How to order tapas.

If you’re not sure exactly what you’re in the mood for or tend to struggle to settle on just one dish, tapas is a fantastic way to sample a selection of dishes. Perfect for sharing with friends and getting a real taste of what a Spanish menu has to offer, we’re a big fan of tapas here at tastecard.

It can be tricky, however, to know exactly how to order tapas, how many dishes you need, and which ones are a must-have, so we’re here to lend you a helping hand.

The word “tapas” comes from the Spanish verb “tapar”, which means “to cover.” A popular theory for tapas’ origin is that small slices of bread or meat were used to cover people’s glasses of wine to keep flies and dust out. As time passed, this evolved into offering small servings of bread alongside drinks.

Tapas are a variety of appetisers and snacks in Spanish cuisine, originally designed to be shared among friends during a social gathering. They range from simple, small items like olives or almonds to much more complex dishes like ham and seafood, for example. They’re often served on small plates, so you tend to have several dishes to pick from at once.

Tapas is a social food, so your group will often choose from a broad range of dishes to make the most of a menu’s many, many flavours. 

Okay, let’s get into the most exciting part - our dish recommendations. Without further ado, here are five of the best tapas dishes that you’ve just got to try:

1. Patatas Bravas - Crispy, fried potato chunks served with a spicy tomato-based sauce and garlic aioli.
2. Gambas al Ajillo - Shrimp cooked in olive oil with garlic, red pepper flakes, and white wine.
3. Jamón Ibérico - Thin slices of cured Spanish ham served with crusty bread.
4. Croquetas - Croquetas are creamy, deep-fried croquettes filled with various ingredients. They could include ham, chicken, mushroom or seafood.
5. Tortilla Española - A Spanish omelette made from eggs, potatoes, and onions. It is typically served in slices and can be enjoyed hot or at room temperature.

When ordering tapas, the number of dishes per person varies depending on personal preference, the size of the tapas and whether it’s being ordered as a snack or a full meal. In Spain, it’s common for people to order a number of different dishes and share between the group. In general, two to four tapas dishes per person is a standard order for a meal, but this may be slightly fewer if you’re stopping off for a snack.

Tapas do come in different sizes so it’s a good idea to check with your server and potentially ask for recommendations. This way, you can ensure the right-sized portion!

When it comes to ordering your tapas, you typically place your order as you would in any other restaurant. The only difference is that each dish comes out as and when it is ready, not all at once like a regular meal. Feel free to add dishes to your order as you eat though, your servers will be more than happy to bring more plates out for you - with tastecard’s restaurant deals in the picture, it’ll be hard not to!

The UK is home to plenty of delicious tapas restaurants, offering an authentic taste of Spain without having to board a single flight. With both independent restaurants and chain restaurants on offer, there are plenty of spots for you to experiment with your tapas order; so let’s get into our top spots. 

One of our favourite London restaurants is undoubtedly Jamon Jamon, a tapas bar with a tempting 2 for 1 deal for tastecard members. With three locations, this spot is known for its vibrant atmosphere and even more colourful menu of ham-based dishes.

Next up is Cubatas, a Glasgow restaurant offering a genuine taste of Spain. Cubatas take pride in their small plates, sourcing specific ingredients for their contemporary and classic selection of meals.  When you bring tastecard along, you can enjoy our fantastic 2 for 1 deal at Cabatas. 

At tastecard, we’re loco for Poco Loco, a tapas bar with a buzz. With live music, an endless cocktail list, and a menu packed with tapas dishes, our 2 for 1 deal is a steal at this must-visit spot in Chatham!

For our last pick, we’re heading all the way to Bolton to Tapaz. This modern Mediterranean restaurant offers a seasonal menu of tapas dishes, combining the classics with the contemporary. So, head to Tapaz to experiment with the many flavours of the Mediterranean.

Now that you know how to order tapas, it’s time to start planning your dining out experience. We’re all about helping you enjoy more food for less, so broaden your flavour horizons and explore tapas with tastecard! While you’re here, why not check out our days out deals and coffee deals, too? There really are endless savings to be enjoyed with tastecard!