The tapa is one of Spain's most emblematic culinary treats. A savory, bite-sized appetizer served in taverns and bars across the country, tapas can be hot or cold, and made of all sorts of delicious ingredients. Enjoying tapas is one of the country's great gastronomic traditions. But where did the tapa originate, and what's the history behind this iconic Spanish snacking tradition?
Tapas have been enjoyed for centuries. While different regions of Spain all individually claim to be the birthplace of the iconic Spanish tradition, the appearance of the appetizer and its ingredients are irrevocably linked with the country's rich, diverse, and sometimes turbulent history
The Roman invasion of the Iberian Peninsula in 212 BCE. With it, the Romans inported the cultivation of olives and the planting of vines.
In 711 CE, North African Muslims, or Moors, captured the Iberian Peninsula and called their territory al-Andalus. They brought with them almonds, citrus fruits, and all sorts of wonderful spices
Journeys to the 'New World' resulted in the conquistadors introducing to Spain a wealth of exotic foodstuffs, including tomatoes, sweet and chili peppers, maize (corn), and potatoes—all staples of the Spanish kitchen
The exact historical and cultural details of the true origin of tapas are unclear. Many regions in Spain claims the Tapas origin to be theirs while some historians suggest that tapas originated in Andalusia. What is certain is that this iconic appetizer evolved over hundreds of years across the Iberian Peninsula.
An early theory as to the origins of the tapas tradition is associated with King Alfonso X of Castile. According to legend, the Spanish monarch, known as the Wise, was recovering from an illness and had been advised by his physicians to nibble on bite-sized snacks between meals to reinforce his weakened constitution. A drop of wine was also recommended.
This "eat light and often" method of consumption appeared to work, and proved highly appealing to the king's palate. Shortly after recovering, Alfonso decreed that no alcohol was to be served in the taverns and inns of Spain unless accompanied by something to eat.
The king's proclamation proved popular, and made sense. No longer were patrons imbibing on an empty stomach and getting blind drunk quickly. Instead, getting inebriated evolved into a measured, almost civilized procedure.
In an effort to curb the drunkenness of soldiers and sailors, another Spanish king, Felipe III, refined the law by insisting that wine be served in a goblet with a lid or cover, on which small portions of food were served and included in the price of the drink. And this is where the name tapas derives from: tapa translates more or less as "top" or "cover."
One fable tells of a crafty tavern owner in 16th-century Castilla-La Mancha who quickly realized that a mature, strong-smelling cheese or heavily-salted cured ham could mask the taste of inferior wine. He promptly began serving pungent snacks with cheap plonk to "cover" the taste.
Another version surrounding the origin of the tapa is rooted in the fields and workshops of the Middle Ages. Toiling in the midday summer heat, laborers and farmhands would be served a light meal rather than a rich, heavy dish, which was deferred until the evening. Lunch was accompanied by wine, the alcohol serving to loosen aching limbs and refuel motivation. But there's another spin on this particularly theory.
In the south of Spain, the drink taken was gazpacho, since wine increased body heat rather than providing workers with the necessary cold refreshment. Gazpacho is a cold soup made of raw, blended vegetables
Tapas' traditional relationship with Andalusia is reinforced by further royal lore. It's said that King Alfonso XIII and his entourage stopped by a local tavern in Cádiz, where he ordered a cup of wine.
The ancient port city of Cádiz is regularly fanned by strong winds whipped off the Bay of Cádiz. On the day the Spanish monarch rode into town, the breeze was kicking up a treat and blowing sand into the inn.
The bartender, realizing the king's tipple was about to be sand blasted, placed a slice of ham over the top of the cup to protect the wine. Alfonso's drink was spared, and when the king ordered a second cup, he did so with the "tapa."
While the primary meaning of tapa is cover or lid, it has in Spain also become a recognized term for the tastiest snacks in the Iberian Peninsula. Tapas are served everywhere, sometimes as a complimentary nibble.
In the pure tapas tradition, Phat Bites provides bites size of food that are inspired from asian cuisine!
Kings and Queens haven't stopped by yet! but we reserve King and Queen's treatment to our customers!
Like the Tapas' genesis, we recommend our customers to pair their food with our beverage selection to better reveals the flavours that each dish promises to bring!
One more thing! Phat means in Vietnamese "Send-out or Distribute" but as out bites portions are generous, we might have played a little with the words!