Lost in translation while staring at a Spanish menu, wondering what to eat in Andalusia? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. This southern Spanish region is full of tasty traditional dishes, with fresh seafood, stews, soups, and endless tapas. If you’re looking for food to try in Andalusia, you’ll find plenty of delicious options made with local olive oil and Sherry wine; perfect for getting you through the scorching summers. And if you want to dive deeper into Spain’s iconic small plates, check out our guide to tapas!
If you want to explore even more of the beautiful Andalusia make sure you visit our bucket lists to the cities of Granada, Sevilla, and Cordoba. Additionally, don’t miss out on Citylife’s many trip packages around Spain! If you prefer exploring on your own, make sure you follow our Ultimate Guide to Spain so you can plan your travels like a pro!
1. Gazpacho
Every soup-lover knows the feeling; you’re craving a warm, comforting bowl of soup, but it’s too hot outside to even consider touching anything above room temperature, let alone a steaming hot bowl of tomato soup. Not to worry! Let us introduce you to Gazpacho, one of the best foods to try in Andalusia. It’s everything you love about soup; healthy, hearty, and smooth, but refreshingly cold. Not to mention, packed with all kinds of veggies like cucumber, bell pepper, garlic, and onions. You can enjoy it with a slice of bread, or simply drink it like a smoothie.
2. Calamares al Andaluza & Chopitos Fritos
If you’re a lover of seafood, you’ll feel right at home in Andalusia. These fried squid rings, or Calamares al Andaluza, are a must-try. Be sure to ask for the fried squid al Andaluza and you’ll receive a plate full of beautiful, crunchy, golden-brown rings, served with a slice of lemon and a side of aioli for dipping. Chopitos Fritos are cuttlefish fried in the same way, but served whole, instead of in cut rings. Simple, delicious, and best enjoyed with a cold drink by the sea.
3. Espeto de Sardinas
Sometimes, the simplest things are the best. Espeto de Sardinas is just that; fresh sardines skewered on a stick and grilled over an open fire. You can find them roasting in small fishing boats at the beach, and their sea salt and lemon seasoning give the whole thing even more of an ocean vibe. The perfect seaside snack on a Spanish summer day. They go well with cold drinks, so be sure to check out these cocktails too!
4. Rabo de Toro
Rabo de Toro, or Oxtail Stew, is another strong contender when deciding what to eat in Andalusia. Traditionally, it was made from the tails of bulls after the bullfights, but these days any ox will do. The meat is cooked for hours in red wine, tomatoes, and spices, and will fall right off the bone before you get the chance to pick up your knife and say ‘Oh my god this looks amazing’. Pair it with a glass of red wine, and you’ve got yourself a true Andalusian feast.
5. Berenjenas con Miel de Caña
Berenjenas con Miel de Caña, or fried eggplant with sugar-cane syrup, is one of the best vegetarian tapas to try in Andalusia. It’s an interesting combination of sweet and savoury, and the smell will make your mouth water. Definitely one of the best foods to try in Andalusia!
6. Jamón Ibérico (de Bellota)
This might be slightly outside the budget of the average Erasmus student, but it absolutely deserves a spot on this list. This is the top-tier, creme de la creme of the Ibérico hams. It’s made from free-range Iberian pigs from oak forests, that eat almost exclusively acorns (‘bellotas’). If you have the chance (and the budget), we highly recommend treating yourself to at least a slice!
