7 foods not to leave Marbella without trying

Whether you are a regular on the Costa del Sol or you are visiting Marbella on Spain’s Costa del Sol for the first time, make sure you sample these 7 delicious foods before you leave.

Paella

No trip to Andalusia is complete without a plate of paella and a glass of sangria. Visitors flock to the beach bars for this national favourite, which consists of pork, chicken and/or fresh fish, squid and seafood, and of course rice and vegetables. Cooked and presented in a large heavy bottomed pan, paella is one of Spain´s signature dishes. Originally from Valencia, paella was once the staple diet of farmers and agricultural workers who used to boil up the rice with snails and vegetables while working in the fields.

Gambas Pil-Pil

Gambas pil-pil is a hot, sizzling spicy dish, with large prawns, chilli and garlic oil. Originally a Catalan dish, pil-pil is now a firm favourite in the coastal resorts, and in Madrid. Also popular with tourists in the coastal resorts, this dish is served bubbling hot to the table, with crusty break to mop up the delicious juices.

Tortilla Espanola

Spanish omelette or ´tortilla española´is a firm favourite with locals and tourists alike, and is made with potatoes, onions and garlic. Depending where you are in Spain, this delicious local dish is sometimes made with peas, peppers or even served with cheese on top.

Serrano Ham and chorizo

Cured Iberian ham is something of a delicacy in Spain, and it is much cherished by locals and visitors alike. The ´black foot´ ham, otherwise known as ´pata negra´ is the real jewel in the crown, and it takes years to cure. Eaten with crusty bread, jamon serranois delicious, and the ´black foot´ or ´de bellota´ version melts in the mouth. Chorizo is a spicy sausage served either hot or cold, and often cooked in wine or cider.

Andalusian Gazpacho

Gazpacho is a delicious and refreshing liquid salad which is most popular in the beach bars in summer. Served chilled as a soup and made up of tomatoes, cucumber, peppers, garlic and olive oil, this is a firm favourite with tourists and locals.

Manchego Cheese

This strong hard cheese from the Castilla-La Mancha region is a highlight of any tapas bar or café in Marbella. Made from sheep´s milk, the slightly salty but delicious cheese is often served with olive oil drizzled over it and a basket of crusty bread.

Patatas Bravas

Perfect if you like it spicy, patatas bravas are deep fried potatoes served with a piquant tomato sauce. Often served with garlic mayonnaise, known locally as ´ali-oli´, patatas bravas are served in tapas bars throughout southern Spain

If you are planning to visit Spain on holiday or relocate to Marbella, take your time to explore the tapas bars, the traditional cafés and the restaurants serving authentic Spanish food – you won´t be disappointed.

Properties for sale in Marbella

If you are looking for properties for sale in Marbella, take your time to explore the areas and communities in and around the town. Properties for sale in Marbella include high sought after townhouses, apartments, studios, penthouses and villas, resales and new developments.