Literally, the word means lid or top.

The habit began by wives putting a small slice of bread on top of a glass of wine to discourage the fruit flies when working in the fields. They found that the men were eating the bread as well as drinking the wine.

The more adventurous of them turned them into little snacks, vying for the most original. This turned into what is now common throughout Spain. What can be better than the relaxed dining experience, a few platas, a few friends, a bottle (or three) of wine, and lots of conversation?

Find out more about Tapas over at wikipedia.

Portions

1-2 – Peckish
3-4 – Dinner
5-6 – How long since breakfast?