The Reality of Being Vegetarian in Spain
BY Maya Gopala
Shrimp paella, croquetas, Iberian ham…a vegetarian’s wonderland! It’s no secret that Spain has a variety of traditional dishes that are a staple in Spaniards’ diets. As a vegetarian, however, I was shocked to learn how integral pork, chicken, and seafood are to this cuisine. Being vegetarian in Spain is not common - but it’s also not impossible! Let’s talk about navigating the country’s cuisine, culture, and restaurant scene as a vegetarian.
Traditional Spanish Cuisine
When in Spain, eat as the Spaniards do. They expect it! And I don’t just mean the late meal times of 3pm lunch and 10pm dinner - although you may learn that one the hard way. Spain has a strong tradition of meat-centric cuisine, ranging from seafood paella to the famous Iberian ham. Meat tends to be the star ingredient, with vegetables being a garnish or afterthought. In fact, meat markets line the streets of Madrid, where you can find anything from pig noses to bull’s tail or cow’s stomach. You can imagine my surprise when my Spanish class took us on a field trip to one of these markets! Though one or two vegetarian options exist at traditional Spanish restaurants, like vegetarian paella, they are often not well-advertised. That brings me to my next point about discussing vegetarianism with Spaniards.
Spanish Culture and Understanding Vegetarianism
Despite the increasing popularity of plant-based diets, vegetarianism is still relatively uncommon in Spain compared to other European countries. This can make dining out frustrating, as many restaurant staff may not be familiar with vegetarianism and assume that it is a religious or cultural restriction rather than a personal choice. Because meat is so ingrained in their culinary culture, you may receive some confused or irritated responses when asking for vegetarian options. But don’t worry - you just need to be persistent and patient when explaining your dietary needs to restaurant staff. Just remember to keep in mind that Spaniards have great pride in their dishes and you must be respectful and appreciative of the chef’s menu!
The Restaurant Scene
My favorite vegetarian brunch spot that my friends and I went to in Barcelona called Faire!
If reading this is making you worried about navigating Spain as a vegetarian - don’t be! The exciting part about Spain, and specifically the bustling capital of Madrid, is the incredibly extensive restaurant scene. You can find anything from fancy Italian restaurants (shoutout to Oven Mozzarella Bar) to cozy sushi spots (highly recommend Sibuya) to the Spanish version of Sweetgreen (called Honest Greens). For vegetarians, it’s very easy to find options within the international cuisine here. Most restaurants have dedicated symbols for their vegetarian dishes or even separate menus. Recently, restaurants in Spain have begun offering more plant-based options, such as Beyond meat and chickpea-based dishes. So although traditional cuisine may not be your go-to, rest assured you will be well-fed if you step into any restaurant along Gran Vía.
Tips for Vegetarians Traveling to Spain
With all this being said, Spain is a beautiful country with a vibrant culture that celebrates food and gathering - and being vegetarian doesn’t take away from getting to experience this culture firsthand.
Here are some tips for your next trip to Spain:
Research vegetarian options in the cities you are traveling to. Madrid and Barcelona of course have some of the largest selections of vegetarian food, but you may need to cook your own meals if you’re exploring a smaller city - especially if it’s a coastal town where seafood is a diet staple.
Learn key phrases in Spanish to communicate your restrictions. “Soy vegetariana” and “¿Tiene carne o pescado?” are some of my go-tos, and have become second nature when ordering food. Even if a dish doesn’t look like it has meat, make sure to ask because some Spanish meats look different than they do back home!
Go to local food markets for ingredients. Spain has an abundance of markets where you can pick up fresh fruits, pastries, or even a warm loaf of bread for only a couple of euros. Taking advantage of the local produce to cook your own meals can be a great way to appreciate the culinary culture while still meeting your needs. And don’t forget to pick up churros con chocolate for dessert!