A guide to what to eat in Southern Spain for a complete experience
Planning a trip to Andalusia and wondering what to eat in Southern Spain?
Travelers often feel overwhelmed by the abundance of choices, from fresh seafood to comforting stews and sweet pastries.
In this post, you will discover both traditional dishes from Southern Spain and innovative takes on local favorites.
We will explore famous Spanish recipes, best tapas in Southern Spain, and even the typical desserts from Southern Spain that have been enjoyed for centuries.
You, dear reader, support this blog. If you purchase through a link, we earn a small commission. As an Amazon Affiliate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Pssst…!!?? You can’t get enough of Spanish recipes? Have a look at my other posts:
1. Huevo a la Flamenca
This colorful baked egg dish is a true highlight of the Spanish traditional food and what to eat in Southern Spain.
Made with eggs, tomatoes, peas, and chorizo, Huevo a la Flamenca is baked in a clay dish and served bubbling hot. It’s often enjoyed as a hearty lunch in Seville.
The recipe reflects the flamenco spirit, full of vibrant colors and flavors. Its rustic presentation makes it a must-try food in Southern Spain.
Simple, yet full of character, it is one of the most famous dishes in Southern Spain.
Get the recipe: Huevo a la Flamenca
2. Salmorejo
Salmorejo is a thick tomato and bread-based soup from Córdoba.
Unlike the classic gazpacho recipe, Salmorejo is creamier and often topped with hard-boiled egg and jamón serrano.
Served chilled, it is perfect for hot summer days. With its smooth texture and bold flavor, it is one of the best foods in Andalusia Spain.
It is a staple in Córdoba, making it essential when considering what to eat in Southern Spain.
Locals proudly describe it as one of the southern Spain food specialties.
Get the recipe: Salmorejo
3. Tortilla de Patatas
As one of the best tapas in Southern Spain, tortilla de patatas is found in every bar and restaurant.
It is one of the most typical foods from Southern Spain, embodying simplicity and tradition.
Whether eaten warm or cold, it is universally loved.
This iconic Spanish omelet is made with potatoes, onions, and eggs.
While popular throughout Spain, Andalusians have a special love for it as a tapas dish. It is thick, fluffy, and often served in wedges.
Get the recipe: Tortilla de Patatas
4. Cold Garlic Soup – Ajo Blanco
If you are wondering about what to eat in Malaga, you should try ajo blanco, a cold garlic soup to die for.
It represents centuries of Moorish influence on southern Spain cuisine.
For anyone asking what food is Southern Spain known for, ajo blanco is a clear answer.
This chilled white soup comes from Málaga. Made with almonds, garlic, bread, and olive oil, it is sometimes topped with grapes or melon for sweetness.
It is elegant, healthy, and deeply rooted in history.
Get the recipe: Cold garlic soup
5. Espetos
Espetos are skewered sardines grilled over an open fire, typically on the beaches of Málaga.
Cooked over olive wood, they capture the smoky, salty taste of the Mediterranean.
They’re the best seafood in Southern Spain, especially in Málaga.
If you are curious about what to eat in Southern Spain, this dish tops the list.
Served with lemon, they are a seaside favorite. Fresh, affordable, and delicious, espetos are a symbol of the Costa del Sol.
Get the recipe: Espetos
6. Flamenquines Cordobeses
As one of the traditional dishes from Southern Spain, it is both indulgent and satisfying.
Locals see it as comfort food, best enjoyed in Córdoba’s traditional taverns.
Its name comes from its resemblance to a flamenco dancer’s long shape.
This dish from Córdoba features ham rolled in pork loin, coated in breadcrumbs, and fried golden.
Served with potatoes or salad, it is crispy on the outside and savory inside.
Get the recipe: Flamenquines Cordobeses
7. Gazpachuelo
Originating in Malaga, this humble soup was once a fisherman’s meal.
Gazpachuelo is made from fish stock, potatoes, and mayonnaise whisked into a creamy broth.
Today, it is served in both homes and restaurants. It is hearty, warming, and deeply local.
It highlights what to eat in Southern Spain, transforming simple ingredients into comfort food offering a taste of tradition.
Get the recipe: Gazpachuelo
8. Gambas al Pil Pil
As one of the must-try foods in Southern Spain, it is bold and flavorful.
Travelers often rank it among the best tapas in Southern Spain for its simplicity and taste.
This sizzling shrimp dish is cooked with garlic, chili, and olive oil in a clay dish.
It arrives at the table still bubbling, filling the air with irresistible aromas.
It is a beloved tapa across Andalusia and a great dish when exploring what to eat in Southern Spain.
Get the recipe: Gambas al pil pil
9. Borrachuelos de Málaga
These sweet pastries are fried and flavored with wine, anise, and orange zest.
Traditionally prepared during Christmas, Borrachuelos de Málaga are glazed with honey or sugar. Malaga is especially famous for them.
They are one of the typical desserts from Southern Spain with deep festive roots.
For those wondering what to eat in Malaga during the holidays, borrachuelos are the answer.
Sweet, aromatic, and celebratory, they are unforgettable.
Get the recipe: Borrachuelos de Málaga
10. Turron de Jijona
Turrón de Jijona is one of the southern Spain food specialties that is now internationally famous.
As a typical dessert, it symbolizes festive gatherings and a sweet answer to what to eat in Southern Spain.
Each bite connects you to centuries of culinary tradition as its origins trace back to Moorish times.
This nougat is made with ground almonds, honey, and sugar. Soft and chewy, it is a holiday staple across Spain but especially loved in the south.
Get the recipe: Turron de Jijona
11. Tocino de Cielo
For those exploring what to eat in Seville or Cádiz, this dessert is unmissable.
It is among the most famous desserts when one looks into what to eat in Southern Spain for its unique history.
Today, this rich and silky dessert is found in pastry shops across Andalusia and is created by nuns in Jerez de la Frontera.
Despite its name meaning “bacon from heaven,” this dessert is made from egg yolks, sugar, and caramel.
Get the recipe: Tocino de Cielo
12. Polvorones
As one of the typical desserts from Southern Spain, polvorones represent holiday warmth.
They are also a key answer to what food is Southern Spain known for.
These crumbly almond cookies are a Christmas specialty, and they are widely produced in Andalusia, especially in Estepa.
Named for their powdery texture, they melt in your mouth with each bite.
Sweet, nutty, and nostalgic, they’re essential for festive tables.
Get the recipe: How to Make Polvoron
13. Piononos de Santa Fe
As one of the southern Spain food specialties, pionono is a cultural treasure.
They are bite-sized but incredibly rich. Named after Pope Pius IX (Pio Nono), they carry both religious and cultural significance.
They’re an iconic treat when considering what to eat in Granada. Locals and tourists alike flock to bakeries for them.
These small sponge rolls, soaked in syrup and topped with cream, come from Santa Fe near Granada.
Get the recipe: Pionono
14. Pestiños
Traditionally eaten at Christmas and Easter, they’re deeply rooted in Andalusian culture.
Pestiños are especially popular in Seville and Cádiz and are fried pastries flavored with anise and honey.
They are part of the typical desserts from Southern Spain that connect food with faith and celebration.
Sweet, fragrant, and festive, they complete the Andalusian food journey.
Get the recipe: Pestiños
Short FAQ about what to eat in Andalucia
What is the healthiest food in Spain?
Many traditional dishes from Southern Spain, like gazpacho and ajo blanco, are light and nourishing.
They showcase the best of the Mediterranean southern Spain cuisine.
Why is food healthier in Spain?
Food is healthier thanks to fresh ingredients and simple cooking methods. Southern Spain food specialties rely on vegetables, fish, and olive oil.
This balance explains why what food is Southern Spain known for often overlaps with healthy eating.
What is the typical diet in Spain?
The typical diet reflects the Mediterranean style with lots of vegetables, seafood, and olive oil.
In Andalusia, traditional Andalusian food like stews, salads, and fish dominate meals. It is a balanced way of eating that defines southern Spain cuisine.
Hola, I’m Paulina! Together with my team, we are passionate about Southern Spain. Here we share all you need to know for great times in Southern Spain with the best places to visit, stay and, of course, the best food to eat.
Let’s dive in and explore Southern Spain’s outdoors, food and culture con pasión!