Postre
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Tarta De Queso Fresco
Restaurante Gele · Santander
Spain
Discover the best restaurants, dishes, and local cuisine in Santander, Spain. Read authentic reviews, browse menus, and find your perfect dining experience.
Santander's cuisine is characterized by fresh, high-quality ingredients, particularly seafood. Flavors are generally clean and simple, focusing on highlighting the natural taste of the ingredients. Garlic, parsley, and olive oil are common flavor enhancers. Creamy textures are present, specially in Cocido Montañés. The proximity to the sea and the green pastures influence the type of dishes enjoyed in the region.
A hearty white bean stew with chorizo, morcilla (blood sausage), ribs, and cabbage. It's a traditional mountain dish, perfect for cold weather.
Fried squid, a very popular tapa in Santander. The squid is typically lightly battered and fried until crispy.
Grilled sardines, simply seasoned with salt and olive oil. A classic Santander summer dish.
Cantabrian anchovies, considered some of the best in the world. They are typically preserved in salt and olive oil and served as a tapa.
A tuna stew with potatoes, peppers, and onions. A simple but flavorful dish, showcasing the region's tuna fishing tradition.
A sweet cheesecake made with cow's milk, eggs, sugar, and lemon zest. It comes from the Pas Valley.
Rice pudding, sweetened with sugar and sometimes flavored with lemon or cinnamon.
To fully enjoy the culinary experience in Santander, consider these tips for navigating the local food scene and making the most of your meals.
While not directly from Santander (Asturias), 'sidra' (cider) is a popular drink in the region and pairs well with many seafood dishes. Watch how it's poured 'escanciada' from a height to aerate it.
Visit the local markets, such as Mercado de la Esperanza, to see the fresh ingredients and sample local produce.
Many restaurants offer a 'menú del día' (menu of the day) at lunchtime, which provides a great value and a taste of traditional dishes.
While English is spoken in some tourist areas, knowing some basic Spanish phrases will enhance your experience and allow you to interact more easily with locals.
Spain
Cantabrian cuisine, and particularly that of Santander, has been shaped by its coastal location and agricultural traditions. Celtic, Roman, and later Moorish influences, while less pronounced than in other parts of Spain, have subtly contributed. The region's long history of fishing and seafaring is evident in its seafood-rich diet, while inland areas have contributed hearty stews and meat dishes. The lack of extensive Moorish influence relative to southern Spain means less use of spices like cumin and coriander.
Food plays a central role in the social life of Santander. Meal times are often extended, and sharing tapas is a common way to socialize with friends and family. The city has a strong bar culture, where people gather to enjoy drinks and small bites. Many festivals and celebrations revolve around food.
Going for 'tapas' is a Santander tradition. Small plates are shared among friends, creating a convivial atmosphere.
Lunch is usually the largest meal of the day, taken between 2 pm and 4 pm. Dinner is later, often starting around 9 pm.
Santander has a vibrant bar scene. 'Chiquiteo', hopping from bar to bar to sample different wines and tapas, is a popular activity.
Several festivals throughout the year celebrate the region's seafood, offering opportunities to try various dishes and learn about the local fishing industry.