On my travels, I often face a serious problem: my limited ability to consume all the great food and drink. The Basques likely had this problem a thousand times over, thanks to their amazing cuisine. That’s why they came up with txikiteo!
Txikiteo is the Basque solution for how to enjoy as much great Basque food and drink as possible (and often even before dinner, which in Spain starts as late as 9 PM). The selection of pintxos in Basque bars and restaurants is truly extensive. However, most establishments are known for two or three specialties that they do absolutely perfectly. Txikiteo is about hopping from one establishment to another – always for its famous specialty!
In the photo above, you see the renowned Bacaicoa bar in Bilbao with a relatively narrow selection of pintxos. What? You might be tempted to say, such a small choice?! It’s completely fine. This place is famous for four specialties that almost everyone comes here for.
🇪🇸 Tip: After enjoying Basque pintxos and txakoli wine, a bit of passive relaxation is in order. Check out these boat cruises in Bilbao or San Sebastián. You will recharge for more tastings! ⛵
I won’t keep you in suspense with the translation; in the case of Bacaicoa bar, they are: champi a la gloria (grilled mushroom with special sauce, literally translated as “mushroom in paradise”), txorizo al inferno (spicy chorizo flambéed right in front of you, literally “hellish chorizo”), seta al purgatorio (grilled mushroom with parsley sauce, literally “mushroom in purgatory”), and croquetas de bacalao (cod croquettes).
During txikiteo, most people usually order just the dish the establishment is famous for, and after finishing it, they jump to the next specialty at another place, and so on.
So, the food is sorted, but it always needs to be washed down with something, especially in the evening. Txikiteo takes care of that too! The Basques invented orders of truly small glasses of beer (zuritos) or wine (txikito).
In one establishment, it is completely normal (and common!) to have just one or two pintxos and a small glass of beer or the local wine txakoli and then move on to the next place for its specialties.
For the Basques, txikiteo is an important part of their identity and a way to maintain community cohesion. This tradition encourages meeting friends, making new connections, and experiencing the local culture. You can go on txikiteo alone (if you’re traveling solo), but the magic of txikiteo lies in doing it with a group of friends, in conversation, and fun. Just like in the Czechia, the fuller the place, the more renowned the food it offers. Don’t be afraid of crowded bars where it’s head-to-head – you’ll always find a spot!
So, cheers, or as they say in Basque, “Osasuna“!
🇪🇸 Tip: After a great Spanish meal, also go for authentic Spanish flamenco. I went to a performance of Las Carboneras tablao flamenco in Madrid, which I definitely recommend. Performances are held throughout Spain, and you can buy tickets in advance online.
