#worldtapasday

World Tapas Day

Never tried tapas? Then you’re missing out! On World Tapas Day, we’re all about celebrating everything that makes these bite-size savory dishes so great and tasty.

This mainstay of Spanish cuisine is often served up as a snack or as an appetizer before a meal, and can include lots of tasty things from olives and cheese to hams and squid.

Be sure to take the time out to try at least one tapas today – or perhaps visit a tapas restaurant and find out which ones you love best!

The History of World Tapas Day

The third Thursday of the month of June was designated as World Tapas Day by the country of its creation, Spain, in 2016. Being such a popular and famous method of serving up delicious goodies, it’s no wonder that it got its own day.

The word ‘tapas’ comes from the Spanish word ‘tapar’, which is a verb meaning ‘to cover’.  The actual action of serving up small dishes was popularized before the 19th century when travelers visiting inns would often be served up small samples of food available.

There’s also a story that says that tapas was originally bread or meat which was draped over the mouths of sherry glasses in-between sips, to prevent flies from getting into the sweet beverage. Especially salty meats such as chorizo would be used to encourage the punters to keep drinking.

How to Celebrate World Tapas Day

Because tapas is essentially small portions of traditional or popular Spanish cuisine, there are so many types of tapas that you could try today.

Olives, Chorizo sausage, crusty bread, tender beef, battered squid, cabrales cheese, vegetables, fried quail eggs, anchovies, pork scallops, battered prawns, stuffed mussels, meatballs – the potential combinations are endless! Many restaurants give you the option of making your own meal combo with the variety of tapas available. Even the pickiest of eaters will find something to love!

Many restaurants give you the option of making your own meal combo with the variety of tapas available. Even the pickiest of eaters will find something to love!

A lot of the tapas you will find often includes pork, beef or fish – but there is a whole wealth of vegetarian tapas to enjoy if you’re not a meat eater.

And if you’re feeling adventurous on World Tapas Day, you could have a go at making your own homemade tapas. You’d be surprised how simple some are to make!