Bilbao, pincho by pincho

In addition to its cultural activities, Bilbao dazzles with its gastronomy, and it knows it! The seven streets in the Casco Viejo and its Plaza Nueva, Licenciado Poza de Indautxu street, the Albia gardens, El Ensanche neighbourhood, and so on are some of the possible routes to “ir de potes” (the equivalent of having a starter) in the morning, evening or at night. Although there are guided tours that combine pincho tasting and museums, below are some essential ideas to be able to devise your own “pincho to pincho” itinerary and learn in depth about this Basque city in the north of Spain.Casco Viejo. The famous seven streets in the oldest part of Bilbao and its surrounding area alternate between monuments, shops and a lot of bars where you can rest between purchases. Although Bilbao's old town also open to innovation, it is worth trying the pinchos here that are almost as traditional as its streets: gildas -olive, anchovy and chilli-,stuffed mussels, marinated cod skewer or chorizo al infierno washed down with a vermouth or a nice txakoli, a typical Basque white wine.

The creation of a pincho is an exercise in creativity as extensive as the known combinations of ingredients and is therefore considered to be infinite. These small appetisers are basically a mark of identity for people from Bilbao. Going from bar to bar discovering flavours is an appetising culinary adventure. In contrast to the rest of Spain, a pincho is not considered free in the Basque Country... it must be bought separately. That is why each establishment is always looking for a mix of star products that will set the trend in the city and create loyalty with frequent customers. Imagination, passion for gastronomy and, of course, good ingredients are essential to achieve excellence.  Travelling to Bilbao means yielding to the charms of its pinchos. It's like going to a festival of colours, with the smells and tastes born out of the great relationship the city has with gastronomy. Enjoy!