Personally, I wouldn’t consider myself a ‘foodie’. I’m the type of traveller who is more likely to order room service at the end of a busy day of exploring a new destination than to go out looking for a new restaurant. However, there was a meal in Barcelona that I just can't forget. Every time I think of Barcelona I still taste the delicious Seafood Paella and Sangria that I had on my first night in Barceloneta.
I believe that some of the best memories of travel are held in those special, and traditional meals that you experience in your destination. Having this experience elevates your entire trip, and Barcelona is just one of those places where you will make those memories.
International travel allows people to gain a new appreciation for other cultures of the world and a big part of any culture is the cuisine. The food of a region is a reflection of their history, their geographical location and the resources that they have available to them.
Barcelona is a city on the northeastern coast of Spain on the Balearic Sea. The food fare that travellers will find there is definitely reflective of the colourful history of Barcelona and its centralised location (in relation to northern Africa and on the Mediterranean Sea).
Here are some of the greatest traditional foods and drinks from Barcelona that I found to be some of the best meals I’ve ever had.
Seafood and Paella With Sangria
Barcelona is located right on the Balearic Sea and just a stone's throw from the
Mediterranean. This makes Barcelona a central place for amazing seafood. One of the great dishes to try is the calamari and squid, which you can get either fried or grilled.
One of the most amazing dishes you cannot miss out on is the Paella. Paella is a classic Spanish dish made with rice, saffron, vegetables, chicken, and seafood cooked and served in one pan.
The Barceloneta neighbourhood is my favourite spot for paellas and sangria. When walking along the side streets of Barceloneta, you will find many seafood restaurants, where you can eat out on the patio, enjoying their paella and sangria specialties.
Cava
This is the sparkling wine of Spain. It is normally a drink that is on the sweeter type but
there is a variation.
Brut Cava is a cava that is drier, and it tends to taste more like traditional champagne.
One of my fondest memories is a day spent outside of Barcelona, visiting a Cava vineyard, and sampling these cultural and traditional wines.
Traditional Dishes
Gazpacho - This is a chilled tomato soup that is really satisfying on a hot Spanish summer day.
It sometimes comes served with Pa amb tomaquet or with sides of croutons, red peppers, and
onion. No matter how it is served, it’s delicious.
Bocadillos - This is the Spanish version of a sandwich. They are made on baguettes that are soft and crusty all at the same time. You can choose the meat that you want on it and then they are topped with multiple sauces and toppings that can include lentils, lettuce, corn, or cucumbers.
Bombas - Bombas are a combination of mashed potatoes and meat that are rolled in bread crumbs in the shape of a ball and fried. They usually come in two different sizes (snack and meal size) and they are usually served with one aioli on top and another on the bottom.
Spanish Omelet - This is not the breakfast omelette that is probably coming to your mind right now. This is an omelette that is eaten all day and can come in an individual size or larger and served in slices. It is filled with chunks of potatoes and onions and served with some type of aioli.
Pa Amb Tomaquet - This is a bread that is served with many dishes in Barcelona. It is so popular that if you don’t order it specifically, many servers will ask you if you want it. It is a slice of bread topped with a rub of olive oil and tomato and a dash of salt. Everyone puts their own twist on the dish like some will toast the bread and others will serve it with more chunks of tomato.
Croquettas - This is a dish that is a lot like the Bombas. Croquettas are filled with meat (usually
chicken or Iberico ham) and cheese. They are a long, oval shape.
Traditional Meats
There are a couple of meats that are traditional to Spain and they should be any everyone’s list
Of foods to try…
Iberico Ham - Iberico ham is to Spain what prosciutto is to Italy.
This ham has become a famous ingredient known well to world-class chefs as one of the best hams in the world. This ham can be served on its’ own or as an ingredient in
a dish. It is cut thicker than prosciutto, so it is not as delicate and a little meatier.
Chorizo - Chorizo is spicy sausage that is eaten in many different ways including sliced up like
salami or used as an ingredient in many dishes.
Manchego Cheese
This sheep’s milk cheese pairs great with wonderful Iberico ham. It has a salty, earthy flavour to it and it originated in the La Mancha region of Spain (hence the name). It is eaten all throughout Spain with great popularity.
Spain can really be a food-lover's dream.
There are amazing restaurants and cafes that line the streets and all of the best Spanish fares are at a traveller’s fingertips.
Be sure to reach out to me for any further information about travelling to Barcelona.
Kommentare