What is a tapa?
A simple explanation of tapas and how The Best Tapa keeps discovery tied to real places.
What is a tapa?
A tapa is a small dish of food served in Spain, often alongside a beer or glass of wine. Portions are made for sharing and sampling rather than serving as a full meal, which is what makes tapas such a social way of eating.
 *Albondigas at Esquina 32 in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, photo shared by a member of the The Best Tapa community.*
### Where does the word "tapa" come from?
"Tapa" means "lid" or "cover" in Spanish. A common story traces the tradition to bartenders placing a slice of bread or ham over a glass of wine to keep out flies and dust. The name stuck, and today "tapa" refers to the small plate itself.
### Common types of tapas
Tapas range from simple to elaborate, and the dishes on offer often depend on the region and the bar. Some of the most common styles include:
- Cold bites: olives, cheese, cured ham, or pan con tomate (bread rubbed with tomato and olive oil)
- Fried classics: croquetas, calamares, or patatas bravas
- Seafood: gambas al ajillo (garlic shrimp) or boquerones (marinated anchovies)
- Egg dishes: tortilla espanola, a thick potato and egg omelette
- Skewered bites known as pinchos or pintxos, especially in the Basque Country
 *Chipirones fritos at La Tabona Tasca in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, photo shared by a member of the The Best Tapa community.*
### Free tapa or ordered from a menu?
In some cities, especially in the south of Spain like Granada and Jaen, a small tapa comes free with each drink. In many other places, tapas are their own menu items and are ordered individually, often shared across a table so everyone can try a few different plates.
### How The Best Tapa helps you choose
The Best Tapa lets people vote on and discover specific tapas at real places, so you can see what is worth ordering nearby before you sit down.
> Tried a great tapa? [Add it to The Best Tapa](/add) in under a minute so others can find it too. > > Hungry right now? [Browse the best tapas near you](/discover/nearby) and see what locals actually recommend.
### Frequently asked questions
**Is a tapa a full meal?** Not usually. A single tapa is a small portion for sharing or sampling. Several tapas together, known as "tapeo," can add up to a full meal.
**What is the difference between a tapa and a pincho?** A pincho, or pintxo, is a type of tapa served on a small piece of bread, often held together with a toothpick, and is especially common in northern Spain.
**Do you have to pay for tapas?** It depends on the bar and city. Some places include a free tapa with a drink order, while others charge for each dish on the menu.