tapas

thumb|right | Tapas bar and restaurant at Plaza Mayor, Madrid|Plaza Mayor, Madrid

Tapas () are appetisers or snacks in Spanish cuisine. They can be combined to make a full meal and are served cold (such as mixed olives and cheese) or hot (such as , which are battered, fried baby squid; or , spicy potatoes). In some bars and restaurants in Spain and across the globe, tapas have evolved into a sophisticated cuisine. In some Central American countries, such snacks are known as . In parts of Mexico, similar dishes are called botanas.