Introduction
Malaga that lies in Southern Spain, engrossed in ritualistic fervor, rich cultural heritage and famous for culinary allure. Mostly culture and tradition are assessed on culinary norms. The nature of nation could be estimated on base of their cuisine. In Spain we have 3 size of dishes. Racion that is translated as ration and is large size dish. Media Racion is half ration and is medium sized dish. While Tapa is smallest size dish. Tapa is a Spanish word that means to cover.
History
The Tapas culture in Malaga have historical background. Originally it was started for relieving hunger and quenching thirst. With the passage of time it got reshaped into culinary art marked by creativity and modernity.
Throughout Spain, there are many tapas competitions but there is only one National Tapas competition that is celebrated every year in November. Every year different culinary school take part in this competition to introduce innovative tapas concept.
Origin
There are two school of thoughts behind the origin of tapas. During the reign of Catholic Monarchs in 15th Century many road accidents were reported and underlying cause was consuming beer and wine. So, it was decided to served a tapa along with alcohol. Customers will eat tapa then they will drink alcohol that will reduce effect of alcohol. The other theory was introduced in 16th century during the rule of Felipe II. He was served with glass of wines that were covered with small food plate. This plate was to prevent fall of insects and flies into glass.
Tapas
Tapa is basically an appetizer or snack in Spanish cuisine. Tapa is usually made into two varieties for taste development. It could be in cold serving mixed with olives and cheese or in hot serving battered with squids (sea food) or patatas bravas (small fried potatoes).
Types of Tapas
Ajoblanco
This unique cold soup that is served during summer. It contains cold almonds, garlic paste often garnished with green grapes. It is famous vegetarian tapa served as light soup. You can find this tapa available at
Cortijo de Pepe Restaurant in Malaga.
Boquerones En Vinagre
The Boquerones are also known as Anchovies (little small green fish with blue reflections). These are made in vinegars or deep fried and are served with small glass of white cold wine. Atarazanas and El Pimpi are most preferred restaurant to enjoy this tapa.
Berenjenas Con Miel
This one of the peculiar tapas. It has sweet and salty taste. Thin sliced eggplants are fired with spices added gram flour and after that cane honey s added that is similar to molasses. It is perfect sweet and salt combination. You can find this tapa at Lo Gueno Meson and Picasso Bar Tapa.
Boquerones Fritos
The white Anchovies are fried and consumed as whole. The tiny bones become so delicate that they are ignored while eating. A best tapa that you can enjoy with beer. For enjoying savor of this tapa, you can visit Atarazanas and El Pimpi restaurants.
Boiled Shrimp
As Malaga is surrounded by sea on both southern and northern sides. So, their cuisine and renowned signature dishes are based on seafood. Folks consider that boiled shrimp are healthier than any other cuisine. Sometimes visitors get surprised to see head attached and they have to peel the shrimp. Kraken Centro and Los Mellizos Malaga are highly rated sea food restaurants.
Ensalada Malaguena
The most unique tapa that you cannot find outside of Malaga is this. Ingredients are potato salad with twist, hard boiled egg, olives, onions and salt cod. This tapa is easily available at Meason Mariano and Lo Gueno Meson restaurants.
Marcona Almonds
Marcona Almonds are one of the simplest and tastiest tapas that you found in street cafés of Malaga. Almonds are roasted and after salt are available for you in butter paper cone that you can enjoy with your friends along with drinks in streets of Malaga. This is usually available at every street bar.
Porra Antequerana
Porra is a viscous cold tomato soup. Topping is done with sliced tomato, hard boiled egg and minced meat. It is best tapa or appetizer that is served in summer. Casa Lola is a place to enjoy it with outdoor sitting experience.
Aceitunas
Malaga has varied variety of olives. Some of them are stuffed with anchovies, herbs and various other spices. It is also called as alorena olives. You can find this tapa at Casa Lola and Uvedoble Taberna restaurants.
Salchichon and Chorizo
These are type of sausages that are made here in Malaga. Iberian ham is cured meat with which you can relish your tastebuds and cold cut are also delicious ones. Meson Iberico is tapas restaurant where you can enjoy it.
Gazpachuelo
Main ingredients are fish soup, potatoes, prawns and other spices. It is most consumed traditional dish. You can find it at Casa Lola restaurant.
Conclusion
As tapas culture remains an ancient tradition, fostering community development. Charm of tapas still remains same to captivate tourist from all over the world as a testament to culinary perfection. Tapas are enjoyed as traditional dish since ages. As it is involving historical importance but latest research has been made to have innovative culinary prowess. Food researchers believe on sustainability and innovation. That’s why they are utilizing natural available resources like organic grown vegetables and sourcing of sea food from available options to render innovative tapas on our tables.