Galicia is located in the northwest corner of Spain. It touches the Atlantic Ocean along its western and northern coasts. Interestingly, this is the same ocean that touches the eastern coast of the United States, including South Carolina! Galicia’s location near the ocean helps explain why this region is famous for its fresh seafood. The region is also known for hearty meat dishes and high-quality, locally-grown vegetables. When I arrived in Spain, I knew I wanted to experience the culture by trying as many local foods as possible!
Octopus, or pulpo as it is called in Spanish, is one of Galicia's most famous seafood dishes. Of course, this was one of the first foods I tried after moving here. I also tried different types of fish, including hake (merluza) and salmon (salmón).
Galicia also has very tasty meat dishes. I have tried ribeye (entrecot), pork loin (lomo), and ham (jámon). I have even found a new favorite traditional appetizer or small plate (tapas): ham croquettes (croquetas de jamón). This tasty finger food (tapas) contains a creamy filling with small bits of ham inside and it is coated in a crispy, fried outer shell.
Another one of my favorite food discoveries has been Padrón peppers, or pimientos de Padrón in Spanish.
