Discover Seville through its “tapas”
Gastronomy says a lot about what we are, how we relate to each other, the way we spend our time… In Seville eating is more than a basic necessity, it is a moment of shared delight. We eat as we live. “Tapear” is a way of getting to know the city: bars are a spectacle here, orders are sung, the cheerful atmosphere invades the bars… Enjoying gastronomy is enjoying Seville.
The tradition of the “tapas” is closely linked to the capital and the fact is that the Sevillian way of being, open and cheerful, has a lot to do with this popular custom. Standing at a bar implies a close proximity with the person next to you, which gives rise to moments of shared privacy. Going out to “tapear” means enjoying the city at its best: exploring it, changing bars, meeting new people… There is a whole culture and a way of relating to each other around the fact of “going out for tapas.”
Tapas’ origin
If we look up the definition of “tapa” in the Spanish dictionary RAE, in its first meaning we can identify: “a piece that closes boxes or containers at the top.” Although, a priori, this definition seems far away from gastronomy, the truth is that it has a lot to do with the origin that is attributed to this tradition.
There are several legends related to the tapas’ origin. The best known one places its origin in King Alfonso XIII. According to legend, the King asked for a glass of sherry on a visit to the south of Spain. It was a very windy day and the waiter placed a slice of ham as a “tapa” (cover) on top of the glass to protect it. This was very pleasant to the King and he continued asking for his drink with a “tapa” from then on.
However, this is not the only theory. Another fable places the tapas’ origin in the private clubs of Seville. It is said that those who spent their time there ordered their drinks in the surrounding areas of the club and these were covered with cold cuts to keep out the dust while they were being transported. Whatever happens, the tapas’ origin has a lot to do with its literal definition.
A taste of Seville
The “tapa”, as we understand it today, is a small portion of a meal, at a reduced price and designed to accompany an aperitif. The dish in which they were traditionally served is a “concha”, a long white container that was the perfect size for a snack. Nevertheless, this has evolved and, just as “tapas” range from traditional recipes to more innovative ones, the way they are presented has also adapted to the new times.
Although one of its synonyms is “abreboca” (appetizer), over the years the “tapa” has acquired its “own status.” Two or three “tapas” can be a launch, for that reason, nowadays, they are much more than the first bite, they are a way of eating. “Tapear” is not only a tourist attraction in the capital, it is a very Sevillian custom that includes a rite starring by the bar. If you want to get to know Seville, you cannot pass through the city without tasting its “tapas” and exploring it, enjoying its beauty, but also tasting its gastronomy. Seville is a very attractive gastronomic destination.
One of the most famous “tapas” in Seville is fried food. Strolling through the city centre is to open your stomach with the smell of “Adobo”. However, every time of the year has different options that are more or less popular depending on the season. For example, with the arrival of summer, cold “tapas” such as “salmorejo” or “ensaladilla” become even more popular. But these traditional “tapas” are not the only option, there is a wide variety of flavours and combinations within the world of “tapas”, ranging from more traditional options to avant-garde alternatives with surprising flavours.
Going out for “tapas” in Seville means to begin to merge with the soul of the city. That’s why we invite you to experience “tasting tourism”, enjoy Seville’s “tapas” to the fullest and get to know the city through your taste buds.
