowing people to sample different combinations and experiment with tastes.
- Creative Combinations: Chefs and home cooks alike have the freedom to create unique combinations, using their creativity to craft delicious and visually appealing pinchos.
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88votes
Francesc Fort · CC BY-SA 4.0This dish consists of tender squid rings that are battered and fried. It is a popular lunch option in coastal regions and is often served with aioli sauce.Calamares a la romana is a popular Spanish dish that consists of deep-fried squid rings. The squid rings are battered and then fried until they turn golden and crispy. This dish is commonly served as a tapa or appetizer in Spain, but it can also be enjoyed as a main course. Calamares a la romana has a deliciously tender texture and offers a delightful contrast between the crispy exterior and the tender interior of the squid. It is often served with a squeeze of lemon or aioli sauce for dipping.- Cuisine: Spanish
- Preparation: Deep-fried
- Main Ingredient: Squid
- Texture: Crispy exterior, tender interior
- Serving Style: Tapa or main course
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90votesThis dish consists of fried eggs that are served on top of fried potatoes and ham or chorizo. It is a hearty and filling lunch option that is commonly found in Madrid.Huevos rotos, also known as broken eggs, is a popular lunch dish in Spain. It consists of fried eggs on top of a bed of fried potatoes, typically served with slices of cured ham or chorizo. The dish gets its name from the act of breaking the eggs over the potatoes, combining the runny yolk with the crispy potatoes.
- Region: Spain
- Typical garnish: Salt, pepper, parsley
- Main ingredients: Fried eggs, fried potatoes
- Optional ingredients: Cured ham, chorizo
- Cooking method: Frying
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106votesThis sweet treat consists of fried dough that is sprinkled with sugar and served with a thick hot chocolate dipping sauce. It is a popular snack and can also be enjoyed as a lunch dessert.Churros con chocolate is a traditional Spanish treat that is often enjoyed as a mid-morning snack or dessert. It consists of deep-fried dough, known as churros, served with a thick and rich hot chocolate sauce for dipping.
- Churros: Deep-fried dough made from a simple mixture of flour, water, and salt.
- Shape: Long, star-shaped or spiral fingers.
- Texture: Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.
- Serving size: Typically served in a portion of 4 to 6 churros.
- Dipping sauce: Thick and velvety hot chocolate, often made with dark chocolate and milk.
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Ranking factors for popular lunch
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Traditional Spanish dishesConsider traditional Spanish dishes that are commonly consumed during lunchtime in Spain, such as tapas, paella, gazpacho, bocadillos (sandwiches), and tortilla Española (Spanish omelette).
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Regional preferencesSpain has various regions, each with its unique cuisine. Consider the regional favorites and see which dishes have widespread popularity across the country.
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Availability and accessibilityFactor in the availability of ingredients and accessibility of dishes in various settings, such as restaurants, cafes, and home-cooked meals. Popular lunches are likely to be those that are easily accessible and can be prepared with commonly available ingredients.
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AffordabilityThe cost of a dish also plays a role in determining its popularity. Generally, more affordable options that can be found across various socioeconomic classes may be more prevalent.
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Cultural and social importanceConsider the cultural and social significance attached to the dishes. Some foods may be more popular because they are associated with festivities or shared experiences.
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Nutritional valueIt's essential to consider the nutritional value of the dish. A popular lunch option should ideally provide a balance of proteins, carbohydrates, and other essential nutrients.
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ConvenienceThe ease of preparation and consumption of the dish is another factor to consider. Busy urbanites might prefer meals that are easy to prepare or purchase, and easy to eat on-the-go.
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TasteUltimately, the taste of the dish plays a significant role in its popularity. A popular lunch in Spain should be well-liked by the majority of the population and should suit local taste preferences.
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Adaptability to personal preferencesDishes that can be easily adapted to individual preferences and dietary needs may be more popular as they cater to a broader audience.
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TrendinessLastly, consider current food trends and influences that may impact the popularity of certain dishes. Food preferences change over time, and staying up-to-date with what is popular now can provide a more accurate ranking.
About this ranking
This is a community-based ranking of the most popular lunch in Spain. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or lunch is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!
Statistics
- 2246 views
- 186 votes
- 10 ranked items
Voting Rules
A participant may cast an up or down vote for each lunch once every 24 hours. The rank of each lunch is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.
More information on most popular lunch in spain
Spain is a country renowned for its rich culture, history, and food. The Spanish love for food is evident in their daily routine, particularly when it comes to lunchtime. Lunch is one of the most important meals of the day in Spain, and it is usually the largest and the most elaborate. Spaniards take their lunch seriously and often spend up to two hours socializing and enjoying their meal. The country’s diverse gastronomy has influenced its lunchtime traditions, and there are several popular dishes that Spaniards love to indulge in during their midday meal. From seafood paella to tortilla de patatas, the options are endless. In this article, we will explore the most popular lunch dishes in Spain and what makes them so beloved by the Spanish people.
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