What are typical Spanish menu items and their names

Common Spanish Menu Structure and Items

A typical Spanish menu is organized into several sections. Here are common sections and traditional dishes with their Spanish names.

Starters (Entrantes / Aperitivos)

• Tapas – small appetizers or snacks
• Gazpacho – chilled tomato and vegetable soup
• Salmorejo – thicker version of gazpacho from Córdoba
• Tortilla española – Spanish potato omelet
• Aceitunas – olives, often served marinated
• Jamón ibérico – Iberian cured ham

Main Courses (Platos principales)

• Paella – saffron rice with seafood, chicken, or vegetables
• Cocido madrileño – chickpea and meat stew from Madrid
• Fabada asturiana – bean stew from Asturias
• Pulpo a la gallega – Galician-style octopus with paprika and olive oil
• Merluza a la plancha – grilled hake
• Lomo de cerdo – pork loin

Side Dishes (Guarniciones)

• Patatas bravas – fried potatoes with spicy tomato sauce
• Pimientos de Padrón – small green peppers, fried and salted
• Pan con tomate – bread rubbed with tomato, olive oil, and garlic

Desserts (Postres)

• Flan – caramel custard
• Crema catalana – Catalan custard with caramelized sugar topping
• Churros con chocolate – fried dough sticks served with thick hot chocolate
• Tarta de Santiago – almond tart from Galicia

Beverages (Bebidas)

• Vino tinto/blanco – red/white wine
• Sangría – wine punch with fruit
• Horchata – sweet drink made from tiger nuts
• Café solo – espresso
• Café con leche – coffee with milk

Would you like me to include typical regional dishes by area (e.g., Andalusian, Basque, Catalan)?