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 its history and its geographical location and the resources that they have available to them. Located on the northeastern coast of Spain on the Balearic Sea, Barcelona has access to some incredibly fresh ingredients. Not to mention, the food that travelers will find here is definitely reflective of the colorful history of Barcelona and its centralized location.
On that note, are you ready to grab a bite in Barcelona? Here are some of the great foods (and a couple of drinks) that all travelers and foodies definitely need to indulge in.
Beverages
Let’s kick this list off with a couple of great beverages that anyone who is traveling to Barcelona will need to try.
- Sangria - Everyone knows that you have to try a great glass of Sangria. This is a great refreshment on a hot day. The great thing about Sangria is that every restaurant and Sangria maker has a different take on it. Some places will even offer up to 6 different varieties on their menu. \
- 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.
Traditional Meats & Cheeses
There are a couple of meats and cheeses 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 a spicy sausage that is eaten in many different ways including sliced up like salami or used as an ingredient in many dishes.
Manchego - This sheep’s milk cheese pairs great with wonderful Iberico ham. It has a salty, earthy flavor and originated in the La Mancha region of Spain (hence the name). It is eaten all throughout Spain with great popularity.
Delectable Dishes And Other Fare
One of my favorite parts about Barcelona, and Spain in general, is that they love to serve their food in the small-plate style. This makes the portions great for sampling and eating all day long. So you’ll get to experience a bit of all the flavors this beautiful city has to offer. Speaking of flavors, here are some other incredible dishes that you must try while visiting Barcelona.
- 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 (which is a traditional Catalan tomato bread, which you’ll learn more about later) 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.
- Seafood - 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.
- 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 (like snack and meal size) and are usually served with one aioli on top and another on the bottom.
- Spanish Omelet - This is not the breakfast omelet that is probably coming to your mind right now. This is an omelet 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 with 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. For example, 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.
As you can see, Barcelona is a city that has something to offer for everyone. With the right itinerary, it can really be a food lover’s dream. With amazing restaurants and cafes lining the streets, all of the best Spanish fares are right at your fingertips. But the truth is, whether you're looking for delicious food, stunning architecture, or simply a relaxing vacation, Barcelona is sure to please. So what are you waiting for? Click here to schedule your call and let’s start planning your trip today!
