Spain is known for its rich culture and tradition. In addition, it’s known for having great landscapes and cuisine, which is why many travellers would often visit. But aside from that, another thing visitors adore is the hospitality experience in Spanish restaurants.
From the moment you enter Spanish restaurants, you’ll feel the welcoming vibe and genuine kindness of the staff.
If you’ve watched any Spanish film or show, one of the common things you can see is the huge dining table in their houses. This is because Spaniards love having meals with their family. But it doesn’t end there. The homey feeling extends to the restaurant’s hospitality, which is why visiting Spanish restaurants is a must.
In this article, we’ll give you a glimpse of the hospitality experience in Spanish restaurants.
1. Warm Welcome
It all starts when you enter the restaurant and you hear the word “Bienvenidos” or welcome. Although it’s a common thing to greet guests when entering a restaurant, it’s also a way to create a tone for a great dining experience. Aside from that, you can see the smiles, and usually, they offer gazpacho or tapas right away.
If you have had a bad restaurant experience in the past and you still haven’t got over it, try dining in Spanish restaurants in the meantime. Since they’re known for offering unforgettable experiences in a good way, their service can help you overcome your fear.
2. Tapas Culture
The tapas culture is popular in Spain. Tapas are small plates of food that are usually shareable. The common way to eat tapas is before dinner time when people visit bars and Spanish restaurants to drink.
Before, tapas were known as a piece of ham or cheese placed on top of a glass of beer that serves as a cover. However, as the culture develops, it evolves into a more meaningful and enjoyable experience.
Today, the concept of tapas is more about the sharing and bonding experience of friends and families. For some, tapas goes beyond the small plates of food, and more about the experience.
3. Flavourful Diversity
If you’ve tried Spanish cuisine before, you’re aware that there’s something about the diverse flavours that make them unique. For instance, paella from Valencia (the original recipe) is different from the paella from Catallana (seafood version).
So even if a dish originated in Spain, there’s still diversity among regions. This is another great thing about the hospitality in Spanish restaurants. They welcome visitors from all over the world and allow them to experience the taste of dishes from various regions.
4. Passion for Fresh Ingredients
Another good thing about Spanish restaurants is that chefs are known for using fresh ingredients in making their dishes. As you know, Spanish cuisine requires fresh ingredients, and even after all these years, they’re still committed to sourcing fresh ingredients.
So, if you’re the kind of person who appreciates this gesture, you’ll surely love the dishes in Spain.
5. Artful Presentation
Have you already seen a Spanish dish? Whether it’s online or in person, you can see how amazing their presentation is. There’s something about the colour, choice of fresh ingredients, and the overall appeal of their food that elevates the dining experience.
If you haven’t seen an authentic paella yet, you’ll be surprised how its vibrant colours and presentation look like a form of art.
6. Wine and Spirits
You won’t be able to experience the authentic hospitality in Spanish restaurants if you don’t try their wines. Since Spain is one of the top wine suppliers in the world, they have a selection of wines that can be paired with various dishes.
Besides, visiting wineries gives a homey vibe since you’ll be able to learn more about the culture and traditions of Spain, especially when it comes to the wine industry. But if you can’t visit a winery, local vars can also offer a great experience, and you can also taste craft beers and many other spirits.
7. Lingering Atmosphere
In Spanish restaurants, you don’t need to hurry. They encourage guests to take their time, savour the moment, and appreciate the dishes they offer. This kind of experience creates an atmosphere that allows people to pause and enjoy the food and their company.
So, if you’re from a busy city, visiting Spain and local restaurants will help you appreciate the simple things in life.
Final Thoughts
Visiting Spanish restaurants is way beyond just having a meal. It’s an experience to immerse yourself in their culture and tradition. From the warm welcome to even their simple way of not pressuring people to finish their meal quickly is amusing.
Whether you’re planning to visit Spain anytime soon, or are just curious about its cuisine and hospitality, we hope this article helps you get a glimpse of how it goes.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Aliana Baraquio is a web content writer who also loves cooking dishes from different countries. If you want to experience a Barcelona-style restaurant that serves high-quality food, and a modern, contemporary, fresh feel from the south of Europe, visit TAST Catala Spanish Restaurant.