When the Mediterranean and the Atlantic Meet, Seville Cuisine Was Born

Just like the case with other cultures, the cuisine of Seville was and is greatly influenced by the environment and, consequently, by the agricultural and animal products prevalent in the area.   Movements of people in and out of the area also brought in new influences that were then assimilated into the cuisine.

In the case of Seville, its main influences were its proximity to two bodies of water - the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean - and its Islamic ties coupled with close association with New World discoveries.  These influences can still be felt in the typical foods served in both restaurants and homes in the city, if and when you know how to look. 

Seville, however, is best known for its tapas.  These are made from a wide variety of ingredients ranging from cold meats to warm baby squid, either of which can be mixed with cheese and olives.  Fortunately, tapas are not acquired tastes, which means that it can be enjoyed by newcomers to the city although we advise visitors to make room for the main dishes and desserts that will come later in a proper restaurant. 

Think of tapas as appetizers to start the feast waiting to be devoured in the many restaurants of the city.  You may drink wine or beer with the tapas depending on your preference for the night. 

Olive oil also plays a significant part of typical food served on many tables in Seville, which is only natural considering that Spain is the largest producer of the prized commodity. It is then served with cured hams and meats as well as fishes and seafood to form the basis of what is generally known as Sevillan cuisine.

To name a few of the dishes typical of Sevilla, there are huevos a la flamenca (a delicious combination of eggs and tomato sauce), rabo de toro (bull's tail for the more adventurous) gazpacho (vegetable-based soup served cold) and the quintessential Sevillan fare of pescaíto frito (simply, fried fish) served with sauces.  Keep in mind that Seville is a city with a fondness for meats in its various incarnations from pork to wild game so prepare your taste buds for a culinary adventure into unique Spanish cuisine. 

We also suggest preparing your  Seville accommodation through an online reservation site. If you are travelling in a group, we suggest booking holiday apartment complete with its own kitchen - a home away from home, so to speak.  You may want to learn how to cook typical Seville food and, thus, have a unique souvenir from your trip. 

You should also take a few goodies along when you leave the city.  Sangria is a good choice as well as the sweet treats in the delicatessens.  One for the road, indeed.

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