On a budget: El Pincho

Out of energy to cook? We get it, but good food is a must—never settle for less. That’s why we’ve put together our tips for truly delicious takeaways, the best delivery services and affordable places.

In this scorching, almost Mediterranean summer, we regularly imagine ourselves in hot Spain. And what could you eat there that’s more delicious than tapas?

Or pinchos?

Or pinchos, that is. We explain the difference between the two here, and we’ll also tell you the rules of the game right away.

Although the name suggests that you get pinchos, served with a cocktail stick, you actually get tapas. Still with us? Good, let’s just say that you order several small bites and share them with each other.

It’s a little more expensive than in Spain itself, but still very affordable. You pay approximately between 5 and 10 euros per tapa, depending on whether you order fish, meat or vegetarian dishes.

Fish, meat or vegetarian

For the fish tapas, you can of course choose garlic prawns, marinated anchovies in oil or steamed mussels with lemon and bay leaf. Prefer meat? Then albondigas, chorizo and chicken liver are ready and waiting for you.

Vegetarian tapas include goat’s cheese croquettes, patatas bravas, and the lesser-known but no less delicious ‘champiñones al ajillo gratinados‘: mushrooms, garlic and a Manchego gratin. In short, go and try it and imagine yourself right in Spain. Have a nice Spanish wine with it and make emphatic hand gestures while you talk. You’ll feel right at home here. Salud!

El Pincho
Riviervischmarkt 17-19
Haarlem