Traveling to Spain as an Indian can be an exciting cultural experience especially when it comes to food. But navigating a cuisine that's often centered around meats, seafood, and late mealtimes can pose a few challenges for Indian travelers, particularly those who are vegetarian or vegan. This guide is your all-in-one companion to understanding what to eat, what to avoid, and how to stay food-safe and satisfied while enjoying Spain’s vibrant culinary scene. Whether you're a spice-lover, a strict vegetarian, or someone with specific dietary needs, we've got you covered.
DOs: What to Know and Embrace
Embrace Spanish Mealtimes
Lunch (2–4 PM) and Dinner (9–11 PM) are much later than in India.
Tapas culture is key: Small portions meant for sharing, great for sampling.
Try Local Vegetarian/Vegan Dishes
Spain has hidden gems for vegetarians:
Patatas Bravas – Fried potatoes with spicy sauce.
Tortilla Española – Spanish omelet with potatoes and egg.
Pisto – Spanish-style ratatouille (veg stew).
Gazpacho / Salmorejo – Cold tomato soups (check for ham or eggs).
Pan con Tomate – Toasted bread with tomato and olive oil.
Look for menus with “vegetariano” or “vegano” labels.
Learn Useful Food Phrases
“Soy vegetariano/a” – I’m vegetarian.
“Sin carne, sin pescado” – No meat, no fish.
“¿Esto contiene huevo/leche?” – Does this have egg/milk?
Explore Indian & Vegan Spots
Big cities like Barcelona, Madrid, and Valencia have many Indian and vegan-friendly restaurants.
Use the Happy Cow app to find options nearby.
Read Labels Carefully
Look out for non-veg ingredients like jamón (ham), gelatina (gelatin), or morisco's (seafood) in packaged food.
DON’Ts: What to Avoid or Watch Out For
Don’t Assume “Vegetarian” Means Indian-Style Veg
In Spain, even "vegetarian" dishes may contain tuna, egg, or ham—double-check every time.
Don’t Expect Free Water
Water usually comes bottled and paid, unlike in India.
Don’t Expect Spicy Food
Spanish food is flavorful, not spicy. Carry your own chili flakes or pickle if you like a kick!
Don’t Rely on English Menus Everywhere
In smaller towns, menus may only be in Spanish—use Google Translate camera to decode them.
Indian Food Survival Kit for Spain
What to Pack from India:
Ready-to-eat meals (MTR, Haldiram's)
Instant snacks: Poha, Upma, Maggi
Pickles, Chutneys, Masalas (small sachets)
Dry snacks: Theplas, khakra, roasted peanuts
Tea bags, sugar, dry milk
Portable electric kettle or mini rice cooker
Spanish Food Phrases for Vegetarians/Vegans
Hotel & Eating Out Tips
Stay in apartments/Airbnbs with a kitchen if you're vegetarian or vegan.
In hostels, ask about access to shared kitchens.
Inform hotel hosts if meals are included and you have dietary needs.
Don't hesitate to carry small food containers when sightseeing for on-the-go snacks.
Spanish Dining Culture & Etiquette
Meals are slow and social—don’t expect quick service.
Tipping isn’t mandatory, but rounding up the bill or leaving €1-2 is nice.
Sharing food is common, especially tapas—clarify your dietary needs before sharing.
City-Specific Tips for Indian Travelers
Barcelona
Best Indian food spots: Rasoi, Veggie Garden, Swad – The Indian Restaurant
Boqueria Market for fresh fruits, juices, and olives.
Madrid
Indian hubs: Lavapiés area, Tandoori Station, Krishna
Vegan tapas: Distrito Vegano, B13 Bar Vegano
Seville / Granada / Valencia
Fewer Indian options, but plenty of fresh produce markets and some Indian restaurants.
Great cities for self-cooking or quick markets runs.
Final Tips for Food Success in Spain
Plan your meals based on local timings.
Be open to experimenting with vegetarian versions of local dishes.
Use tech: Happy Cow, Google Translate, and Google Maps lists.
Be polite but firm when explaining dietary needs it’s often unfamiliar to locals but they’re happy to accommodate.
Spain is a feast for the senses with its vibrant streets, artistic heritage, and bold culinary culture. While the local cuisine may seem challenging for Indian food habits at first, a little planning goes a long way. Whether you’re a strict vegetarian, a spice lover, or someone who just misses the comfort of homemade food, you’ll find ways to adapt and even enjoy the Spanish dining experience.
