Tiếng ViệtLast summer, I had an intriguing experience wandering alone through the Mercado de San Miguel, a bustling market in the heart of Madrid, Spain. This market is an excellent place to indulge in a myriad of tapas and wines. Tapas isn’t the name of a specific dish but a collective term for various appetizers, often paired with wine, typically enjoyed at bars before dinner or during weekend lunches.
Originally, tapas consisted merely of slices of bread or bits of meat accompanying a glass of wine, but over time and with human creativity, the variety of tapas has expanded rapidly. There are many stories about the origin of tapas, but the most fascinating one I’ve heard involves using a cover (tapa) to shield drinks from insects, dust, or to keep food particles out of the beverages. Traditionally, when a bar owner served wine, they would place a cover on top of the glass for protection. People began placing small food items on this cover, from slices of sausage and cheese to seafood or tofu, creating a diverse and enticing array of options for patrons.
A truth I have verified is that Spaniards truly know how to enjoy life; they are masters of leisure. Tapas emerged to cater to this culture of enjoyment. Today, tapas is not only a significant aspect of Spanish culture but has also gained popularity worldwide. It has become one of my favorite culinary delights because of its vast diversity and richness, offering flavors ranging from mild to robust, spicy to sweet.
