Food & Football: The Two Spanish Passions

If there is one thing which the Spanish are more passionate about than food, it’s football. Football, soccer or Futbal, if you’re feeling authentic, is massive right across every region of Spain, with fierce rivalries at play between teams in Spain’s internal competition: La Liga.

The entire nation takes huge pride in the success of their big international teams like Barcelona and Real Madrid – and their national team who they call La Furia Roja (The Red Fury). Right now, Lionel Messi (Real Madrid’s Argentinian star striker) is one of the most worshipped men in the whole of Espana. Rather than football being like a religion in Spain, many joke that religion in Spain is like football!

Pipas (Sunflower seeds)
If you don’t return from a futbal match without at least a couple of pipas in your hair or down the back of your collar, you’ve attended a very

Football Fan Eating Pipas at Stadium

boring match indeed. These sunflower seeds are the popcorn of Spanish football. They are the essential little snack to be eaten (and usually thrown) throughout the match.

Pipas are much healthier than many alternatives eaten in other nations and they’re full of nutritional goodness which is perfect for soaking up the wine and booze usually consumed at Spanish futbal fixtures. With a nutty flavor and a tender, crunchy texture they’re a great nibble to keep fans going until half time.

Bocata
At half time it’s time for another semi-religious event: the eating of the bocata. Short for bocadillo, these long Spanish sandwiches are treated with great respect (and eaten with great gusto) at any Spanish futbal event. “Quiero un bocata!” is a common cry to hear in Spanish stadiums, as bocatas are available with a range of delicious fillings. Bocata de tortilla is a particularly popular variety – these are long bocatas, cut lengthways in half and filled with a potato or egg omelet.

Bocata de chorizo is another popular option for those in search of a spicy, meat filled bocadillo, while bocata de jamon is a salty, ham filled version.

BYO Bocadillo
To be truly authentic, however, it’s best to pack your own sandwich before you head out to the game. Spanish football is a come-one-come-all affair and Spaniards enjoy incredibly cheap ticket prices compared to other European countries. This thrifty footballing theme is continued in the food consumed at the game. The most common bocata eaten at the futbal has to be a homemade sandwich filled with serranno ham and cheese.

Love Spanish culture and cuisine? Reserve your table at Ataula, Portland’s favourite Spanish restaurant, today on 503-894-8904 or right here online.