Most of us are conditioned to believe that the bigger the meal, the better. When thinking of a small meal, the only thing that comes to mind is an uber fancy restaurant with plates that hold one-third of what a regular meal would usually be. However, tapas are changing the way people view small plates as well as the foods that adorn them. As a staple in Spanish culture and cuisine, this style of food has slowly made its way over to North America and now, kitchens are putting their own twists on tapas and the fusion cuisine that appears on the menu.
Tapas can be as traditional or new-age as a person wants which is why they're such a valuable - and fun - part of dining. Served alongside cocktails, beer, or wine, they're designed to whet the appetite and be less substantial than appetizers, but more delicious and wholesome than the typical app. They're a social way of eating and meant to incite conversation, usually found on bar and pub menus, and in Spain, they can be found all over various cities as locals go from place to place. Ultimately, the magic of tapas wouldn't be known unless a person has experienced it for themselves.
They Came From Spain, But They Can Be Found Everywhere
So, what's the big deal about a bunch of small dishes, anyway? Imagine walking into a restaurant and finding it hard to choose between five lunch or dinner dishes on the menu. Now, imagine being able to choose all five, but the portion size is cut down so that the diner is able to eat each dish without feeling overly full. This is the magic of tapas and part of a culture that Spain has kept alive since the 19th century, at least.
Originally, the story goes that tapas were created so that when diners were drinking, they would have something in their stomachs to accompany the beverages. Eventually, this practice evolved into a social activity and tapas became less of a salty, savory bite, and more of a gourmet way for a chef to showcase their strengths in three bites or less. The trend of tapas has grown so much that there are now specific tapas bars that serve only small plates along with an extensive bar menu.
What Are Tapas Made Of?
Twenty years ago, the answer might have been as simple as the recount the most popular tapas dishes in Spain. However, nowadays, tapas can encompass so much. From tiny finger sandwiches to cold soups such as gazpacho and even dumplings or spring rolls, tapas vary by cuisine and ingredients. For example, a short rib served over a vegetable puree and garnished with crunchy onions could be a tapas dish. However, there will only be a single-serving (one short rib) and only enough puree to complete two or three bites. It's enough to give the diner a taste before they move onto the next dish; something in between a full dinner and a snack.
Alternatively, dumplings might be on the menu, but rather than a traditional pork filling, they could be fused with another cuisine - therefore using the vehicle of a dumpling in order to deliver a satisfying, new, and innovative surprise inside. In Spain, it's not unusual to find tapas in most of the bars and cafes that line the streets. In North America, diners will likely need to look for tapas bars, which will offer a unique and diverse menu that might include traditional Spanish tapas but can also include a menu full of fusion items.
It's not uncommon to order several small plates at one sitting and in traditional tapa form, the menu is usually left at the table in case the diners wish to order more. Since it is truly a social eating activity, it's not unusual for a group to come in for drinks and sit down for hours order small plate after small plate, all the while sharing their contents. Some restaurants will even offer dessert tapas, which can include things such as cake parfaits in miniature cups, cake pop-style preparations, or even small brownies or cookies. They can be simple or complex and as of late, many chefs are experimenting with new techniques such as molecular gastronomy in order to surprise and delight diners with jazzed-up, intricate small plates.
Tapas will continue to be an important staple of Spanish cuisine but will always be part of its culture as well. It's a fun, interesting, and diverse way to try new things and, maybe, even make some new friends in the process.