🎉 Fun Fact
Did you know the word tapas comes from the Spanish verb tapar, meaning “to cover”? In old Andalusian taverns, bartenders placed a slice of ham or bread over drinks to keep out flies. That “lid” became a snack… and then a tradition. From lid to legend, tapas were born!
| Tapas (Spanish) | English Description |
|---|---|
| patatas bravas | crispy potatoes with spicy tomato sauce |
| tortilla española | Spanish omelette with potato and onion |
| jamón ibérico | cured Iberian ham, thinly sliced |
| croquetas de pollo | chicken croquettes with creamy filling |
| pan con tomate | toasted bread with tomato and olive oil |
| albóndigas | meatballs in rich tomato sauce |
| gambas al ajillo | garlic prawns sizzling in olive oil |
| queso manchego | firm sheep’s cheese from La Mancha |
| aceitunas | marinated olives |
| ensaladilla rusa | creamy potato salad with tuna and mayo |
📝 Action for Further Learning
- Design your dream tapas plate! Choose 3 items from the table and describe them in Spanish.
- Bonus: Say which one you’d share with a friend and why.
❓ Mini Quiz: Test Your Tapas Know-How
1. What does the word tapas originally mean?
2. Which tapa is made with eggs, potatoes and onion?
3. Which tapa is typically served sizzling in garlic oil?
4. What is the main ingredient of croquetas de pollo?
5. Which tapa is crispy potatoes and a spicy tomato sauce?
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