More than a meal, the Spanish foods that win expats’ hearts

When you leave the UK to build a life in Spain, you might think you’re leaving behind your home comforts: fish & chips, a greasy fry up, a roast dinner swimming in gravy. The truth is, with so many internationals settling in Spain, you can find any type of cuisine you fancy. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t explore all the delicious delights Spain bring to the table either. The Mediterranean diet is exquisite, famous for its light, fresh and tasty ingredients.

Euro Weekly News readers were asked, “if you were forced to eat just one Spanish food for the rest of your lives, what would you eat?“. The responses were revealing, and mouth-watering. From fresh seafood to hearty tapas and comfort dishes, it’s clear that food plays a big part of the expat experience in Spain.

Seafood at the heart of Spanish living

Seafood emerged as one of the most popular choices, reflecting Spain’s coastal culture and the freshness many expats say they can’t find anywhere else. 

Janet Senior summed up the appeal perfectly when she wrote, “Gambas pil pil with a lovely crusty roll to mop up the oil.” A simple yet delicious dish. The prawns are served in a sizzling oil with plenty of garlic and chilli that is so delicious you can’t help but soak up every last drop.

Others echoed this love of simple seafood done well. Karen Joy Harley opted for “Boquerones en vinagre!”, fresh anchovies filleted and marinated in a well-seasoned mixture of oil and vinegar.  Gerard Jaconelli chose “Calamoritos”, crispy fried squid.

These choices highlight how Spanish cuisine often relies on quality ingredients rather than complexity, allowing flavours to speak for themselves.

Comfort food with deep roots

For many commenters, the answer lay in comforting, home style dishes that are both filling and familiar. Jacky Blender elected “Patata a lo pobre,” a dish built on potatoes, peppers, and olive oil.

June Bedson went for a classic favourite, possibly the dish that first comes to mind when you think of Spanish cuisine, “Paella.” What’s so great about Paella is the range of variations. Each region, each family will have their own recipe and variation on the classic meaning you’ll never have one paella the same, but they’ll always be delightful and authentic.

These responses suggest that for long term expats, Spanish food becomes less about novelty and more about everyday comfort, meals that feel grounding and reliable.

Spain’s tapas culture

Tapas stood out as a highlight of daily life in Spain, rather than one specific dish. But isn’t that the joy of tapas? To enjoy small bites of a wide variety.  For many expats, tapas represents freedom of choice, allowing people to eat according to appetite, mood, and company rather than committing to a single large meal. It encourages lingering conversations, spontaneous bar hopping, and a relaxed relationship with food that feels social rather than functional.

This way of eating reinforces why tapas is often seen not just as a culinary tradition, but as an expression of Spain’s wider lifestyle and sense of community.

More than just food 

What becomes clear from these comments is that Spanish food represents far more than sustenance. It reflects lifestyle, climate, social connection, and a slower pace of life that many expats embrace. Whether it is seafood by the sea, a hearty plate of potatoes, or a shared paella on a Sunday afternoon, these dishes become part of daily identity.

If there is one clear insight from the responses, it is that Spanish cuisine earns loyalty not through extravagance, but through consistency, flavour, and the memories built around the table. For many expats, choosing just one dish would be impossible, because Spanish food has already become inseparable from the life they have chosen in Spain.

If you could only eat one Spanish dish, which would you pick? Gambas pil-pil with crusty bread, Manchego cheese and serrano ham, or classic paella? Join the discussion!