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Food
   The influence that food and drink have on the Spaniards' way of life is well-known all over the world. In Spain, most of what really matters to people happens 'at the table'. For a Spaniard, a meal is a moment to be shared with friends or family and sometimes, (as my wife and I experienced), with absolute strangers!

  Eating out in Spain is relatively inexpensive and meals are usually substantial instead of gourmet. The Spanish tradition of tapas is a good way to sample the local food. Tapas are small dishes of snacks which are served anytime especially in small bars. They cover all types of foods from seafood to vegetables. Many Spanish people make an evening of hopping from bar to bar trying different tapas. Another of Spain's favourites is Serrano Ham. Spain is famous for its fish delicacies and simply must be sampled, especially if you get to coastal areas. Paella has long been a Spanish favourite, based on either meat or seafood. Every region in Spain has its own specialities
  The Spanish tend to eat traditional continental breakfasts, a light lunch and an evening meal, late. See more about Spanish cuisine.

Drink
   Primarily Spain is a wine drinking country with each region producing its own special wines, however there are several large breweries within Spain producing the light, lager-like beers popular everywhere.  In the Basque Country, chacoli is a favourite, green wine, slightly sparkling and sour. The majority of Spanish sparkling wines are sweet and fruity and even the inexpensive supermarket wines have an important place in the wine culture. Cider also has an importance in Spain. 
See sherry bodegas in Jerez de la Frontera - the home of sherry

 Spanish brandy is very different from French brandy. It is cheap and pleasant although specialists find it a little sweet. 

Cider is popular in northern Spain.		 winerack
 
   Coffee is drunk in Spain in great quantities. Cafe solo is served in small cups and is a black coffee, very strong and thick. Cafe con leche is coffee with hot, whipped milk. Spaniards also drink a great deal of bottled water. There are two types, con gas is fizzy water and sin gas is still water.