Rick Steves' Spanish Restaurant Hack Offers A Better Dining Experience On A Budget

The diversity of climate, landscape, language, and even culture within Spain might come as a surprise to many. The Basque Country is not like Andalusia. Galicia on the North Atlantic is very different from Catalonia on the Mediterranean and everything in between. That's why it's often said that Spain is multiple countries in one — it also has Europe's most unforgettable road trips. One cultural element that brings all of them together is food. It is a serious thing throughout Spain, and it's something the nation does exceptionally well.

No matter the region, the Spanish are regularly enjoying Iberico ham, smoky chorizo, marinated olives, crispy calamari, the ubiquitous Spanish potato omelet, and of course, paella, with its saffron-infused golden rice and delicious ingredients from both sea and land. Dining in Spain is very communal as well, exemplified by the long lunches and tapas culture. Across the country, it's standard practice to meet friends at a small place in the evening, order a few plates for the table, and everyone shares the dishes while sipping wine and catching up.

For visitors, travel guru Rick Steves has a Spanish restaurant hack for a better dining experience on a budget. He utilizes the tapas culture and a menu difference between American and Spanish restaurants. Menus in Spain are often divided into sections labeled: snacks (para picar), meat, fish, and vegetables. The dishes are then ordered by "ración," which means a full portion, or a "media ración," which is a half portion. Rather than order a full portion of grilled octopus for yourself, Steves says, "Ordering media-raciones is an easy way for you and your travel partner to broaden your tasting experience." He advises ordering a few media raciónes for the table, both saving a few bucks and allowing you to explore more Spanish culinary delights — you could also take Rick Steves' recommendation and "go mobile" for dinner while in Madrid.

It's natural to want to eat a variety of Spanish cuisine without breaking the bank — and you can follow Anthony Bourdain's advice for spotting the best local places. In some restaurants or bars in Spain, a complimentary free tapa will come with your beverage. Usually, it's simply a little bowl of potato chips or olives. If you're super lucky, you might get something slightly more substantial. These bites are nice, but it's not possible to make a proper meal out of free tapas.

That's where Rick Steves' advice for getting quantity and variety on a budget with media raciónes comes in. Depending on the size of your group — Steves says two people can fill up on four media raciónes — you could order a variety of them for the table and share the dishes like a group of Spaniards. Except for breakfast, which is often just a piece of toast and coffee, the Spanish are famous for really taking their time when having a meal. So, another way to be more like a local is to go slow.

Order a few dishes to start, and choose a variety of hot and cold items to get a full palate experience. Remember — you can always order more! So get a glass of wine — Steves recommends trying a crianza, which is aged and a step above a standard vino tinto. Sample the menu with a few media raciónes, maybe one seafood, one pork, and another deep fried. Order some more wine, check out the cured ham legs that hang behind the bar, and admire the vintage bullfighting posters. You're in Spain. Take it in and go slow. In good time, ask your friends if they're ready for another unforgettable media ración at a very reasonable price. And then, repeat.