Local traditions and culture in Jerez de la Frontera

What to look out for:

In the market place near Plaza Esteve we saw at least 15 stall holders selling live sea snails (caracole). These were very popular snacks available in all the tapas bars. A glass full of cooked snails and a bread roll could cost about 1-2 euros depending where you go. The local market is an excellent place to learn about the food traditions of the area.

For breakfast we found many tapas bars advertising a muleta and coffee for 2 euros. This is a large fresh bread roll with a decent size piece of jamon serrano (ham preserved in the caves of the serrano), this is served with a jug of oil. We watched the locals spread the oil on their bread before eating it. The coffee was freshly ground, you could have expresso coffee or coffee con leche. One of the best culinary buys of our trip.

Also look out for buñuelos (light, airy fritters) filled with spinach; Rijones al Jerez* (kidneys in sherry sauce; churos (fried dough dipped in sugar); chorizo (spicy sausages); queso (cheese), salmorejo (a gazpacho made with pumpkin, red peppers and tomatoes); banderillas (skewers), especially cordero or cerdo (lamb or pork).

Fish include, atun (wild tuna), squid, cuttlefish roe, urtu, (local bream) baked in salt. Seafood include gambas (Prawns), Norway lobster, king prawns.

*try my recipe for these delicious kidneys in sherry in my general tips (photo awaited) and tell me what you think?