A whole can as a tapas offering in a restaurant? In Spain, it’s a common and popular thing.
As a Czech, I was quite surprised during one of my first visits to Spain when I saw canned foods on the menu in local restaurants. I still remember it. I was sipping on the famous drink Aqua de Valencia in Valencia and subtly observing how the neighboring tables were ordering one can after another. It was surprising to me.
In markets in France, I had previously encountered canned foods costing tens of euros, but it wasn’t until Spain that I saw them on restaurant menus. Canned foods in Czechia are often considered cheap and quick meals, unfit for restaurants. However, Spanish “conservas” are known for their exceptional quality (which is reflected in their high prices).
Spain is among the world’s leading producers of canned foods. For me, Czech canned goods are mostly associated with cheap meals (though this is changing too), but Spanish canned foods are often considered luxury items. Canned seafood like mussels, cockles, or razor clams frequently appear on the menus of Spanish restaurants, and the prices may surprise a Czech diner.
🇪🇸 Tip: After a great Spanish food, make sure to experience some authentic Spanish flamenco. I attended a performance at Las Carboneras tablao flamenco in Madrid, which I highly recommend. However, performances are available all over Spain, and you can buy tickets in advance online.
(Note: The terms “conservas” and “latas” are often used interchangeably in Spanish, but there is a subtle difference between them. “Conservas” refers to preserved foods in general, regardless of the type of packaging. This can include foods in cans, jars, or other containers. “Latas” specifically refers to foods packaged in cans or tins. It is a narrower term that focuses more on the type of packaging rather than the preservation process. For example, “conservas de atún” might refer to tuna preserved in a can, jar, or other packaging, while “latas de atún” exclusively refers to tuna in a can.)
The high prices of Spanish canned foods reflect the careful production process and top-quality ingredients. The seafood is carefully processed at peak freshness and immediately canned. The result is a product with unparalleled freshness at the time of preparation and a flavor that far surpasses ordinary canned foods.
In addition to seafood, Spaniards also enjoy canned vegetables such as artichoke hearts, white asparagus, piquillo peppers, and even game birds like pickled pheasant or quail.
Spaniards love their exceptionally high-quality canned foods. For me, the Spanish approach to “conservas” as luxury delicacies was (and still is) fascinating. However, once you taste the quality and flavor of these Spanish products, you’ll understand why they are so valued in Spain and why locals and tourists alike are willing to pay high prices for them in restaurants.
And what about you and canned foods in Spanish restaurants? Have you ever ordered a “can” of cockles or mussels?
🇪🇸 Tip: If you are traveling to Barcelona, you must not miss a tour of the Sagrada Familia cathedral. A visit to Casa Milà or Park Güell, designed by Gaudí, is also excellent. Be sure to buy tickets in advance to avoid waiting in line.
