Have you visited different places in Spain and gotten confused by the various words used to describe the same thing? The rich linguistic differences and variations across regions reflect the country’s rich history and diverse culture, but it can be confusing for those who aren’t familiar with it. An expat and YouTuber from New Zealand, James, shared on his Spain Revealed channel a little-known rule for ordering food in Spain.
He explained that menus can be confusing because the language often changes by region. For example, the term “raciones” means something different in Madrid than it does in Barcelona.
James said: “Depending on the region you’re travelling in, the actual words you’re going to see and the types of dishes you’re going to see on the menu is going to change.”
In Madrid, “raciones” typically refers to large portions of tapas, often meant to share.
In Barcelona, however, “raciones” usually refers to a smaller portion, often intended for one person.
Pinchos, or “pintxos” in the Basque Country, are the Basque tapas that are typically skewered onto a toothpick and served on a slice of bread.
They are usually eaten standing up in informal settings and are particularly popular in northern Spain, especially in the Basque Country.
Each region has its own unique approach to tapas, so understanding these regional differences will help you navigate menus with confidence and fully enjoy the experience.
Another example is Valencia where they eat Esgarraet, which is a tapas dish with roasted red peppers, salted cod, garlic and olive oil.
James recommended looking up the local tapas culture before visiting different regions in Spain to avoid confusion and master the tapas menu like a true local.