We absolutely loved our time in Spain. We chose to visit in November as the temperatures are pleasant at this time of the year and tourist crowd is much lesser. We not only visited popular cities like Barcelona and Madrid but smaller towns as well, such as Malaga and Seville. Here is our full Spain travel itinerary if you’re curious.
We didn’t expect to find much choice when it comes to vegetarian food but we were pleasantly surprised by the number of vegetarian* (and vegan) options that were available. *Disclaimer: We are Lacto-Ovo vegetarians. As such, some of the items we share may contain eggs.
Below are our suggested Vegetarian* Tapas and Spanish Food items you may consider sampling. Here’s a list of where we tried these in Spain, but you can expect to find these in several restaurants across the country. You will also find some non-Spanish eateries where we enjoyed vegetarian food, on this list.
Spanish Tapas
- Padrón peppers (aka Pimientos de Padrón) are small green peppers, fried in olive oil and sprinkled with coarse sea salt.
- Patatas Bravas consist of crispy fried potatoes served with a spicy tomato-based sauce.
- Champiñones al Ajillo is prepared with mushrooms, enhanced by garlic and olive oil.
- Berenjenas Fritas are fried eggplant slices or sticks. Sometimes, it’s drizzled with honey or molasses for a sweet-salty combination.
- A croqueta (or croquette) is a small, breadcrumb-coated, deep-fried roll, filled with various savory ingredients. For a vegetarian option, croquetas can include vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or even potatoes.
- Espinacas con Garbanzos is a dish made with spinach and chickpeas, often served as a warm and hearty tapa.
Side Dishes / Mains
- Tortilla Española (aka Tortilla de Patatas or Spanish Omelette). It is a traditional and beloved dish made from eggs, potatoes, and sometimes onions.
- Empanadas are a type of pastry which can be savory or sweet, either baked or fried. Vegetarian fillings can include combinations such as spinach and ricotta cheese, tomatoes & mozzarella etc.
- Pan con Tomate translates to “bread with tomato” and is a simple yet flavorful preparation.
- Gazpacho is a cold soup made from a blend of fresh vegetables and is a popular choice during the hot summer months.
- Paella Vegetariana or Paella de Verduras – Paella is a rice dish known for its vibrant colors, rich flavors, and variety of ingredients. Vegetarian options for paella are available and are becoming quite popular.
Dessert
- Churros con chocolate consists of churros—fried dough pastries—and chocolate—a rich, thick hot chocolate often used for dipping.
Watch our food vlogs from Spain on YouTube (link here) that brings the above to life!
If you have any questions, please free to reach out and we’ll try our best to answer them.
