Hard cider is preferred as a drink. The Basque country features fish dishes principally, such as fish soup, garlicky baby eels, squid, and a variety of dried cod dishes. Cataluna is considered the most gastronomically distinctive and exciting region of Spain. Catalan cuisine is inventive with fish, such as mixed seafood zarzuela , meats or poultry, which are typically combined with local fruits. Valencia is a region of tidal flatlands and rice is prepared here in endless styles on a daily basis.
Paella is the region's most famous dish.
Andalucia to the south is a parched and arid region, best suited to grape vines and olive trees. Gazpacho is native to this area. The tapa tradition is as important for the conversation and company as for the delicious food. Every Spaniard has his favorite tasca , as the tapa bars are called, where he goes regularly to meet his friends or business acquaintances. Tapas will be found in even the smallest bar in a tiny village.