The Difference Between A Mexican And Spanish Restaurant

While there are many similarities when comparing a Mexican and Spanish restaurant, the differences are large enough to get a person’s attention.  There is nothing quite like sitting down and thinking the menu will have tacos, burritos, and fajitas just to see names like Valencia, Galicia, and Catalonia.  While it is true that Mexican cuisine is a compilation of various ethnic groups, the Spaniards have a cuisine that is uniquely cultural and regional.

A Spanish restaurant will have a variety of popular ingredients common in the region of origin.  For instance, seafood, pork, and unique vegetables make up this fine cuisine.  Most of the country is close to the sea, and as such, many types of sea floral and life have been used to make up the popular dishes.  Of course, this does not mean that the culture did not spread to those inhabitants of Mexico.

Fun Fact: Pigs, cows, olive oil, and sugarcane were first introduced to Mexico by the Spaniards in 1521!

Sometimes the biggest difference between a Mexican and Spanish restaurant is in the preparation of the dishes.  Olive oil is a staple of this large European nation.  In fact, most folks are introduced at the door of the establishment with a basket of bread and a dish of olive oil for spread.  The olive oil can, in fact, have a wide array of flavors to appease just about anyone visiting such an establishment.  While in a Mexican establishment, most people are met with chips and salsa.

Calamari, squid, and other types of fish and seafood that are unique to the area make an exceptional addition to a Spanish restaurant.  However, those specific types of seafood are not generally found in a Mexican food establishment.  The seafood from Spain is absolutely fantastic.  This is a culture where most main dishes contain some sort of seafood.  As such, the seafood really takes a front seat to this delectable cuisine.

One of the most popular dishes would have to be the rice dish Paella.  Paella usually contains rabbit, pork, chicken, or seafood that is marinated in saffron.  It is then cooked over an open flame before being served, almost fajita style, to the waiting diner.  Paella is readily found in all establishments when visiting this unique culture.  In Spanish cuisine, the rice is typically the secondary ingredient instead of vegetables, like in Mexican cuisine.

Garlic is another ingredient highly respected by the people, and as such, garlic takes a prominent place in most dishes.  Even the coffee is bitterly bolder than and not as mild as the coffee found in Mexico.  However, this does not mean one cuisine is better than the other. 

When comparing the delicious worlds available at a Mexican or Spanish restaurant, the differences are many.  However, both cuisines offer a unique taste of history.  While the conquistadors were at war with Mexico, the people of Mexico were busy integrating their cultures.  Each taste is unique.  There are still hints of the culture that pop up even after almost five centuries.