Tapas

A tapas round is a great way to enjoy a varied and tasty lunch in Málaga, small portions that will delight your taste buds. You will find exceptional international and mediterranean tapas created with local produce that are guaranteedto please. The range of tapas is vast from simple fried fish to much more elaborate dishes. Although the exact origins of the tapas are not known, some have traced its beginnings to the Middle Ages, when it was probably used to minimize the effects of alcohol. Another popular notion is that tapas were snacks for workers to eat between meals, to sustain them until lunch. Although there are many tales as to where the tapa originated, it has certainly become a strong Spanish tradition, with each area bringing its characteristic and unique touches. What is certain is that tapas are part of the Spanish way of life, and like many traditions, it has developed over the years, and currently, the expression “going for tapas’ has very different connotations, but is still the perfect accompaniment to a glass of beer or wine. The tapa is a dish that lends itself to experimentation, hence the many varieties in flavour and form. Even its name, tapa, has been changed over the years, aperitivo, entremés, canapé or pincho are some of the names used for these little recipes that have been constantly subjected to reinvention. In many cases the humble tapa has been the subject of experimentation from some of the best chefs in the country, where they investigated their creativity and experience. Maybe it’s because of its size, its image or the combination of flavours, tapas have been a means of innovation for many of Spains most recognised chefs. In fact, in recent years a new restaurant concept: the gastrobar has emerged. A restaurant that combines a traditional tapas bar with haute cuisine, aiming to bring the most delicate tapas to a wide and varied public. With all this talk of innovation and renewal, but we must also mention tradition. The Mediterranean diet offers a large number of dishes and products that have always been used as tapas, traditional cold soups, paella or vegetable mouses. Traditional dishes and new international influences form a comprehensive cookbook for this miniature cuisine. Today it is another way of eating out, dishes to share have been replaced by the tapa, that is increasingly valued and enjoyed by lovers of good food. Tapas are a great way of trying many dishes, they are not expensive and Malaga is one of the best cities to ‘tapear’.