Pintxos is the Basque term for small bar snacks similar to tapas.
The word pintxo comes from the Spanish pincho, meaning “thorn” or “spike,” traditionally referring to the toothpick often used to hold the food together. Pintxos are particularly associated with the Basque Country and Navarre, where bars may display many varieties on counters for customers to choose.
Some pintxos are assembled on bread, while others are elaborate small plates or skewered combinations. The toothpick is not an absolute requirement in modern usage, but it remains an important part of the term’s history. Many bars keep track of the number of sticks left on a customer’s plate when calculating the bill.
Pintxos and tapas overlap, but they are not simply interchangeable regional spellings. “Pintxo” identifies a Basque and Navarrese food culture with its own presentation styles and traditions.