Our guide on Must Foods to Try When Visiting Barcelona if you are a food lover.
Barcelona, the vibrant capital of Catalonia, is a culinary paradise with a rich food culture that combines traditional Catalan dishes with innovative gastronomy. Here’s a guide to some of the must-try foods when visiting this beautiful city.
Barcelona’s culinary scene offers a delightful mix of traditional Catalan dishes and innovative flavors. From savory tapas to sweet treats, there’s something to satisfy every palate. Make sure to explore local markets, such as La Boqueria, to discover even more authentic foods and enjoy the vibrant food culture that Barcelona has to offer. Bon appétit!
Read here best Spanish food and best breakfast in Spain
Read here best Things to know before visiting Barcelona, 4 Days Barcelona Itinerary and Sim Card Barcelona Airport
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Must Foods to Try In Barcelona
1. Paella
Description:
Origin: Although originally from Valencia, Paella is popular throughout Spain.
Ingredients: Saffron-infused rice, seafood (or meat), vegetables, and sometimes beans.
Where to Try:
Best Places: La Mar Salada, 7 Portes, or Can Solé.
Tip: For an authentic experience, order Paella de Mariscos (seafood paella).
2. Pan con Tomate (Pa Amb Tomàquet)
Description:
Origin: A traditional Catalan dish.
Ingredients: Rustic bread, ripe tomatoes, olive oil, garlic, and salt.
Where to Try:
Best Places: Bar del Pla, El Xampanyet, or any traditional tapas bar.
Tip: It’s often served as a tapa or with a meal, and it’s especially delightful when paired with cured ham.
3. Calçots with Romesco Sauce
Description:
Origin: A seasonal Catalan specialty.
Ingredients: Grilled green onions served with Romesco sauce (a mix of nuts, red peppers, garlic, and tomatoes).
Where to Try:
Best Places: El Glop, Can Marti, or during the calçotada festivals in the winter and early spring.
Tip: Best enjoyed during the calçot season from November to April.
4. Bombas
Description:
Origin: A tapas dish from Barceloneta.
Ingredients: Mashed potatoes filled with ground meat, shaped into a ball, breaded, fried, and served with aioli and brava sauce.
Where to Try:
Best Places: La Cova Fumada, La Bombeta.
Tip: Order as a tapa alongside a cold beer or a glass of vermouth.
5. Esqueixada
Description:
Origin: A traditional Catalan salad.
Ingredients: Salt cod, tomatoes, onions, black olives, and a dressing of olive oil and vinegar.
Where to Try:
Best Places: Can Culleretes, El Passadís del Pep.
Tip: It’s a refreshing dish, perfect for a light lunch or a starter.
6. Crema Catalana
Description:
Origin: A classic Catalan dessert.
Ingredients: Similar to crème brûlée, made with milk, eggs, sugar, and flavored with lemon zest and cinnamon.
Where to Try:
Best Places: Can Pineda, Els Quatre Gats.
Tip: Best enjoyed after a hearty meal as a sweet and creamy finale.
7. Fideuà
Description:
Origin: Similar to paella but made with short noodles instead of rice.
Ingredients: Seafood (typically cuttlefish, shrimp, mussels), noodles, and a rich fish stock.
Where to Try:
Best Places: La Mar Salada, Suquet de l’Almirall.
Tip: Squeeze some fresh lemon juice on top for an extra zing.
8. Botifarra with Mongetes
Description:
Origin: A traditional Catalan sausage dish.
Ingredients: Grilled pork sausage served with white beans.
Where to Try:
Best Places: Bar Bodega Can Ros, La Taverna del Clínic.
Tip: Often served with alioli sauce on the side.
9. Escudella i Carn d’Olla
Description:
Origin: A traditional Catalan winter stew.
Ingredients: Meat (usually pork, veal, and chicken), vegetables, and large pasta shells or rice.
Where to Try:
Best Places: El Glop, Can Vilaró.
Tip: Typically enjoyed during the colder months, especially around Christmas.
10. Xurros amb Xocolata (Churros with Chocolate)
Description:
Origin: A popular Spanish breakfast or snack.
Ingredients: Fried dough pastries served with a thick, rich chocolate sauce.
Where to Try:
Best Places: Granja Dulcinea, La Pallaresa.
Tip: Perfect for dipping and a delightful treat to enjoy with a coffee.
About the Author: Ruben, co-founder of Gamintraveler.com since 2014, is a seasoned traveler from Spain who has explored over 100 countries since 2009. Known for his extensive travel adventures across South America, Europe, the US, Australia, New Zealand, Asia, and Africa, Ruben combines his passion for adventurous yet sustainable living with his love for cycling, highlighted by his remarkable 5-month bicycle journey from Spain to Norway. He currently resides in Spain, where he continues sharing his travel experiences with his partner, Rachel, and their son, Han.