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 Many people who have read foodie magazines or checked out a travel show may have heard of tapas, but didn't follow up on finding out exactly what they are. Of Spanish origin, tapas are "little dishes," that is, snack-size foods meant to be eaten between meals. Tapas are still extremely popular in Spain.
The history of tapas is an old one. It probably dates from the Middle Ages, when field workers would take a small meal with them into the fields, meant to be eaten as they worked, or on a short break. Olives, bread and cheese, perhaps with a small slice of ham or other meat, often comprised this small meal.
Nowadays, tapas may be eaten as a snack or as a full meal. They may be thought of as a sort of Spanish version of dim sum. Diners can order dishes individually, or as a group of related dishes. Olives are still popular ingredients for tapas, as are cheese, ham and other foods that lend themselves well to small snacks.
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