Barcelona is Catalonia’s capital city and one of the most vibrant cities in Spain. You might know the city for its successful soccer team, but it’s food that keeps visitors coming back.
Barcelona’s food scene is all about small plates or tapas, enjoyed with a cold beer or a glass of local wine in hand. Tapas are meant to be shared, and they’re more varied than you think! Here is our favorite food to eat in Barcelona.
1. Croquetas
Croquetas are two-bite-sized fried dumplings. Croquettes, as they’re known in neighboring France, are already quite popular, but the Spanish version is much more interesting. Croquetas are often made with mashed potatoes — they’re breaded and fried to golden perfection.
The tastiest croquetas are filled with Serrano ham, but you’ll find them with many other fillings, including sea-scented cod. You’ll want to order more than a few of these, as they’re irresistible, and no one can eat only one. Croquetas are the perfect side dish and appetizer in Barcelona’s tapas bars.
2. Potato Tortilla
This apparently uncomplicated meal is delightful. Think of a flat, thick, greasy potato pie made with shredded potatoes and held together by egg, cheese and butter.
Also known as Spanish tortilla, this omelet hybrid is glorious at any time of day and complements heartier tapas beautifully. Remember that no two Spanish tortillas are created equal; they can contain spicy chorizo sausage, shredded zucchini and many other ingredients. For a potato and egg dish, tortillas are pretty sophisticated and satisfying.
3. Iberian Ham
Salting and air-curing ham is traditional in Spain. Serrano ham, named after the Spanish word for highlands or hills “sierras,” is perhaps the most common type of dry-cured ham in Spain. However, you’ll find ham at different prices and qualities.
Iberian ham is an exclusive delicacy made with local Iberian pigs, and it’s one of Spain’s most coveted foods. Thinly sliced, Iberian ham melts in your mouth, leaving a long-lasting impression. This is what we call one good ham!
4. Fideua
If you’re a fan of paella, you’ll love fideua. Paella is Spain’s most famous rice dish — flavored with saffron and tossed with pork, chicken, seafood and veggies; this is a colorful dish with no equal. Well, fideua shares similarities with paella, but cooks use pasta instead of rice.
Fideua is a unique noodle dish commonly found in Barcelona. Paella is more typical down south in Valencia. However, this is no noodle soup but a hearty dish with lots of color and flavor.
5. Crema Catalana
Ending on a sweet note, there’s no doubt one of the tastiest desserts in the Spanish repertoire comes from Catalonia. Catalan cream or crema Catalana is a custardy treat not dissimilar to the French crème brûlée — they’re both rich, creamy, vanilla-scented and topped with a snappy burnt sugar crust.
There’s no doubt ending a night out in Barcelona with a clay bowl of Catalan cream is a delicious way to call it a night.
Barcelona Never Sleeps
Going out for tapas and a drink is still popular amongst locals and visitors in Barcelona, and the food scene is more sophisticated than ever. Dine in a world-class, modern restaurant or feast in a local eatery; Barcelona has something for everyone and every budget.
The best thing about going out for lunch or dinner in Barcelona is the lively ambiance, the music and the good times guaranteed. Barcelona never sleeps, and food is what keeps it together.
Photo by Biel Morro on Unsplash
