Why I love Spain: Tapas, Pinchos, Montaditos, Raciones in Girona

I am in love with Spain because of her food! I love the idea of little portions that you can eat randomly, here and there throughout the day and night, in a cafe, a bar or a restaurant. The concept is remarkably refreshing, unbelievablly affordable and will keep you off a few kilos if you will only promise to eat moderately.

Everyone has their own version of the differences between a tapa, a pincho, a montadito and a racion. Even the Spaniards themselves have their own versions too, depending on where they are from, which reminds me that the Catalans actually dislike being called Spaniards.

Catalonia has been seeking for independence from Spain for a long time already. Interestingly, several days ago Spain’s parliament rejected the region’s bid for independence vote. I know a few Catalans personally and I can attest that they are indeed a very proud bunch and very nationalistic to the core. The Catalan flag is a perpetual eyesore in the city landscapes of Barcelona and Girona, gracing balconies, windows and doors proudly. We get the message alright. They are Catalans. They are not Spanish/Spaniards.

Anyway (I have digressed again far away from the subject, lol), a tapa in some parts of Spain is free, while in other parts you pay for it. Pinchos are usually food pinned on a stick while montaditos are small pieces of bread mounted with several layers of food goodness on top. A racion is a small portion of a dish.

I know this tapa – pincho – montadito – raciones quandary can get confusing but rest assured they are all pretty and savoury to the senses. They are the types of food to eat when in the country.

These I found in Girona… judge for yourself.