Tapas is a versatile menu option for any bar, restaurant or even home. There is a dish for everyone and the small size makes them tempting even to those that don’t think they are hungry. Offering a tapas selection is a brilliant way of not only raising revenue but delighting customers too. Who can resist a small bowl of patatas bravas!

What does tapas mean?

Tapas means 'to cover'. This name harks back to the dishes' origins when taverns in Spain served small dishes with the wine. Patrons would use the dish to cover the wine, stopping flies from taking a swim.

Where does tapas originate from?

Tapas originates from Spain. Various stories in circulation attempt to explain the origin story of tapas.

One theory says Spanish taverns would serve little dishes of salty free food, so people would feel more thirsty and order more drinks.

Another tale says that the king of Spain, Alfonso X el Sabio, made a royal decree that taverns had to serve a portion of food with the drinks so people wouldn't get too drunk and cause mischief.

Regardless of the truth, most people can appreciate the pleasures of eating small snacks while on a drinking binge.

What kind of food is tapas?

Depending on the region in Spain you'll find different types of food served as tapas. Recently, tapas became popular globally, so the list of foods we consider tapas has grown further. There's a tapas dish for everyone, so no matter your taste you'll find something yummy to try.

Examples of cold tapas are olives, cheese, or gourmet hams served on little pieces of bread. Examples of hot tapas are Spanish omelette, calamari, or patatas bravas (potatoes with a spicy sauce).

As the popularity of tapas has grown there are now all kinds of cuisines that serve tapas. Italian food such as small bowls of arancini, greek inspired dishes such as halloumi chips or British inspired foods such as scotch eggs or fried cod bites. Tapas is a concept that everyone can get behind.

All tapas comes as multiple small portions served on little dishes, ideal for sharing with others. Tapas go best with a bottle of wine and good conversation.

What are the three most popular tapas in the UK?

There is no definitive answer to this question. Here are three tempting and ubiquitously popular tapas to try which would all make popular tapas in the UK.

- Patatas Bravas - Little crispy spicy cubes of potato served with a spicy tomato sauce. In a chip loving nation, you can't go wrong with this tapas.
- Jamon Bellota - Ham from free-range pigs that roam oak forests and eat only acorns. What goes better with potato than pork? And this ham is the creme de la creme of all hams. Serve on small squares of crunchy toast.
- Croquettes - Crunchy delicious balls with anything you fancy hiding inside. You can fill them with ham, potatoes, mushrooms, cheese, squid, and prawn. If you can dream it, you can put in in a croquette.

How to serve tapas?

When serving tapas, you need a selection of small dishes. You could choose our modern jet black terracotta dishes, or you may prefer our classic red terracotta dishes.

The dishes we sell come in different sizes, choose a few of each. You can use the bigger ones for your favourite tapas or sharing. Use the smallest ones for olives, sauces or pickles.

When you serve your tapas creations on these little dishes, you can replicate the authentic tapas eating experience at home or in any bar, restaurant or cafe.

If you want to serve your tapas in style, create a matching set of bowls. A set works perfectly for two people enjoying an evening together with a bottle of wine and a small selection of delicious tapas to nibble on.

Can terracotta dishes go in the oven?

You can place your terracotta dishes in the oven, on an open gas flame, an electric cooker, and you can place them directly onto barbecue charcoals.

If you're serving hot tapas, you can heat the terracotta dishes in the oven and then place the food into them. This way they'll keep the food warm as you nibble away. Or use a barbecue with your dishes holding the tapas laid on top.

The benefits of terracotta

Few materials are as versatile as terracotta. You can cook with them and put them in the freezer too. Terracotta holds heat effectively and distributes heat evenly, which makes them perfect for serving hot tapas.

Now, all you need to do is work out your tapas menu!

Here at Cooksmill, we have an extensive range of tapas dishes, tapas spoons and terracotta tableware that are suitable for front of house and in the kitchen. To learn more then simply visit our website today to shop online or visit our Manchester store. Delivery is free on orders over £50 ex vat with thousands of items available for fast courier delivery when you shop online.