Tapas is more than Spanish cuisine. It’s the Mediterranean way of life. But where does it come from? The story behind is as rich as a tapa of jamón ibérico can get.

In Spain, every meal is a celebration, and tapas is all about good company and enjoying life. In fact, tapas has recently become a truly international term and more popular than ever before due to food sharing trends. Surprisingly, the word itself means ’lid’ or ’cap’, which is a reference to the origin of the habit. One of many. According to one legend, the tradition of tapas was started by King Alfonso X the Wise of Castile himself, who recovered from an illness by drinking wine and eating small bites.

Others say that the wise Spanish king obliged bars and pubs to serve food with the drink so that there would be fewer drunks (and, of course, less hassle) around the establishments… More likely still is the legend that the small plates originate from Andalusian taverns: guests sipping sherry (or the barmen) would cover the glasses with a slice of bread or ham so that the wine would not be surrounded by flies.

Why Pata Negra?

Hungary’s first ever tapas bar opened its doors exactly 20 years ago in Budapest, at Kálvin Square. Since then, Pata Negra has been synonimous with supreme quality tapas and relaxed ambience, turning the Kálvin Square (on the Pest-side) and Frankel Leó Street (on the Buda-side) restaurants the unofficial gastronomic embassies of Spain in Hungary.

Iberian pork has always been regarded as one of the best quality hams in the world, and the finest breed has black legs. In Spanish, therefore, the term (pata negra or patanegra) is often used to denote a high-quality prestige product, or perhaps a high-status, highly educated person in everyday life.

The management of Pata Negra, the tapas bar believe and profess that tapas is not just about fine food and drink, they are always strive for the best. If you like the relaxed atmosphere, Mediterranean way of life, and of course the best of Spanish cuisine, search no more. Pata Negra proudly presents an authentic tapas selection with more than 40 glutenfree and 30 lactosefree options to choose from, award-winning Iberian cheeses, San Miguel Selecta premium beer and a selected wine list representing more than 20 geographical protected wine regions of Spain.

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