What to Eat in Andalusia – 17 Best Dishes

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Lost in translation while staring at a Spanish menu, wondering what to eat in Andalusia? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. This southern Spanish region is full of tasty traditional dishes, with fresh seafood, stews, soups, and endless tapas. If you’re looking for food to try in Andalusia, you’ll find plenty of delicious options made with local olive oil and Sherry wine; perfect for getting you through the scorching summers. And if you want to dive deeper into Spain’s iconic small plates, check out our guide to tapas!

If you want to explore even more of the beautiful Andalusia make sure you visit our bucket lists to the cities of Granada, Sevilla, and Cordoba. Additionally, don’t miss out on Citylife’s many trip packages around Spain! If you prefer exploring on your own, make sure you follow our Ultimate Guide to Spain so you can plan your travels like a pro!

1. Gazpacho

Every soup-lover knows the feeling; you’re craving a warm, comforting bowl of soup, but it’s too hot outside to even consider touching anything above room temperature, let alone a steaming hot bowl of tomato soup. Not to worry! Let us introduce you to Gazpacho, one of the best foods to try in Andalusia. It’s everything you love about soup; healthy, hearty, and smooth, but refreshingly cold. Not to mention, packed with all kinds of veggies like cucumber, bell pepper, garlic, and onions. You can enjoy it with a slice of bread, or simply drink it like a smoothie.

2. Calamares al Andaluza & Chopitos Fritos

If you’re a lover of seafood, you’ll feel right at home in Andalusia. These fried squid rings, or Calamares al Andaluza, are a must-try. Be sure to ask for the fried squid al Andaluza and you’ll receive a plate full of beautiful, crunchy, golden-brown rings, served with a slice of lemon and a side of aioli for dipping. Chopitos Fritos are cuttlefish fried in the same way, but served whole, instead of in cut rings. Simple, delicious, and best enjoyed with a cold drink by the sea.

3. Espeto de Sardinas

Sometimes, the simplest things are the best. Espeto de Sardinas is just that; fresh sardines skewered on a stick and grilled over an open fire. You can find them roasting in small fishing boats at the beach, and their sea salt and lemon seasoning give the whole thing even more of an ocean vibe. The perfect seaside snack on a Spanish summer day. They go well with cold drinks, so be sure to check out these cocktails too!

4. Rabo de Toro

Rabo de Toro, or Oxtail Stew, is another strong contender when deciding what to eat in Andalusia. Traditionally, it was made from the tails of bulls after the bullfights, but these days any ox will do. The meat is cooked for hours in red wine, tomatoes, and spices, and will fall right off the bone before you get the chance to pick up your knife and say ‘Oh my god this looks amazing’. Pair it with a glass of red wine, and you’ve got yourself a true Andalusian feast.

5. Berenjenas con Miel de Caña

Berenjenas con Miel de Caña, or fried eggplant with sugar-cane syrup, is one of the best vegetarian tapas to try in Andalusia. It’s an interesting combination of sweet and savoury, and the smell will make your mouth water. Definitely one of the best foods to try in Andalusia!

6. Jamón Ibérico (de Bellota)

This might be slightly outside the budget of the average Erasmus student, but it absolutely deserves a spot on this list. This is the top-tier, creme de la creme of the Ibérico hams. It’s made from free-range Iberian pigs from oak forests, that eat almost exclusively acorns (‘bellotas’). If you have the chance (and the budget), we highly recommend treating yourself to at least a slice!

7. Leche Rizada

Leche Rizada is a cold drink, made from milk, sugar, cinnamon, and lemon zest. It’s good in summer, but its spiced cinnamon flavour makes it work in the colder seasons too. It’s the traditional Spanish version of a milkshake that you know and love, and it tastes even better!

8. Patatas a lo Pobre

The name translates to ‘Poor Man’s Potatoes’, but don’t let the name fool you. This Andalusian dish is, in fact, rich in flavour. Slices of potato are slow-cooked together with onions, peppers, and olive oil until they are soft on the inside, and crispy on the outside. The perfect combination. It’s simple, comforting, and goes well with just about anything.

9. Ajoblanco

Ajoblanco is another cold soup, but instead of tomatoes, it’s made with almonds, garlic, bread, olive oil and vinegar. The result? A creamy, slightly nutty, and smooth soup (and possibly, a stinky breath). The soup is usually served with grapes or melon. If you like gazpacho, are a fan of garlic, and don’t know what to eat in Andalusia, give this one a try!

10. Olive Oil

Although we don’t necessarily recommend snacking on olive oil the way that you would Gazpacho or any seafood from the coast, it still deserves a spot on the list. Andalusia isn’t just Spain’s top producer; it’s the largest olive oil producer in the whole world. The local olive oil is used for almost every typical Andalusian dish. If you get the chance, grab a bottle straight from the source!

11. Tortilla de Camarones

There are a million ways to prepare shrimp; frying, cooking, grilling, boiling, or, if you’re feeling adventurous like in the south of Spain, why not flatten them into a tortilla? Out of flour? No problem. Just use shrimp! This light, crispy tapa is easy on the stomach and even easier on the tastebuds. We recommend ordering them alongside your favourite drink or a plate of crispy fried seafood for the full Andalusian experience.

12. Queso Payoyo

Queso Payoyo is made in the mountains of Cádiz, from Payoyo goat’s milk. It’s a creamy and nutty cheese, with varying consistencies depending on the ageing process. Locals love it with miel de caña, which they also eat with fried eggplant, but it’s also good on its own or with a glass of Sherry! If you’re a cheese fan, don’t skip this one.

13. Tortilla – Bar Santos

Tortillas may not be traditionally Andalusian, but the ones from Bar Santos in Córdoba are the stuff of legend. This tiny bar is famous for its massive, thick tortillas, drawing both locals and tourists who line up for a slice. The best part? Enjoying it on the steps of the iconic Mosque-Cathedral just outside. If you’re in Córdoba and wondering what to eat in Andalusia, this one’s a must-try!

14. Sherry

Sherry wine is a century-old traditional drink from the south of Spain, and although it has a reputation of mainly being drank by people nearly as old, the large variety of Sherry’s means there is something for everyone. The sweeter versions go incredibly well with desserts like ‘Piononos’, while the dry ones pair well with tapas or ‘Jamón Ibérico’, making it a perfect drink choice when exploring what to eat in Andalusia.

15. Pollo de Ajillo

Pollo de Ajillo is Spain’s garlic chicken, usually enjoyed as a tapa, or as a main dish served with vegetables. The chicken pieces are fried with olive oil and garlic cloves, white wine, and thyme. We recommend trying it with some bread to soak up the sauce!

16. Atun Rojo

Atún rojo, or bluefin tuna, is considered a true pride in the south of Spain, and a prized delicacy. The tuna is caught using the traditional ‘Almadraba’ technique during the fishing season in spring. This season is so important that some Andalusian towns celebrate it with the Fiesta del Atún, honouring both the catch and its cultural significance. We highly recommend eating it; grilled, raw, or in a traditional ‘tartar de atún’ if you’re looking for a unique food to try in Andalusia!

17. Piononos

This dessert, originally from Santa Fe, is a rolled-up cake drenched in syrup with sweet cream on top. The sweetness might send you into the sugar high of the century, but the delight is worth it. Interestingly, Piononos is named after Pope Pius IX (Pius Nono) and even dressed like him, served on a white wafer! If you have a sweet tooth, this is one of the best foods to try in Andalusia.