When you think of Spanish food, you quickly think of tapas: a table full of different snacks on various plates that you share with friends or family. It's not just about the food itself, but especially about the experience. In Spain, there is a huge food culture. Coziness, talking, and laughing; that's what it's all about. But the tapas themselves are also delicious. Jamón Iberico, manchego, tortilla de patata, albondigas, olives, pimientos de padron, croquetas, patatas bravas... they all belong to a delightful Spanish dining afternoon or evening. Of course, with beautiful Spanish wines, a cold beer, or a jug of sangria.

TRADITIONAL PAELLA

Yuri Hovius, head chef at Van der Valk Hotel Amsterdam-Amstel, is a true lover of Spanish cuisine. He worked as a chef in Spain for many years and even now that he lives in the Netherlands, he enjoys putting some Spanish snacks on the menu. Yuri says: 'Currently, we have a delicious paella on our menu. I prepare the paella just like I did when I worked as a chef in Spain, with the only difference being that I don't serve it in the pan here in the restaurant. I have adapted it a bit to the Dutch eating culture. But thanks to the authentic preparation, you can really taste the sun on your plate.'