Ambassador to Spain wades into 'cultural appropriation' row over M&S ‘Spanish’ croquettes that are filled with paella
28 November 2023, 10:06
The UK ambassador to Spain has waded into a 'cultural appropriation' row after Marks & Spencer introduced paella-filled 'Spanish croquettes' in its food halls.
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The British food chain has introduced 'Spanish chorizo paella croquetas' that have been 'handmade in Spain' to its stores.
Paella is Spain's national dish, having originated in Valencia, though croquettes are traditionally considered to be French.
A row broke out after Spanish journalist, Simon Hunter, posted a picture of the new M&S dish with the caption: "NO! NO! NO!".
NO NO NO pic.twitter.com/QwalHhNeOo
— Simon Hunter (@simoninmadrid) November 24, 2023
One Spaniard replied: "Let us call for consultation the ambassador of the country whose inhabitant has committed such ignominy. Right now."
After Hunter said he would "page" Hugh Elliot, the UK ambassador to Spain immediately replied.
He said: Chorizo, ¡si! (yes) Paella, ¡si! (yes) Croquetas, ¡si! ¡si! (yes) ¿Todo junto? (all together?)...M&S, what have you done?"
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The product has continued to spark debate online, with one Spaniard even going as far as plotting 'revenge'.
"We should retaliate selling fish and chips soaked in tea or something of the sort. Any ideas?" he said.
"This sounds wrong on so many levels," another said.
"How horrible! This is not Spanish food, it is Martian food," a fourth added.
