Tapas are small appetizers or snacks in Spanish cuisine that can be served hot or cold and are often combined to make a full meal. They originated in Spain and are traditionally served alongside alcoholic drinks like beer or wine. The word "tapas" comes from the Spanish verb tapar , meaning "to cover," referring to the original practice of placing a small piece of bread or meat on top of a drink to keep flies away. Over time, these simple snacks evolved into a wide variety of dishes, ranging from olives and cheese to fried baby squid (chopitos) and spicy potatoes (patatas bravas)

. Tapas are not a specific dish but a style of serving small portions meant for sharing, often enjoyed in social settings like bar hopping. They allow people to sample many different flavors without ordering large meals. In some regions, similar snacks are called bocas or botanas. Tapas can be finger foods, small skewered bites called pintxos in the Basque country, or sauced dishes served in earthenware called cazuelas

. In Spain, going out for tapas is a cultural tradition involving visiting multiple bars to enjoy small plates and drinks socially. Tapas menus typically feature a variety of easy-to-eat dishes highlighting Spanish ingredients such as cured meats, cheeses, olives, and seafood

. In summary, tapas are a fundamental part of Spanish culinary culture, representing a communal, casual way to enjoy a variety of flavorful small dishes alongside drinks