Recommended sushi restaurants in Spain

Recommended sushi restaurants in Spain

Characteristics of Spain’s Cuisine

Spain, a Country of Charm Woven by History, Culture, and Nature
Occupying most of the Iberian Peninsula, Spain is a country bursting with the charm of passionate culture and rich nature. In the capital, Madrid, you can experience Spain’s diverse culture firsthand through its royal palace, museums, and vibrant markets. Barcelona offers a chance to immerse yourself in unique cityscapes, including Gaudi’s architecture, and Catalonian culture.
Spain has a history of various cultures intermingling, from the Roman Empire to Muslims and Christians, leaving their mark across the country. It boasts one of the highest counts of UNESCO World Heritage sites in the world, including the Alhambra in Granada, the historic city of Toledo, and the pilgrimage routes of Santiago de Compostela, to name just a few attractions.
Spain’s allure also lies in its natural landscapes, from the Mediterranean coastline to the grand Pyrenees mountains. Beach resorts like Barcelona and Costa del Sol attract tourists worldwide. Known as a culinary paradise, Spain offers unique regional dishes such as paella and tapas.

Tales of Passion and Glory: The History of Spain
Spain, emerging on the Iberian Peninsula, has inherited the cultures of various peoples throughout history, from the Phoenicians and Romans to Muslim forces. The remnants of their presence can still be found throughout Spain.
The Middle Ages saw prolonged conflicts between Christians and Muslims. Through the Reconquista, Spain moved towards unification.
The 15th century, marked by the fall of Granada, the last Muslim stronghold, and Columbus’s arrival in the New World, ushered in a golden age for Spain. Gaining vast colonies and immense wealth, Spain became a dominant power in Europe.
However, from the 16th century onwards, Spain gradually declined due to wars with the Netherlands and Britain and the War of Spanish Succession, depleting its national strength and leading to the independence of its colonies.
The 19th century brought the tragedy of the Spanish Civil War, leaving deep scars on the nation under Franco’s long dictatorship.
In 1975, following the collapse of the Franco regime, Spain democratized and has since undergone significant economic growth, playing a crucial role as an EU member state today.

A Culinary Journey Woven by Sunlight and Passion
Spain’s food culture, nurtured by a warm climate facing the Mediterranean and long-standing traditions, boasts a unique charm.
Dishes based on olive oil, garlic, and tomatoes fully utilize the flavors of the ingredients, offering healthy and rich tastes. Iconic dishes like paella, ajillo, and tortilla are loved worldwide.
Each region in Spain has its distinctive cuisine, offering fresh seafood along the coast, meats and cheeses in the mountains, and vegetable and bean dishes inland.
Meals in Spain are more than mere sustenance; they’re precious moments to gather with family and friends, share stories, and enjoy life, reflecting the cheerful and passionate nature of the Spanish people.
Tapas culture, enjoying snacks during long afternoon breaks, and other unique dining customs also define Spain’s culinary landscape.

The Rising Popularity of Sushi in Spain
Recently, sushi has surged in popularity in Spain, now easily found in not only Japanese restaurants but also bars and supermarkets. However, Spanish sushi has evolved differently, incorporating local ingredients and flavors.
In Spain, sushi often uses less rice vinegar than in Japan, substituting lemon juice or olive oil. Sushi featuring Spanish staples like cured ham and cheese is also popular.
Eating sushi with forks and knives is common in Spain, stemming from traditional dining practices.
Spanish sushi chefs are innovating by blending traditional sushi techniques with Spanish ingredients, creating unique offerings like sushi with Spanish tuna or salmon and creative rolls with avocado or cheese.

Treasures Nurtured by the Spanish Sun
Spain boasts a variety of specialties, enriched by its natural beauty and history.
Symbolic of Spain’s culinary prowess, its olive oil, with the highest production worldwide, is essential for its aromatic flavor and depth.
Iberico ham, with its perfect balance of fat and lean, offers a melt-in-your-mouth texture and rich taste. Jamon Serrano is also renowned, adding color to the Spanish table.
Spain’s wines, like the robust Tempranillo and Garnacha, vary by region, celebrated for their bold flavors and rich aromas.
Saffron, the world’s most expensive spice, is known for its aromatic quality in Spain, adding depth to dishes like paella and seafood.
Traditional crafts also showcase Spain’s allure, with colorful ceramics, lacework, and guitars representing regional cultures.