Chef José Andrés celebrated Spanish culinary traditions at the Mercado Little Spain food hall in New York City and released a new cookbook [1].
The initiative highlights the intersection of cultural preservation and gastronomy. By documenting traditional recipes and hosting immersive experiences in the U.S., Andrés aims to share the history of Spanish heritage with a global audience.
Andrés said his 2026 cookbook, “Spain My Way,” is a love letter to the people, places, and flavors that shaped him [1], [2]. The project serves as a record of what he called the unwritten history of ancestors told through pots, pans, knives, and spoons — specifically those of the mothers and grandmothers who kept families alive [1].
Working alongside culinary director Nico López, Andrés used the Mercado Little Spain location at 9½ Fulton St in New York City to showcase these traditions [1]. The food hall serves as a hub for authentic Spanish flavors, reflecting the chef's desire to bring the essence of Spain to the American public.
Beyond the New York celebration, the cookbook launch included media appearances and events across the United States, including a gathering in Los Angeles [3]. These efforts follow a pattern of promoting Spanish food culture, such as his previous discussions on the best ways to experience a Spanish bar by eating quickly while standing [4].
Andrés said his work is driven by a deep personal love for the culinary heritage of Spain [1], [2]. He believes that food is a primary vehicle for storytelling and cultural connection, bridging the gap between his Spanish roots and his current international influence.
““Spain My Way” is a deeply personal love letter to the people, places, and flavors that shaped him.”
The launch of “Spain My Way” and the activities at Mercado Little Spain represent a strategic effort to institutionalize Spanish folk cuisine in the U.S. By framing the cookbook as a historical record of domestic labor — specifically that of women — Andrés is elevating home cooking to the level of formal cultural heritage, ensuring these traditions survive the transition from rural Spain to urban American centers.
