A Mediterranean Table, Region by Region
Spanish cooking grew out of the food culture of the Mediterranean: olive oil as a foundation, dishes built on rice and seafood, and small plates meant to be shared. Differences between regions are pronounced, and the ingredients and seasoning of the coast are not those of the interior.
The southern Iberian Peninsula belonged to the Islamic world for much of the medieval period, and ingredients and techniques introduced then, including the use of rice, citrus and spices, remain part of Spanish cooking today. For Muslim travelers, it is a cuisine where the table itself carries a point of contact with their own history.
Halal Gourmet Japan lets you search venues across Japan by cuisine. Use the pages for Spanish and other cuisines to find places near where you are traveling.
Content reviewed: August 21, 2026
