A Spanish local has taken to Reddit to issue a warning to tourists about a potential pitfall in this popular beverage by swapping it with a cheaper alternative that’s practically the same
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 about a possible 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.”
They clarified that the authentic and traditional beverage is ‘tinto de verano’, which varies considerably as it’s crafted with genuine wine and lemon. In other travel news, British passport holders are urged to do one important thing before October 12.
The user added: “Sangria is a soda like Coca-Cola and Fanta, so imagine going to Spain and paying 10€ (£8.64) for a jar of Fanta. This happens everywhere in Spain.”
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 snare. Tinto de Verano, a sangria variant preferred by locals, typically comes at a more affordable price, reports the Express.
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, and the food tastes amazing wherever you go.
Seville is famed for its claim to have invented tapas, while octopus is a favourite dish in Galicia. In San Sebastian, bars are celebrated 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 aficionados, a Spanish local recommends making a beeline for the La Rioja region, located north of Madrid.