You are new in Spain and you want to explore their cuisine without spending a lot of money? This guide is perfect for you to try traditional Spanish dishes that are both delicious and affordable!
Must-Try Traditional Dishes
I am pretty sure you heard about Tortilla Española. This potato and egg omelet is a classic Spanish dish which is perfect for any meal and super filling! You are too lazy to cook? Gazpacho, which is a cold tomato-based soup that’s perfect for hot days is perfect for you. You may have seen those huge pans filled with rice—that’s what we call paella. While it traditionally comes with seafood, there are many versions served with chicken or vegetables that are more affordable..
Smart Shopping & Cooking
Fresh fruits and vegetables are essential for a healthy body and mind. While fresh ingredients could be less expensive, shopping at local markets often saves money compared to supermarkets. Many Spanish dishes improve in flavor overnight, so cooking in larger batches is a smart strategy. For both fun and savings, consider organizing cooking nights with friends—you’ll split costs while enjoying quality time together.
Spanish Meal Times
If you’re used to eating early, you’ll find Spanish mealtimes run quite late. Understanding these meal schedules is essential during your stay. Spaniards typically start their day between 8 and 10 AM with breakfast, usually “tostada con tomate” consisting of toasted bread with crushed fresh tomato and olive oil. *Lunch, the main meal of the day, is served from 2–4 PM (try those must-try dishes mentioned above). **Dinner* time is **between 9–11 PM, when Spaniards enjoy lighter meals or tapas—small Spanish snacks perfect for sharing.
Budget Tips
We all love eating but we don’t love spending money, so these hacks will save you and your wallet. A lot of local restaurants offer lunch menus with fixed-price the so called “menu el dia”. As mentioned above the tapas culture is a big thing here, some bar serve free tapas with drinks, just watchout! Super important as a student is to always to carry your student ID for student discounts.
Cooking & Friends
Food culture in Spain is more than just simply eating, it is all about sharing and socializing.
We highly recommend hosting dinner parties with friends to cook traditional dishes together. Cooking is a passion, to improve your skills you should join local cooking classes — some places offer student discounts. Connect with other students on campus who share your interest in Spanish cooking and form cooking groups
Shopping List
Now that you’ve gained all this knowledge but still aren’t sure what to buy at the supermarket? Don’t worry—here are your must-haves: olive oil (for basically every dish), potatoes (to make tortilla española, for example), eggs, tomatoes, rice, and garlic.
Just remember: Spanish food is all about good, basic ingredients. You can make tasty Spanish dishes without special tools or expensive items! More tips about shopping in Spain!
You want to experience different flavours of Spanish food? The best way to do that is to come to Spain! Join our internships and get the lifetime experience in Spain!
