Why visit Basque Food Country?
If you haven’t checked out Basque Food Country in Northern Spain, you might be asking yourself, what is a pintxo? Pronounced “pincho”, these are bite size snacks that are typically eaten at the bar.
If you hate standing while eating (I’m usually not a fan), you will be waiting for a while. And during the high season, tables don’t open up often. These pintxo joints in Basque Country usually have jovial atmospheres. And, tons of people linger around and eat outside. Since most of the dishes are basically finger food, it’s really fun when the weather is on good behavior. Believe me, it’s a lot less awkward than it sounds. In fact it’s one of the world’s most unique foods.
I think it’s one of those things that you have to experience on holiday in Northern Spain to really understand. In Basque Country, frequent small fare is just part of their culture, and it’s a blast! If you are skeptical, give it a chance, and I promise these Spanish/French folks (the locals prefer to be thought of as an independent state), will make you a believer in the beauty of the pintxo!
The Basque presentation
Food is showcased on newspapers and clever attention grabbers. Sometimes, eating in Basque Country feels more like walking through an art gallery in Brooklyn. For me, taking in the endless slew of fabulous eateries as well as sampling the different wine regions of Spain was an experience in itself.
Everything is kind of beautiful in a different way. And, my favorite pintxo places were just a little bit offbeat, in the best way possible. Some were more traditional, while others were stark white with insanely modern touches. I found everything in between, but the best places in Basque Country made a real effort to stand out.
Artistic Basque Country
When visiting Basque Country (in San Sebastian or Bilbao), it’s typical to pintxo hop around town as a daily activity. It’s almost like eating is a sport, but you do so much walking that it’s easy to burn off excess calories. Translation, there’s no need to feel guilty! Plus, this style of eating might initially seem like a ton of food (it did to me), but the bites are incredibly small. So, you don’t really feel it. Additionally, night time ‘pintxo crawls’ are ridiculously fun, because the focus is as much on the food as the booze.
Sometimes, eating in Basque Country feels more like walking through an art gallery in Brooklyn.
When you finally settle on where you want to eat, grab a plate from the bar and pick up whatever looks good. Don’t worry, sticks are attached to the food, so fingers are not involved. Note, some of the upscale places plate the food for you, but this is by no means an indication of the food quality.
Pro Tip: There is usually a menu with more high-end dishes, but you have to ask for it.
The honor code is alive and well
Remember to keep a mental note of everything you eat. In Basque Country, you usually don’t receive a bill, and you are on the honor system when you pay.
Basque country food is amazing, check out recommendations for Barcelona too!
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You’ve made my mouth water. I grew up in the Basque Country and miss pintxos terribly. It is very customary to head out for a few drinks before sitting down for lunch. Instead of a pint or half pint of beer, or even a full glass of wine, you’d only have a quarter of each in each stop. You’d go round your little town which would have 3-4 bars saying hello to everyone, having a drink and a pintxo in each before heading home to enjoy your lunch. Think of is as an aperitif!
You grew up in Basque Country?!?!? Lucky you! I fell in love with the little towns. The architecture is stunning, and the food is sooooo good. The pintxos never get old 🙂 I am not even from the area, and I miss San Sebastian and Bilbao so much!!!
I can’t wait to get up to northern Spain and explore this region! I’ve heard that the food is amazing.
Great tip. I’ll be sure to visit next time I’m in Spain
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