Granada has a diverse range of delicious cuisine to choose from. It’s a great city to experiment with different flavor profiles and traditional cuisine from many cultures. However, if you are interested in trying Arabian foods and drinks in particular, Granada is the place to go.

Brief History of Moors in Granada

Moors arrived in Spain beginning in 711 A.D. Within a few years, they had successfully seized control of most of the Iberian Peninsula, renaming it al-Andalus. They remained in al-Andalus for centuries, though the amount of territory they controlled was greatly reduced during the Reconquista in the Middle Ages. They held more power in southern Spain, and in Granada especially. Granada was home to the last taifa kingdom (basically kingdoms ruled by Muslims) before the city was captured by the Christians in 1492. Moors were expelled from Spain in 1609.

Throughout the roughly 900 years Moors and Arabs inhabited Spain, they greatly contributed to the rich cultural scene present in the peninsula. Granada in particular features a lot of Arab and Moorish influence, particularly in art, architecture, and food. Here are a few examples of Arab influence in Granada’s cuisine:

1. Teterías

Teterías, or tea houses, in Granada are famous for serving tea, other drinks, and light foods that provide a taste of Arab culture. From Turkish lemonade and coffee to traditional Arab meals and sweets, these tea shops have everything you could think of. While there are some pricier locations, there are also some very nice budget-friendly options perfect for students with limited spending ability.

For a list of recommended teterías and their reviews, click here.

2. La tortilla del Sacromonte

La tortilla del Sacromonte is a type of omelet unique to Granada. Traditionally, the most important ingredients are the sheep brains and testicles; however, it is now being made with pig or cow brains and testicles as well, though some say it’s not la tortilla del Sacromonte if it’s not made with sheep. This dish is thought to have originated in the cave-dwelling village of Sacromonte in Granada. Muslims established the neighborhood after being exiled from Baza in the 1500s.

For a recipe of la tortilla del Sacromonte, click here. For more information about the village of Sacromonte, click here.

3. Gazpacho

Gazpacho is a type of cold tomato soup. It also includes peppers and cucumbers, and it’s typically served with bread. Gazpacho’s cold nature pays homage to the warm Mediterranean climate found in Granada. Granada also has a special variety: beans and dried cod are typically added to the soup. Gazpacho is pretty easy and inexpensive to make – perfect for students wanting to eat a homemade meal.

For a recipe, click here.

Want to learn more about Granada? Click here.

Bibliography

DBpedia. “About: Taifa of Granada.” dbpedia.org, https://dbpedia.org/page/Taifa_of_Granada. Accessed 14 April 2025.

Escuela Delengua. “Learn about the typical food of Granada and how to cook it yourself!” Spanish School Delengua, https://www.delengua.es/spanish-courses-spain/granada/typical-food-of-granada.html. Accessed 14 April 2025.

Food Lover Tour. “The history behind Sacromonte and its tortilla.” Food Lover Tour, https://foodlovertour.com/blog/the-history-behind-sacromonte-and-its-tortilla/. Accessed 14 April 2025.

lovegranada.com. “Teahouses in Granada – Best Authentic Moorish Tea Rooms.” Love Granada, 1 April 2024, https://www.lovegranada.com/food/granada-teahouses/. Accessed 14 April 2025.

“Muslim Journeys | Item #218: ‘Moors’ from Oxford Islamic Studies Online”, April 14, 2025 http://bridgingcultures-muslimjourneys.org/items/show/218.

What are Tapas?

Tapas are small plates of food that are served in bars and other restaurants when a customer orders alcohol. They’re kind of like snacks, in a way, very delicious snacks.

Tapas History

Tapas can be traced back centuries in Spain and in Granada specifically. There are multiple origin stories of the tapa, but two of the most common versions include flies, drunkards, and kings – oh my!

The first version of the tapa’s story is not very glamorous. According to some people and sources, the tapa originated from the practice of bartenders and tavern owners placing a piece of bread – or a plate – over the top of a bar glass in order to keep the flies from landing in them. Gross, but practical. Of course, as time went on, and bars and restaurants got more sanitary, barkeeps began to get creative and place toppings on the bread (or plate), like olives, jamón (a type of Spanish ham), and chorizo (Spanish sausage). Eventually, those small plates grew to contain the rich, flavorful, and delicious variety of food served today. From slices of fish and mushrooms to tortellini and meatballs, Granada has all the tapas you can eat!

The second tapas origin story claims that the practice originated in the 13th century. According to this tradition, King Alfonso X ordered bars to serve small plates of food with the sale of any alcoholic beverage so that the customers didn’t get too drunk and cause problems.

What’s Special About Granada’s Tapas?

Well, Granada has a special tradition when it comes to tapas: they’re completely free! Amazing, right? Tapas are perfect or any college students that want to go out but, as it typical, don’t necessarily have a ton of money to spend. Plus, tapas are served at all bars and restaurants with the purchase of an alcoholic beverage, so it’s perfectly manageable to find a cheaper bar to visit.

Tapas are also designed to be enjoyed over conversation and consumed with others. One of the main points of tapas, if you go by the King Alfonso explanation, was to prevent overindulgence so that patrons could continue chatting with their friends. So, tapas are a perfect way for students, and teachers, to have conversations amongst themselves and even meet new people. They’re also a good way to destress after a long day of teaching. Or studying. Just saying.

Are you in Granada and want to go tapas crawling? Here is list of recommended bars from National Geographic.

Do you want to learn more about Granada? Click here to see further information!

Bibliography

Ashworth, Jr., William B. “Alfonso X, King of Castile.” Linda Hall Library, 23 November 2020, https://www.lindahall.org/about/news/scientist-of-the-day/alfonso-x-king-of-castile/. Accessed 10 April 2025.

Hola Properties. “Discover the Tantalizing Tapas of Granada.” Hola Properties, https://holaproperties.com/tapas-in-granada/#:~:text=Tapas%20Culture%20in%20Granada&text=This%20tradition%20dates%20back%20to,than%20just%20bite%2Dsized%20dishes. Accessed 10 April 2025.

Miguel. “Tapas: the Ultimate Guide to Enjoying Tapas in Spain.” Estudia-España, 2 February 2023, https://estudia-espana.eu/en/blog/tapas-the-ultimate-guide-to-enjoying-tapas-in-spain. Accessed 10 April 2025.

Vincent, Jessica, et al. “Where to go on a tapas crawl in Granada.” National Geographic, 9 June 2022, https://www.nationalgeographic.com/travel/article/tapas-crawl-granada. Accessed 10 April 2025.