Vegetarian Survival in Spain

Spain might not appear at first glance to be a natural habitat for vegetarians. 

Although Spanish cuisine has a long and noble tradition of using the finest ingredients in delicious and flavourful combinations, it has to be said vegetarianism is NOT traditionally a well understood concept.  Outside of a Montgo Vegetarian 'veggie night' it can be frustrating and difficult getting a decent meal, in the land where 'jamon' is almost a ubiquitous part of every meal.  The question can be met with blank looks in restaurants, or first assumptions may well include the common misconception that vegetarians naturally eat fish!

Further misunderstandings can arise between the concepts of not liking the taste of something vs not eating it/not wanting to eat it - even if there's only 'un poco' atun or jamon in your stew, you as a vegetarian don't want to eat it... which can cause total bafflement.

However this is a country where fruit, vegetables, salads and pulses grow in abundance... and you CAN find delicious meals, with choice and variety, and vegetarians in Spain are growing in number and voice every day!

• Vegetarian Spanish Vocabulary
  
  Spanish vocabulary for vegetarians can help us all get a veggie-friendly meal on the Costa Blanca
• Vegetarian tapas
  
  Tapas is a wonderful culinary tradition across Spain, and creates lots of opportunities to experience new flavours and combinations of ingredients.
• Vegetarian menus and food ordering in Spain
  
  Finding vegetarian items on the menu in spain can be challenging, but you will be surprised what you can negotiate with a bit of imagination