Appetizers & Snacks:
* Tapas: This refers to small dishes served as appetizers or snacks in Spain, and the concept has spread to other Spanish-speaking countries. Common tapas include:
* Patatas bravas: Fried potatoes with a spicy sauce
* Tortilla española: Spanish omelette
* Croquetas: Breaded and fried balls filled with cheese, ham, or other fillings
* Gazpacho: Cold soup made with tomatoes, peppers, and other vegetables
* Empanadas: Pastries filled with meat, cheese, or vegetables
* Queso y chorizo: Cheese and chorizo sausage
Main Courses:
* Paella: Rice dish with seafood, chicken, or vegetables, originating from Valencia, Spain
* Arroz con pollo: Chicken and rice dish popular in many countries
* Tacos: Small corn or flour tortillas filled with meat, cheese, vegetables, and salsa, popular in Mexico
* Empanadas: Pastries filled with meat, cheese, or vegetables
* Arepas: Cornmeal cakes often filled with cheese, meat, or other ingredients, popular in Colombia and Venezuela
* Frijoles: Beans, a staple in many Spanish-speaking countries
Desserts:
* Flan: Custard dessert
* Churros: Deep-fried dough pastries often served with chocolate sauce
* Alfajores: Shortbread cookies filled with dulce de leche (milk caramel)
* Tres leches cake: Cake soaked in three types of milk
Other Foods:
* Avocado: Widely used in many dishes and eaten as a snack
* Fruits: Mango, pineapple, papaya, and other tropical fruits are abundant
* Corn tortillas: Used in various dishes and are often eaten with beans and meat
* Rice: Staple food in many countries
* Beans: Various types of beans are used in different dishes
Important Note: It's best to research specific countries to get a more accurate understanding of their local cuisines. Each country has its own unique dishes and culinary traditions.