A Spanish local has taken to social media to warn tourists about the sangria they drink in Spain – and what to order instead.
Spain continues to be a favourite getaway destination for countless Brits, with the temptation of soaking up sunshine whilst enjoying sangria proving irresistible.
However, a Spanish resident has turned to Reddit to deliver a stark caution to holidaymakers regarding a common tourist trap.
The Reddit user Delde116 shared a warning message: “Sangria. This is a tourist trap, originally created by some British folk (the same way chicken tikka masala was invented by a Scotsman).”
Their comments come as Majorca was rocked by anti-tourism protests as beach businesses face major slump.
The Reddit commentator clarified that the authentic and traditional beverage is “tinto de verano”, which varies considerably as it’s crafted with Spanish wine and lemon.
“Sangria is a soda like Coca-Cola and Fanta, so imagine going to Spain and paying 10 euros (£8.58) for a jar of Fanta. This happens everywhere in Spain,” they noted.
Across Spain, the subject of sangria can provoke heated discussion. Whilst some residents regard it as a symbol of Spanish heritage, others reject it as a tourist trap. Tinto de Verano, a variety of sangria preferred by locals, is typically cheaper.
The Spanish local added: “Spanish cuisine is regional and paella is a regional dish, not a national dish.
“If you want to eat paella for breakfast, lunch and dinner, you have to go to Valencia. You can find ‘paella’ in cities like Madrid, Barcelona and Seville, but it is a tourist trap and unironically it is 99 percent microwaveable yellow rice; it looks gross.”
They noted that while genuine paella spots do exist outside Valencia, they’re not a doddle to find, being hidden treasures typically unearthed through local tips.
While many holidaymakers may consider paella to be Spain’s national dish, it hails from the Valencian region. Spanish cuisine varies significantly across the country.
Seville is famed for its claim to have invented tapas, while octopus is a favourite dish in Galicia. In San Sebastian, bars are famous for serving pintxos, small nibbles topped with a variety of ingredients.
Gazpacho, a chilled soup perfect for balmy weather, is believed to have originated in Andalusia.
For wine lovers, a Spanish local recommends making a beeline for the La Rioja region, located north of Madrid.