TABLE OF CONTENTS
Best Spanish Foods
This variety of Iberian ham is produced with meat coming from acorn-fed Iberian pigs that are either 75% or 50% pure Iberian breed, meaning they have been crossbred with other pigs such as the Duroc breed. As in the case of jamón 100% ibérico de bellota, the pigs used in the production of this ham are allowed to roam freely across the oak pasturelands in their final rearing stage, known as the montanera, eating an acorn-based diet until they reach the desired weight for the sacrifice, or the matanza as the Spanish call it. Jamón ibérico de bellota makes for about 13% of the total Iberian ham production and is distinguished by a red label.
The designated areas of Iberian bellota ham production include the Dehesa de Extremadura, Salamanca, Huelva, and Valle de Los Pedroches in Spain, along with Barrancos in Portugal.
OTHER VARIATIONS OF Jamón Ibérico
Jamón Serrano is a cured ham produced using the traditional methods dating back to Roman times. This ham has a bright pink to purple color and shiny appearance when cut. This ham is made in four separate steps that include salting, washing, post-salting, and drying or maturation.
Jamón Serrano is cured and dried without skin for more than a year and has a delicate and characteristic aroma. Not much salt is used during the production of this emblematic ham, which makes it only slightly salty and brings out sweet notes that complement the flavor beautifully.
Lomo bellota ibérico 100% is a traditional pork loin. This type of pork loin is the most prized of them all because it's made from pure Iberian pigs. The flavor is the most intense of all the varieties and it has the most homogenous fat infiltration.
Due to the small size of 100% Iberian pigs, lomo bellota ibérico 100% is usually shorter and narrower as well. When served, lomo is traditionally sliced thin and accompanied by breads, drizzled with olive oil, or wrapped around other foods such as cheese or fruit.
Vieiras en su concha is a traditional dish originating from Galicia, consisting of scallops served in their shells. The dish is usually made with a combination of scallops, olive oil, onions, garlic, pimentón, white wine, tomato sauce, salt, pepper, breadcrumbs, and parsley.
The garlic, onions, and pimentón are sautéed in olive oil, then covered with wine, tomato sauce, and seasonings in order to create a sauce. The scallops are boiled and arranged on a baking sheet in their shells, then topped with the tomato mixture, breadcrumbs, and parsley.
MAIN INGREDIENTS
Gambas al ajillo is a popular Spanish appetizer consisting of shrimps that are sautéed in a pan with minced garlic, lemon juice, paprika, and olive oil. The dish is usually consumed as a tapa. It is recommended to garnish gambas al ajillo with chopped parsley and pair it with some crusty bread on the side, which is useful for mopping up the flavorful sauce.
MOST ICONIC Gambas al ajillo
View moreCordero asado is a popular Castillan dish made by roasting a whole lamb over an open fire. The lamb is usually marinated with lemon, garlic, and various fresh herbs such as rosemary and thyme. Once it is properly cooked, cordero asado is typically accompanied by roasted potatoes and onions on the side.
The dish is especially popular during the Christmas season.
Named after a village nestled in the Sierra de Aracena y Picos de Aroche Nature Park, in the northern part of the Andalusian province of Huelva, Jabugo is a variety of the popular Spanish Ibérico ham or shoulder ham made from the meat of the pure-bred Iberian pig or cross-breed of the local Manchado de Jabugo pig, with at least 75 % Iberian blood.
The unique metabolism of these animals allows their fat to integrate into the muscles, evenly marbling the meat, which results in the distinctive flavor and juiciness of each ham. Reared in the so-called 'dehesas', agro-forested lands used primarily for grazing, sparsely wooded with holm and cork oaks, Iberian pigs gorge on acorns which give the meat a particularly sweet and nutty flavor.
MAIN INGREDIENTS
Arroz con bogavante is a traditional rice dish originating from Valencia. This brothy rice dish is usually made with a combination of round rice such as arroz bomba, lobster, fish stock, white wine, shrimps, onions, garlic, bell peppers, tomatoes, paprika, saffron, olive oil, and seasonings.
The ingredients are sautéed in a pan, then simmered in stock until everything is fully cooked. There should be leftover liquid in the pan, as this dish should be brothy and the rice should float in a liquid broth. The pan is covered and the dish is left to rest for a few minutes before serving.
Gelatinous fish heads known as kokotxas are a key ingredient for this classic Basque dish. Kokotxas usually come from the flashy cheeks (lower part of chin) of hake or cod. The dish is sometimes served in a sauce consisting of white wine, garlic, flour, and olive oil.
A more traditional way of serving kokotxas is in salsa verde sauce, consisting of olive oil, flour, fish stock, garlic, and finely chopped parsley. The kokotxas are lightly fried in a clay casserole pot, then combined with the sauce. It's recommended to serve the dish with crusty bread on the side for mopping up the sauce.
Guijuelo is a ham or a shoulder from pure-bred pigs of Ibérico breed made in the autonomous community of Extremadura. This ham has an exceptional ratio of sweet and savory flavors that are complemented by nutty and woody notes. It is a high-quality ham that melts in the mouth when thinly sliced.
When cut, this ham is bright pink to red with evenly distributed white to light yellow fat stripes. These hams are cured and dried for a minimum of 18 months and must weigh more than four kilos. Guijuelo shoulders are produced in the same way except they are dried and cured for 12 months and must weigh more than 3,5 kilos.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Best Spanish Food Producers
Embutidos Entrepeñas is a family-owned company with over 60 years of tradition, dedicated to the artisanal production of premium cured meats in the heart of the Spanish region of León. Located in the picturesque village of Geras de Gordón, at an altitude of 1,200 meters, the company benefits from exceptional climatic conditions that allow for the natural drying and aging of its meat delicacies.
A perfect blend of traditional techniques and modern quality standards makes each product authentic and unique. Their Cecina de León I. G. P., a delicately cured beef ham with a protected geographical indication, is renowned for its rich flavor and perfect texture, while Chorizo de Geras represents the region’s gastronomic heritage, crafted using time-honored recipes that preserve its intense aroma and distinctive spicy notes.
AWARDS
Great Taste Awards - 3 stars
2024, 2023, 2022
BEST Embutidos Entrepeñas Meat Products
Real Conservera Española is celebrated for its high-quality, artisanal canned seafood, including delicacies like razor clams, mussels, and sardines. Founded in 1920, this family-run company continues to use traditional hand-packing methods, ensuring superior flavor and presentation.
Each product is harvested from the pristine waters of Galicia, renowned for its rich marine life, and is preserved in top-grade olive oil or brine. The brand's commitment to quality has earned it numerous accolades, positioning it as a premium choice in gourmet seafood.
AWARDS
World's 101 Best Canned Products from the Sea - Top 10 Sardines
2024
World's 101 Best Canned Products from the Sea - Top 10 Tuna
2024
World's 101 Best Canned Products from the Sea - Top 10 Mackerels
2024
BEST Real Conservera Española Seafood
Señorío de Montanera is a leading producer of 100% Iberian products from acorn-fed pigs, holding the prestigious Protected Designation of Origin (D. O.P.) Dehesa de Extremadura. Founded in 1995 by a group of traditional Iberian pig breeders in Extremadura, Spain, the company is dedicated to preserving the purity of the Iberian breed and ensuring the sustainability of the dehesa ecosystem.
The company manages over 60,000 hectares of dehesa, where pigs roam freely and feed exclusively on acorns and natural pastures during the "montanera" season (from October to March). This feeding method contributes to the unique flavor and exceptional quality of their products.
AWARDS
Great Taste Awards - 3 stars
2024, 2023
BEST Señorío de Montanera Meat Products
Conservas El Capricho, based in Cantabria, Spain, is renowned for producing some of the world's finest canned anchovies, noted for their premium quality and artisanal processing. This family-owned company is highly selective about its raw ingredients, using only fresh anchovies from the Cantabrian Sea, which are processed by hand to ensure optimal taste and texture.
They emphasize traditional methods, aging the anchovies in sea salt for over a year, which enhances flavor depth. El Capricho’s products are praised for their delicate, melt-in-your-mouth texture and balanced saltiness, making them a gourmet favorite.
AWARDS
World's 101 Best Canned Products from the Sea - Top 10 Anchovies
2024
World's 101 Best Canned Products from the Sea - Top 10 Tuna
2024
World's 101 Best Canned Products from the Sea - Top 10 Special Products
2024
BEST Conservas El Capricho Seafood
Jamones Juan Manuel is a prestigious company in the Iberian ham industry, located in Guijuelo, Salamanca, Spain. With over 90 years of experience, they have mastered the art of producing high-quality Iberian hams. Their dedication to traditional curing methods has earned them recognition, including the Best Acorn-Fed Iberian Ham award in both 2020 and 2024 by the Spanish Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Food.
Their product range includes various grades of Iberian hams, such as 100% pure acorn-fed, 75% pure acorn-fed, 50% pure acorn-fed, and free-range Iberian hams. Each product reflects their commitment to quality and tradition.
AWARDS
Premios Alimentos de España - Mejor Jamón Ibérico de España
2024, 2020
BEST Jamones Juan Manuel Meat Products
Maldonado Ibéricos is a distinguished Spanish producer specializing in premium Jamón de Bellota 100% Ibérico. Founded in 1992 by Manuel Maldonado and his father, Sabas Maldonado, the company is based in Alburquerque, Badajoz—a region celebrated for its rich Iberian heritage.
Their mission is to showcase the authenticity of Iberian products through artisanal methods. The Maldonado family is dedicated to preserving the purebred Iberian pig lineage. Their pigs are raised extensively in the dehesa, a unique ecosystem where they roam freely and feed on acorns, grasses, roots, and tubers.
BEST Maldonado Ibéricos Meat Products
Dehesa Maladúa is a distinguished Spanish producer renowned for its premium Jamón Ibérico de Bellota, particularly the exclusive Manchado de Jabugo variety. Founded by Eduardo Donato in 1989, the company is situated in the UNESCO-protected Parque Natural de la Sierra de Aracena y Picos de Aroche in Huelva, Andalusia.
This pristine environment provides an ideal setting for raising 100% purebred Iberian pigs under certified organic practices. The Manchado de Jabugo is a rare Iberian pig breed, once on the brink of extinction. Donato's dedication to preserving this lineage has been pivotal in its revival.
BEST Dehesa de Maladúa Meat Products
Jamones Eíriz is a company that specializes in the production of high-quality dry-cured ham. Based in Spain, this producer follows traditional methods for curing ham, emphasizing the use of natural resources and sustainable practices. They are known for their acorn-fed Iberian hams, which are aged in natural cellars.
Jamones Eíriz offers guided tours of their facilities, providing an educational experience about the ham curing process.
AWARDS
Great Taste Awards - 2 stars
2022, 2021
BEST Jamones Eíriz Meat Products
Established in Galicia, Ramón Peña specializes in gourmet offerings such as mussels, sardines, and tuna, sourced sustainably from the Atlantic Ocean. The brand’s products are hand-prepared and packed, following artisanal methods that enhance natural flavors and texture.
Their dedication to quality has made them a top choice for chefs and seafood enthusiasts worldwide. With a focus on flavor and heritage, Ramón Peña has earned a reputation as a luxury seafood brand representing Spanish gastronomic excellence.
AWARDS
World's 101 Best Canned Products from the Sea - Top 10 Sardines
2024
World's 101 Best Canned Products from the Sea - Top 10 Anchovies
2024
World's 101 Best Canned Products from the Sea - Top 10 Mackerels
2024
BEST Conservas Ramón Peña Seafood
Juan Pedro Domecq is a producer of 100% Iberian acorn-fed ham, with a legacy that spans five generations. The family-owned business has expanded its presence globally, reaching markets across Europe, Asia, and the Americas. Their products are known for exceptional quality, winning several prestigious awards such as the Great Taste Award.
They are committed to preserving traditional methods of production while continuing to grow and innovate in the gourmet food industry.
AWARDS
Great Taste Awards - 2 stars
2024, 2022
BEST Juan Pedro Domecq Meat Products
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Best Spanish Food Products
Suprema de Cecina is a premium cured meat product from Spain, renowned for its exceptional quality and flavor. It is made from carefully selected cuts of beef, which are shaped before drying to achieve an almost rectangular form, ideal for slicing into thin pieces.
What sets this cecina apart is the slight marbling of fat, similar to that found in Iberian ham, which enhances its juiciness and richness of flavor. The product is the result of a long and natural drying process, free from additives, preservatives, or artificial coloring, ensuring authenticity and purity.
AWARDS
Great Taste Awards - 3 stars
2024, 2023, 2022
Jamones Juan Manuel is a prestigious Spanish company located in Guijuelo, Salamanca, and their flagship product, the Jamón de Bellota 100% Ibérico Juan Manuel, is crafted from free-range, purebred Iberian pigs. These pigs roam freely in pastures and are fed on acorns and rich herbs, which impart distinctive flavors to the meat.
The hams undergo a meticulous curing process lasting over 36 months in natural drying sheds and cellars, resulting in a product with a delicate texture and rich, nuanced taste.
AWARDS
Premios Alimentos de España - Mejor Jamón Ibérico de España
2024, 2020
Queso Semicurado de Cabra y Oveja Payoyo is an exceptional cheese from the heart of the Andalusian region of Spain, specifically from the small village of Villaluenga del Rosario, within the Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park. This cheese is handcrafted using carefully selected milk from Payoya goats and Merina Grazalemeña sheep, which gives it a unique, rich, and well-balanced flavor.
Payoyo cheese is known for its authentic taste, a result of the tradition and dedication of the local cheesemakers. This semicurado cheese is semi-aged, meaning it is mature enough to develop a wealth of flavors while retaining a softer, creamier texture compared to fully aged cheeses.
AWARDS
Concours International de Lyon - Gold
2025
World Cheese Awards - Super Gold
2024
These sardines are hand-packed in high-quality olive oil, preserving their natural flavor and enhancing their delicate texture. Real Conservera Española uses artisanal methods, ensuring the sardines retain their freshness and nutritional value. The brand’s commitment to quality and traditional preparation has earned its products recognition in gourmet circles and competitions worldwide.
These sardines are celebrated for their simplicity, nutritional benefits, and rich taste, ideal for fine dining or as a luxurious tapas option.
AWARDS
World's 101 Best Canned Products from the Sea - Top 10 Sardines
2024
Crema de Queso de Cabra is a gourmet product crafted by Queso Payoyo. It combines the rich, tangy flavors of Payoya goat's milk cheese, which is known for its unique creaminess, with the sharpness of blue cheese. This creates a balanced and luxurious spread that is highly versatile in culinary applications, ranging from simple bread spreads to more elaborate recipes.
The Payoya goat's milk cheese is made from the milk of the Payoya goat, a breed indigenous to the Andalusian region in Spain, renowned for its high-quality milk.
AWARDS
International Cheese Awards - Gold
2022, 2019
Concours International de Lyon - Gold
2025
The Senorio Organic Acorn-Fed Iberico Salchichón, produced by Brindisa Ltd, is a high-quality Spanish charcuterie product. Made from the meat of acorn-fed Iberico pigs, it offers a rich and nuanced flavor profile. The salchichón is crafted using traditional methods, with a focus on maintaining organic standards throughout the production process.
This product is celebrated for its distinct marbling and delicate seasoning, making it a gourmet choice for discerning charcuterie enthusiasts.
AWARDS
Great Taste Awards - 3 stars
2023
Cecina de León BIO is a premium dry-cured beef product. This delicacy hails from the León region in Spain and is noted for its distinctive flavor and high-quality standards. The product is made using traditional methods that have been preserved and passed down through generations, ensuring an authentic taste experience.
The beef used is sourced from organic, free-range cattle, emphasizing a commitment to animal welfare and sustainable farming practices. The curing process involves a meticulous combination of salting, smoking, and air-drying, resulting in a rich, smoky flavor and a tender texture.
AWARDS
Great Taste Awards - 3 stars
2022
TRUCHA AHUMADA, or smoked trout, is one of the artisanal products offered by Rooftop Smokehouse. Rooftop Smokehouse is known for creating high-quality smoked foods using traditional methods and locally sourced ingredients. The company emphasizes craftsmanship and often smokes their products in small batches to ensure the finest quality and flavor.
The TRUCHA AHUMADA is typically prepared with careful attention to the smoking process, which imparts a rich, smoky flavor while preserving the delicate texture of the trout. This makes it a gourmet addition to a variety of dishes, ranging from appetizers to main courses.
AWARDS
Great Taste Awards - 3 stars
2023
ANCHOA DEL CANTÁBRICO AHUMADA is a gourmet product made from Cantabrian anchovies. These anchovies are smoked to enhance their rich, natural flavor, providing a unique and exquisite taste. Known for their high quality, they are carefully selected and processed using traditional methods.
This delicacy is often enjoyed as a tapas, paired with bread, olives, or cheese, and is a favorite among seafood enthusiasts for its tender texture and robust flavor.
AWARDS
Great Taste Awards - 3 stars
2021
Chorizo de León is a premium cured meat product, a symbol of the gastronomic heritage of the León region, known for its intense flavor, rich aroma, and traditional preparation methods. It is made from carefully selected cuts of pork and fat, seasoned with authentic Pimentón de La Vera smoked paprika, sea salt, and natural garlic, giving it its distinctive character and lasting juiciness.
After seasoning, the chorizo is stuffed into natural casings and undergoes a slow drying process in the pure mountain air, with a light oak wood smoking, which enhances its unique aroma and full-bodied taste. Every bite delivers the perfect balance between spicy notes and the delicate texture of the meat, creating a gastronomic experience that delights lovers of authentic cured specialties.
AWARDS
Great Taste Awards - 3 stars
2024
TasteAtlas food rankings are based on the ratings of the TasteAtlas audience, with a series of mechanisms that recognize real users and that ignore bot, nationalist or local patriotic ratings, and give additional value to the ratings of users that the system recognizes as knowledgeable. For the “Top 100 Spanish Foods” list until April 20, 2025, 22,047 ratings were recorded, of which 17,613 were recognized by the system as legitimate. TasteAtlas Rankings should not be seen as the final global conclusion about food. Their purpose is to promote excellent local foods, instill pride in traditional dishes, and arouse curiosity about dishes you haven’t tried.