I’m still riding the Oscars hype train (Billy Crystal, please come back!). My whole family loves movies, though we all agreed this year’s Hollywood lineup felt a bit… underwhelming. But here in Spain, we were glued to the reactions surrounding the Emilia Perez controversy. And while we were bracing for that drama, Anora and The Brutalist ended up surprising us all. The In Memoriam segment got us teary-eyed, though—how on earth did they forget Alain Delon?
But today , I want to talk about another Spanish star making waves in Hollywood: potato chips. Specifically, Bonilla a la Vista—Spain’s (and maybe the world’s) ultimate snack.
From Parasite to Hollywood Royalty
You might have spotted Bonilla a la Vista making an unexpected cameo in Parasite, the 2019 Best Picture winner directed by Bong Joon-ho, but these crispy wonders have taken on a life of their own. From K-pop idols like TXT to Oprah’s recommendations, Bonilla’s fancy (and yes, a little pricey) chips are becoming a favorite among the Hollywood elite. They’ve even become a staple at Oscars after-parties, proving that Spain’s influence at the Academy Awards isn’t just about legends like Penélope Cruz and Antonio Banderas.
I know I should be sharing insider tips for Spain travel and Madrid sightseeing advice, but post-Oscars, my real concern is that I still haven’t seen a pic of Zoë Saldaña or Mikey Madison munching on Bonilla chips with their Oscars. I’m staying vigilant. Speaking of which, did you know Best Actor winner Adrien Brody once spent a night in a Spanish pokey after an argument with the Guardia Civil during an illegal luxury car race? True story.
My Husband’s (Mildly Ridiculous) Love for Bonilla
As a Spain travel guide, I love sharing authentic Spanish experiences with my tour groups. But I have to admit something: my husband is kind of obsessed with Bonilla a la Vista. The man has an actual shelf dedicated to them at home. I’ve watched him munch through half a tin while prepping for Real Madrid vs. Atlético in tonight’s Copa del Rey semi-final. I am a big fan of Atlético de Madrid, you should know.
Last summer, I put his devotion to the test with a blind potato chip tasting. A few friends joined in, and we went full-on scientific method—blindfolds, mystery bowls, no brand biases. To his horror (and my absolute delight), Bonilla came in second place. I refuse to say what took first (too embarrassing to admit publicly), but let’s just say my husband still insists the Rioja wine pairing “threw off his palate.”
Bringing Spanish Cuisine to America
Growing up near Annapolis, my parents always had Pennsylvania classics like Utz and Herr’s in the pantry. But since my family has fancy snack tastes, we’re always hunting for new favorites. Right now, their top picks are Tim’s Cascade Style Chips and Cape Cod chips—but I have a feeling a tin of Bonilla might make its way into their snack drawer soon.
One day, I’ll post a recipe for tortilla de patatas made with potato chips. Before you call me a blasphemer, hear me out—legend has it this shortcut tortilla was invented by the staff at El Bulli, the legendary three-Michelin-star restaurant run by Ferran Adrià. After their grueling dinner shifts, they’d throw together a quick tortilla using chips instead of freshly fried potatoes. Genius, right?
Why You Need to Try Spanish Chips on Your Next Spain Trip
Bonilla (and Spanish potato chips in general) are more than just a snack—they’re a piece of Spanish culture that has now crossed over into the glamorous world of the Oscars. Whether you’re a movie buff, a foodie, or just looking for a fun and quirky souvenir from Madrid, these chips are a crispy, salty reminder that Spain’s creative spirit knows no bounds.
And when you visit Madrid, let me show you a fábrica de patatas fritas—one of those old-school shops that sell nuts, olives, and bulk potato chips, a true Spain must-see for any foodie. You’ll recognize them instantly: their front window is a giant, fishbowl-sized display of golden, crunchy chips. Imagine a seafood restaurant where you pick your lobster, but instead of shellfish, it’s a mountain of potato chips waiting to be scooped into a paper bag.
It’s a fun stop if you’re traveling with kids, too—little ones love watching fresh chips being scooped and packed, and let’s be honest, who doesn’t love a crunchy snack while wandering Madrid’s streets? That is a food tour Spain experience worth traveling for!
Plan Your Spain Trip with a Local Guide
If you’re looking for Spain trip planning tips, or want to explore Madrid beyond the usual sightseeing spots, I’d love to show you around. Whether it’s a Spanish cuisine experience, an authentic tapas tour, or a family-friendly itinerary, I can help make your visit unforgettable.
Spain isn’t just about famous landmarks—it’s about discovering the local flavors, from Michelin-starred dishes to the simplest (yet most addictive) potato chips. If you’re in Madrid, let’s grab a tin of Bonilla, wander the city, and talk movies, snacks, and travel ideas!
Happy travels, happy snacking and… go Atlético tonight!
