My checklist of Northern Spanish meals to attempt in Santander contains each conventional Spanish dishes and people which are extra particular to the area. It felt like our days in Santander revolved round meals. There have been leisurely morning coffees paired with pastries, three-course lunches, aperitifs within the night, and hours-long dinners.
Whereas we’re on the subject of meals in Santander, I wish to spotlight just a few issues that may shock Individuals. First, lunchtime is at 2 pm, and eating places sometimes do not open for dinner till 8 pm. Once we visited in June, eating places had been fairly busy and reservations had been normally obligatory.
We had been fortunately shocked to search out that, usually, eating places had been much more inexpensive than they’re again house in Chicago. One issue that introduced restaurant checks down in value is that wine is way more inexpensive in Spain. Moreover, meal costs had been a bit decrease than the norm again in Chicago. Meals at high eating places had been about $120 for the 2 of us, whereas we frequently spend near $200 for a meal in Chicago (be aware: wine at a pleasant Chicago restaurant is normally $20 a glass, which might escalate dinner costs).
Northern Spanish Meals to Strive in Santander
Meals
Cocido Montañés
This hearty bean-based stew is a quite common Cantabrian meal. It has a wealthy, thick broth with chunks of pork or chorizo and extra greens, usually collard greens or cabbage. This was incessantly on lunch menus, and we noticed it bought by the jar at La Ermita, a store close to my in-laws’ house.
Tortilla Española (Spanish Omelette)
A tortilla Española is a thick omelette. Potatoes and onions are the most well-liked elements, though we discovered variations made with tuna or hen.
Jamon Iberico
Cured ham is extensively out there all through Spain. You’ll be able to even purchase a complete leg of cured ham on the grocery retailer for round 70 Euros! You’ll be able to get pleasure from Jamon Iberico in a sandwich or as a part of a charcuterie platter.
Croquetas
Croquetas in Santander tended to be merely full of wealthy, melted cheese, differing from the potato and ham croquetas I’ve loved in different areas of Spain. You can see croquetas on practically each menu, and eating places can add their very own spin to the traditional dish by including mushrooms, truffle oil, or a little bit of aioli.
Patatas Bravas
It is a excellent instance of a meals that’s practically each menu, however is ready barely otherwise at every restaurant. The important parts are crispy potatoes and a sauce with a gentle spice stage. It is an irresistible snack.
Pinchos
Pinchos are snacks served on small slices of bread or on small skewers.
Cadelo’s Korean Wonton Lasagna
That is extremely particular, however if you’re visiting Santander, I do not need you to overlook the chance to dine on the distinctive Cadelo. Whereas every thing at this Michelin Bib Gourmand restaurant was great, their model of lasagna made with crispy Korean wontons, floor beef, and a creamy bechamel was actually memorable. My mouth is watering as I kind this.
Pastries and Desserts
Sabao
These small butter muffins are extremely fashionable. There’s a tiny storefront known as Luca on Calle Amos de Escalante that sells freshly baked Sabaos and Quesada Pasiega.
Quesada Pasiega
This typical Cantabrian cheesecake has a dense pudding consistency. It is made with pasiego cheese and might be discovered prepackaged at markets and freshly made at bakeries.
Milhojas (Thousand Layer Cake)
The Spanish model of a mille-feuille or Napoleon is made with crispy flaky layers of puff pastry and dulce de leche or creme patissiere.
Arroz con Leche (Rice Pudding)
Rice pudding is made with rice, milk, sugar, and cinnamon. It is fashionable on dessert menus and it is bought by the jar at La Ermita.
Seafood
Anchovies
Tinned fish is vastly fashionable on this area of Spain.
Pulpo (Octopus)
Typically served grilled, octopus is a staple in Cantabria.
Rabas
Deep-fried squid is a necessary seafood tapa.
Cocktails
Gin and Tonic
Spanish Gin and Tonics are served in giant goblets or wine glasses. We discovered that Nordés Gin from Galicia was particularly fashionable. It was scorching whereas we had been in Spain, and a giant icy gin and tonic was an effective way to chill off. Generally we’d be provided a alternative of various flavored tonics, whereas different occasions it was merely garnished with lemon or lime.
Calimocho
This surprisingly fashionable cocktail is made by mixing pink wine and Coca-Cola.
Sangria
Maybe extra fashionable with vacationers than locals, Sangria is fruity and refreshing. Each bar appears to have their very own variations with some incorporating chopped fruit.
