The Quintessence of Spanish Culture

If one didn't have tapas during their visit to Spain, everyone would laugh at them. It would be like coming out of a bank vault with bare hands. Even if they watched the boldest, most unrestrained flamenco dancer, or fought with the most violent bull, that disappointment would still be irreversible.

Tapas were the quintessence of Spanish food. They could be found everywhere, from gorgeous restaurants to small cafés.

There were two completely different stories about them in Spanish legends.

The noblest one was that an ancient Spanish king had bad a big appetite and disliked European dinner, but preferred simple snacks instead. Thus, the royal cook had made him small dishes of different tastes that could stimulate his appetite. The king had been really happy when he'd tried them.