Cooking guide for foreign motorhomers in Spain

Traveling by campervan in Spain – and especially in Andalusia – is a fantastic adventure, but organizing the kitchen can raise some questions for foreign travelers. What products should you bring from home because they are not easily found in Spain? And which ones can you buy fresh and of high quality by supporting the local trade? Here we offer practical advice for travelers from France, Germany or England (and other countries) who travel through Spain in a camper or motorhome, so that you can enjoy the gastronomy without worries.

Plan your pantry: what to bring from home

Every country has its favorite foods and brands, and it is possible that in Spain you will not find some typical products of your country. As far as possible, identify those essentials for you and take them with you in your motorhome. For example:

• Special condiments and sauces: If you are British and can’t live without Worcestershire sauce for your stews, or you love to spread Marmite on toast, better bring them with you. They are hard to see in ordinary Spanish supermarkets. Likewise, German travelers fond of currywurst or Curryketchup sauce should know that this curry ketchup is practically not marketed in Spain. In general, any ethnic sauce or very specific condiment (chutneys, spicy dressings, etc.) should be brought if you consider it essential.
• Breakfast and snack items: Some simple things may not be available as you know them. For example, Brits often miss their baked beans for breakfast, certain types of sugary cereals, or spreads. A survey of expatriate sales revealed that foods such as Heinz baked beans, crumpets and Cadbury’s chocolates top the list of the most sought-after British products outside the country. Likewise, French people who love their Dijon mustard or traditional salted butter may prefer to bring a jar, as although mustard and butter are available in Spain, the specific variety may not be the same.
• Sweets and pastries: If you enjoy baking and have favorite recipes, consider bringing your key ingredients. Keep in mind that “all confectionery products are difficult to find in Spain” compared to central and northern European countries. For example, ingredients such as chemical yeast in a specific format, powdered sugar (impalpable) of a certain texture, molasses, special syrups or cake mixes may not be in the average supermarket. A Spanish woman in Germany told how complicated it was to find powdered sugar for a cake because it is not used that much in Spain. So, if you can’t give up baking your favorite cookies, bring your baking supplies.
• Your favorite infusions, coffees or drinks: Although Spain has good coffee and an increasing number of teas, the selection of strong English teas or exotic infusions can be limited outside the big cities. If you are coming from England, you may want to pack your favorite black tea. And if you are one of those who do not forgive their brand-specific soluble coffee or a coffee creamer (very common in the U.S.), it is best to bring them as they are not common in Spain. Likewise, German lovers of certain herbal infusions or French lovers of their particular herbal teas would do well to bring them.
• Specialties from your home country that you miss: Think about those cravings that might not be available. For example, many British residents miss typical cookies and snacks (Jaffa Cakes, Hobnobs, Twiglets, etc.) and even gravy mixes or roast-beef stuffing. Germans, on the other hand, often miss the dark rye or whole wheat bread they are used to – in Spain, white baguette bread predominates. If a good Vollkornbrot is important to you, you could bring long-life packaged breads or whole-grain crackers. The French might want to bring some special cheese (although watch out for customs rules if you are traveling from outside the EU!), their favorite chocolate or that vin rouge from their region that they love – although Spanish wine will not disappoint. In short, any treats, sauces or specific ingredients from your daily diet that you’re not sure you’ll find, bring them in the caravan’s pantry.

Fresh products that you can easily find in Spain

Local Andalusian markets: Andalusian markets abound with seasonal fruits and vegetables, fresh bread, cheeses and much more, offering motorhome travelers the opportunity to restock on high quality local produce (Fruit and vegetable stall at Triana market, Seville).

The good news is that Spain -and Andalusia in particular- is a paradise of fresh, quality food. There are many things that you don’t need to carry from your country because here you can get them easily, at a good price and with excellent taste. Take advantage of the route to discover the local gastronomy by shopping as you go:

• Seasonal fruits and vegetables: In Andalusia you will find fresh fruits and vegetables practically all year round. Ripe tomatoes, zucchini, peppers, oranges, avocados, grapes… the diversity is enormous thanks to the privileged climate. In fact, Spain is a major agricultural exporter; products such as tomatoes, zucchini and peppers are produced in abundance, so as a traveler you will have easy access to fresh vegetables in markets and small stores. Visit the municipal markets and weekly village markets: it will be common to find local farmers’ stalls with freshly picked fruits, nuts, olives, spices and more delicacies. In addition, many Andalusian towns have market days (for example, on Wednesdays or Saturdays) where you can buy directly from the producer. Not only will you eat better, but it is part of the cultural experience.
• Local meats, sausages and dairy: Spain is famous for its sausages and cheeses. Don’t bother bringing in too much cheese from abroad (unless you have a very specific favorite). In any Andalusian supermarket you will see a wide variety of national cheeses – from Manchego to goat cheeses from the Sierra de Cádiz – and they are delicious. The same with cured meats: Serrano ham, chorizo, Iberian salchichón… are easy to find and of great local quality. One British traveler commented that although he missed his smoked bacon, “Spanish ham is wonderful”. Give yourself a chance to try them! As for fresh meat, local butchers offer good cuts of beef, lamb, chicken, etc., and in rural areas it is possible to find game or organically raised products. There are also delis where you can buy sliced cold cuts for your sandwiches. And if you like to cook with milk, yogurt or eggs, in Spain these basics are sold in any supermarket or neighborhood store without problem, often of regional origin.
• Fish and seafood: If your route takes you along the Andalusian coast, you are in luck. In markets in coastal cities (Malaga, Cadiz, Huelva…) you will see fresh fish: from sardines and anchovies to tuna, shellfish and molluscs. Even in inland villages, fish distribution is daily – Spain has a strong fish culture. So don’t carry canned fish meals from home; rather buy fresh local fish and enjoy a seafood feast. For example, a grilled almadraba tuna fillet from Cádiz, or garlic prawns from Huelva, can be an affordable luxury if you visit the right fish markets.
• Bread and pastries: Every morning in almost any Andalusian village you will find a bakery with freshly baked bread. Spanish bread may be different from your country’s (more of a crusty loaf than dark rye, for example), but it’s worth a try. The French may miss the Parisian baguette, but many Andalusian bakeries make loaves that, while different, are delicious. Germans will miss their black bread, but you can try Andalusian pan cateto or molletes – soft local breads – for a change. In addition, artisanal pastries (croissants, napolitanas, etc.) are available in cafés and pastry shops; try local specialties such as pestiños, mantecados or roscos depending on the season. In short, don’t overload your motorhome with industrial breads and pastries: buy fresh ones on the road.
• Wines, beers and other regional products: Take advantage of your trip to taste local beverages. Don’t bring cases of wine from home, when Spain produces excellent wines at very affordable prices. In Andalusia you have everything from the finos and manzanillas of Jerez, to emerging red wines from Ronda or Granada. You can buy bottles in supermarkets, bodegas or local cooperatives. Likewise, Spanish beer is worth exploring: popular brands such as Cruzcampo, San Miguel, Alhambra, etc., and even local craft beers in some areas. Foreigners value Spanish wine highly – in the UK, for example, much of the wine sold is Spanish – so you can find your favorite wines here with ease (and cheaper than at home!). Also, try some of Andalusia’s world-renowned extra virgin olive oil, which can be found in any store. Other basics such as rice, pasta, dried vegetables, common spices (oregano, bay leaf, sweet or hot paprika, etc.) are also plentiful in Spanish stores, so you don’t need to fill the caravan with them before leaving.

In short, in Spain you will have access to practically everything you need for cooking. You may not find the exact foreign brand you like, but there will almost always be a good quality local equivalent. One traveler summed up this idea well, “Spanish food is really good and worth trying.” Keep an open mind to new flavors!

Tips for cooking on the road

Organizing the kitchen of a motorhome involves thinking about limited space and comfort during the trip. Here are some useful tips:

1. Don’t overload the pantry: It’s tempting to carry weeks’ worth of supplies, but remember that in Spain you’ll find supermarkets and markets at every destination. Take the basics for a couple of days and restock en route with fresh produce. This way you avoid accumulation and eat more kilometer 0. For example, instead of hoarding cans of canned food, buy fresh vegetables and cook them on the day.
2. Smart storage: Use airtight containers and small jars for spices, oil, salt, sugar, etc. This way, they take up less space and stay fresh (avoiding visits from ants or other insects). Keep heavy foods on low shelves for stability when driving, and use hanging organizers or boxes to take advantage of every corner of your camper’s kitchen.
3. Butane and cooking utensils: If you come with your own motorhome from abroad, take into account the issue of gas. In Spain, gas cylinders and connectors are used which may differ from those in France, Germany or the UK. Make sure you bring an adapter for your gas system or an additional compatible gas cylinder, so that you don’t run out of fuel for cooking halfway through your trip. As for utensils, you don’t need more than the basics: a good frying pan, a versatile pot, utility knife, cutting board and some cutlery. Everything else (colanders, juicers, etc.) you can buy cheaply in local stores if you really miss them.
4. Plan flexible menus: Take advantage of what you can find fresh in each place. If on Tuesday you pass through a coastal town with a fish market, perhaps change your pasta plan for a menu of grilled fish with salad. If you find mushrooms or artisanal honey in the mountains, incorporate them into your meals. The key is to adapt to seasonal and regional products – in addition to supporting local merchants, you’ll enrich your culinary experience.
5. Food preservation: Motorhomes usually have small refrigerators, so manage space well. Buy small quantities of perishables (e.g. 2-3 days of meat or dairy) and consume first what spoils first. In hot Andalusian climates, an efficient refrigerator is vital: check that it runs on 12V/220V or gas as appropriate. To extend the life of unrefrigerated fruits and vegetables, keep them in cool, ventilated places inside. And remember: store cooked leftovers in lunch boxes and eat them the next day to avoid waste.

Supports local Andalusian commerce

A very important – and rewarding – aspect of traveling by motorhome in Andalusia is the opportunity to support local commerce wherever you go. Every time you shop at a local market, village grocery store or neighborhood greengrocer, you are contributing to the economy of that area. In fact, the associations of motorhomers point out that this type of tourism stimulates the local economy: the visits in motorhome “guarantee a consumption during the whole year in the stores, restaurants, museums…” of the municipalities. In other words, our spending helps to keep small communities alive beyond summer tourism.

Think that in many Andalusian towns, outside the big cities, small businesses value itinerant travelers. If you need bread, go to the artisan bakery instead of a gas station; if you’re looking for cheese, why not the village cheese factory or cooperative? You might discover a local payoya goat cheese or extra virgin olive oil that you’ll fall in love with. Buying directly from the producer or shopkeeper not only gives you more authentic products, but also creates a cultural exchange: the spontaneous conversations with local vendors, the recommendations they give you on how to cook a certain vegetable or what typical dish to try, add value to your trip.

In addition, at the institutional level in Andalusia, the importance of supporting this local consumption is recognized. Already in 2014, the main Spanish platform of motorhomers called for plans to boost this tourism precisely “to boost the economy and support local commerce”. In short, the motorhome tourist has a positive impact if he invests in local businesses, and that ultimately leads to more towns welcoming these travelers.

Sustainability and responsibility: Supporting local is also the most sustainable option. Instead of consuming imported products that have traveled thousands of miles, buying from farmers’ markets reduces your carbon footprint. You are eating local, fresher food with less packaging. Likewise, many small Andalusian villages depend on tourism; by choosing their campsites or service areas and spending in their stores, you contribute to the maintenance of these infrastructures. As a slogan circulating among travelers says: “The village saves the village”, encouraging us to be responsible tourists by spending in the destinations we visit.