Montadito

(Montaditos, Montado)

Montaditos are open-faced sandwiches and an essential tapa in Spain. Although there is no set list of ingredients, montaditos are always made with bread slices, typically from a thin elongated bread similar to a baguette. The toppings are incredibly versatile and may include anything from smoked meat, chorizo sausages, jamóns, various types of cheese, pickled vegetables, anchovies, as well as other types of seafood.

The combinations are seemingly endless, and there are no set rules which toppings to use and how to combine them. It is believed that montaditos were the first type of sandwiches in Spain, dating back to fifteen or sixteenth century. The name montadito is believed to stem from the word montar, meaning to mount—as a reference to all the toppings that are mounted on top of each bread slice.

Spain

WHERE TO EAT The best Montadito in the world (according to food experts)

Lonely Planet and 35 other food critics.

"There’s barely space to swing a calamar (squid) in this bottle-lined, standing-room-only place, but it's a treat for the palate. Try delectable made-to-order montaditos (tapas on bread), such as salmon with greek yoghurt or tuna belly with sea urchin, with a house wine or vermouth."

Lonely Planet and 6 other food critics.

"Legendary, tasty and cheap, this place absolutely packs out with students, academics and all comers jostling for a place to enjoy their delicious montaditos (little rolls). Grab a table outside – if you can – and carefully select a mixed plate. No fighting over who eats what; they're all tops."

Petit Futé and 2 other food critics.

"For a varied snack or lunch, choose the cheap montaditos of this Madrid chain. Ideal for découvir the spirit of tapas, the card offers a hundred mini-sandwiches, ham, cheese, tomatoes and many other Spanish flavours. Try everywhere in Madrid."

Colman Andrews and 1 other food critic.

"Montadito—a slider-sized grilled sandwich—of Manchego and sobrasada, the spreadable sausage from Majorca. It glows with freshness, and the impeccable quality of the raw materials is honored by the sure-handed simplicity of the preparation. This is my idea of restaurant perfection."

Stress Free Car Rental and 1 other food critic.

"Located just minutes from Alicante port, Sento Barrio is a charming little spot where you can sit on the bar and enjoy their exciting, imaginative grilled tapas dishes all while soaking up the bustling atmosphere. It wouldn't hurt to try their montaditos (little rolls) too - they are a real treat."

helpValencia and 1 other food critic.

"Called la Casa de Las Clóchinas, this restaurant has been serving up delicious food since 1917 and is a great place to try montaditos."

Lonely Planet

"Top-notch montaditos (little rolls) are the reason to squeeze into this brilliant little bar. Watching the cheeky, nonstop staff in action is quite an experience too: they make every visit intriguing. It has a bigger branch nearby, but this one has the atmosphere."

Gastroagencia

"They offer us montaditos that are a bit out of the ordinary since they constantly innovate their preparation and are in the search for new flavors. Montaditos are a safe bet, and you will enjoy like never before."