Here in Cádiz, we are known for our fish, especially our fried fish! Which, although delicious, can get a little heavy on a hot summer day (I am talking about 38°C and for those of you from the big continent across the pond 100,4 °F, Oh yeah it gets hot!) 

I sit here in my non-air-conditioned house with my handy dandy fan attempting the keep cool, I am going to tell you about 5 of our refreshingly cool summer tapas.

First things first, what is a tapa? Tapas are small portions of different Spanish dishes served in bars, usually accompanied by a glass of wine, vermouth, and/or beer.

1. Gaspacho or Salmorejo?

I am going to start with these two delicious cold tomato soups. Why? because they are tasty and fresh and so very Spanish. 

Gazpacho is made with olive oil, vinegar, water, tomatoes, cucumber, (sometimes a green pepper and/or onion), and garlic. If you want to get creative, you can substitute watermelon for tomatoes. Honestly, it is delicious. 

Due to its smooth light texture, gazpacho can be served chilled in glass tubes as a beverage. I can’t think of anything more refreshing on a hot humid summer afternoon in southern Spain.

Salmorejo on the other hand is a bit thicker, it usually is served with Jamon serrano (serrano ham) and a chopped-up boiled egg.

Here in Spain Salmorejo is considered a cream and is usually served as a first course; It technically comes from Córdoba but we won’t hold that against it and you can find it anywhere. Its ingredients consist of; day-old bread or breadcrumbs, garlic, olive oil, salt, and of course tomatoes. Due to its consistency, this dish does require a bowl and spoon. 

2. Salpicón de Marisco

Those of you who have ventured into a tapa bar or two may have seen this colorful dish presented on the bar’s display counter. Basically, it is seafood, fish or shellfish, and veggies all chopped up and marinated with olive oil, vinegar, and salt. A true Spanish dish. Historically regarded as a poor fisherman’s dish, it became popular in the 18th century, although there are some sources that claim it can be traced back to the 16th century, using meat instead. Either way, it is a fresh, light, and fairly healthy choice for a lunch or evening tapa.

3. Salmon or Tuna Tartar

YUMMY!!! What’s not to love about this variation of fresh raw fish, avocado, onions (possibly some diced tomatoes) a little bit of soy sauce, lime, salt, and if you are lucky maybe some wasabi. Yes, I did say wasabi, and no obviously it is not Spanish. If I am totally honest, this dish is neither a tapa nor is it originally from the Iberian peninsula, however, we have adopted it as our own. We have prime materials, every ingredient can be locally sourced, creating some of the best fish tartars in the world. (ALTHOUGH, I may be a little biased ;)).

4. Bocarones en Vinagre 

Bocarones en Vinagre or pickled anchovies, I know I know, this may not sound too appetizing for some of you but give it a try and I bet you will be pleasantly surprised. They are actually quite good and so simple. This is a true southern Spanish dish and we do love it. Oh, and there is always a little parsley involved, just to make sure we get in our greens.

5. Paté Cabracho

Although this tapa is the last on my list it does not make it my least favorite. Over the last 30 years, this dish has become quite popular. Served with crackers or as we say pan crujiente (crunchy bread) and some tasty mayonnaise or alioli, it is a great starter to any meal.

So what is it? Technically it is a fish cake rather than a pate but there is no reason to get into the particulars. Oh! and please do not judge this tapa by the fish (scorpionfish) because although it is ugly it is delicious.

I am telling you this fish makes up for its looks by being super tasty!

Obviously, all five of these tasty treats go down well with a cold beer, my preference is a Cruz Campo or Estrella Galicia; a nice cold wine, I usually go for a white in the summer because you can always add an ice cube if necessary, although I have to say every once and a while a Rose can hit just the spot; or if you want to be very Spanish then a Manzaqnilla or Fino can also do these dishes justice. 😀

If you are interested in a tasting one of theses fun summer tapa dishes then make sure you check out our private ‘Tapa Experiences’ .