On rare occasions you can find paella in the north, it’s usually a paella mixta (mixed paella) and can contain beef, chicken, shrimp, squid, mussels and peppers all in one! I had an incredible paella recently when my family came to visit, and it was so large we ate it for days. I've also tried traditionally prepared steak, croquettas (fried balls of cheese and meat), and churros. All have been delicious!
I was definitely hesitant to try so many different kinds of seafood and new foods; but once I tried them, I realized I had nothing to be scared of. I feel more connected to my new Spanish friends and to the rich and deep culture of Galicia everytime I try something new.
Most of the food is either grilled or boiled, then tossed with olive oil or salt. While not many spices are used outside of paella, this really lets the natural flavors shine. One thing that surprised me is that Spanish food really is not spicy at all! I grew up with pickled jalepeños, pico de gallo, fiery salsas, and Chalula hot sauce being a part of nearly every meal, so the lack of spiciness was definitely a surprise.
The local cuisine here is intimately tied to the local environment. Because so much of Galicia is near the coast line, every piece of seafood you eat is of Galician origin and is farmed, and caught, near where you're eating it. This also means that there have been strong efforts to keep the ocean and rivers clean; because so much food comes from them.
