Spanish food is colourful, fresh, and flavourful

Tapas are a great Spanish food tradition consisting of small dishes in bite size servings.

Spanish are very proud of their Mediterranean diet and claim that they have the healthiest food in the world. The country is home to a number of regional cooking styles and all of these are based around fresh and flavourful local produce. Most of the different regions in Spain have their own distinct specialties. Gazpacho, a cold tomato soup, comes from Andalucía in southern Spain, while Catalonia, is known for its inventive dishes combining seafood, poultry, and local fruits, and in the interior regions, meats play a starring role. Spanish dishes use a great variety of seafood, including fish from the coastal areas.
In Dubai, Seville's (043244777), Pyramids, Wafi, has a delectable line up of Paella options that can be shared by two people. Seafood lovers should choose the Paella de Marisco that is made with prawns, monkfish, mussels, and squid. Or you can opt for the lightly spiced Paella de Pollo, which is prepared with saffron, paprika, marinated chicken, and vegetables.
Some of the other common ingredients found in their cuisine include cheese, fruits, and vegetables - used to make the perfect tapas. Tapas are a great Spanish food tradition consisting of small dishes in bite size servings. It may be served cold such as soups or olives or warm such as Patata Bravas, and is a great way to sample a whole range of authentic dishes.
If its light bites you crave, then head to LALUZ (043597777), DIFC, which serves up tantalising tapas such as Gazapcho, Patata Bravas, and the melt-in-your mouth Croquettes with a filling of chicken or mushrooms. When it comes to desserts, Crema Catalana is the go to choice. The custard is infused with lemon and cinnamon, instead of vanilla, which is used in the French version of the dish, and is served cold. Al Hambra, (044323232), Jumeirah Al Qasr, Madinat Jumeirah, offers the quintessential Spanish dessert that is not very rich.
- deepa@khaleejtimes.com

• Food and Dining