bravas

Patatas bravas is a traditional Spanish tapas dish featuring fried potato pieces accompanied by a spicy sauce called salsa brava. The dish is closely associated with Madrid and is widely served in tapas bars across Spain, though regional variations exist.

Potatoes are typically cut into irregular cubes or batons, fried until crisp, and salted. Salsa brava is tomato-based and seasoned with garlic, onion, paprika or chiles, and sometimes a dash of vinegar or stock to balance the heat. In some restaurants the sauce is poured over the potatoes; in others the potatoes are served with the sauce in a ramekin or both sauces separately. A common variation pairs salsa brava with aioli, creating patatas bravas with two sauces.

Origins of patatas bravas are not definitively documented, but the dish is a staple of Madrid’s taverns and has become emblematic of Spanish tapas culture. There are multiple regional interpretations, including white garlic sauces, different chile blends, and variations in potato preparation (fried versus roasted).

Global presence: The dish has been widely disseminated internationally with adaptations in various cuisines and menus. It remains one of the most recognizable tapas items and is frequently cited as a quintessential example of Spanish casual dining.