Barcelona Food offers a delightful exploration of Catalan cuisine and Spanish flavors, ensuring an unforgettable culinary adventure. At FOODS.EDU.VN, we guide you through the must-try dishes and dining experiences that define Barcelona’s unique gastronomic scene. Discover local favorites, innovative culinary creations, and hidden culinary gems, enhancing your travel experience with authentic tastes and flavors while exploring food culture, local markets, and culinary tours.
1. Indulge in the World’s Finest Cured Ham: Jamón Curado
Is Jamón Curado the best cured ham in the world? The world of cured ham is vast and varied, but Spanish jamón curado certainly holds a special place. When you’re exploring Barcelona food, tracking down some jamón curado (pronounced “ha-MOHN koo-RAH-doe”), or Spanish cured ham, is an absolute must. This culinary delight is more than just food; it’s an experience, deeply rooted in Spanish culture and tradition. There are several types to explore, each offering a unique flavor profile and experience.
Serrano Ham (Jamón Serrano): A Taste of Everyday Spain
Serrano ham is the accessible entry point into the world of jamón curado. This is the type of cured ham you’re likely to find at the corner market, vacuum-sealed in a refrigerated package, for a very reasonable price. It’s the type of Spanish cured meat that locals will often eat at home, and make no mistake, it’s delicious. Made from a variety of pig breeds and typically aged for over a year, it’s a staple in many Spanish households. Its salty, smooth flavor pairs well with bread, cheese, or enjoyed on its own. This is perhaps the most accessible of the Spanish hams and is very much a part of la comida tipica catalana.
Iberico Ham (Jamón Iberico de Bellota): A Step Above
What makes Iberico Ham special? Iberico ham is a step up in exclusivity from the Serrano variety. This ham comes specifically from Iberico pigs, known for their rich-tasting meat with a higher fat content. These pigs primarily feast on acorns, lending a unique nutty flavor to the meat. The price is a bit more variable for Iberico ham, but you can still easily find it in farmers markets, grocery stores, and bodegas/bars all around Barcelona. You may also see this meat referred to as Bellota ham since bellota means acorn in Spanish.
Jamon Pata Negra: The Epitome of Iberian Ham
What is the highest quality Iberico Ham? This isn’t technically its own category; rather, it’s the extreme high end of Iberico ham. Pata Negra (or black hoof) is a very specific type of Iberico pig and yields one of the most expensive types of Spanish cured ham. It’s the champagne of cured meat, best savored alone to appreciate its tender fat content and nutty flavor derived from a diet of acorns. Due to the meticulous production process, the acorn-based diet, and the pure breed of the Iberian pigs, Jamon Pata Negra offers an unmatched flavor and quality, setting it apart as a luxury delicacy.
2. Discover Pluma Iberica: Acorn-Fed Iberian Ham
What is Pluma Iberica and why is it a Barcelona food must-try? While still on the topic of Spanish ham, you absolutely cannot miss trying pluma iberica. This cut of pork is taken from just below the jowl of an Iberian pig (the same ones prized for their cured legs) and seared. The result is a tender, flavorful, and incredibly juicy piece of meat that redefines expectations for pork.
Traditionally, pork is cooked thoroughly, but pluma iberica defies this norm with its seared exterior and surprisingly pink interior. It’s tender, flavorful, juicy, and everything any meat should be. This dish is a testament to the quality of Iberian pork and a must-try when exploring Barcelona.
3. Savor Spanish Tomato Bread: Pan Con Tomate
What is Pan Con Tomate and where can you find it in Barcelona? If you want to live like a local, roll up to a cafe or bar for dinner around 9pm, order a couple of drinks, and some jamón and pan con tomate. Or, grab some pan con tomate for your late afternoon snack. It is the quintessential merienda (late afternoon snack) item, and probably top of the list of comida tipica catalana. Also known as pan tumaca or pa amb tomàquet, this simple dish embodies the essence of Catalan cuisine.
Understanding the Names: Pan Con Tomate, Pa amb Tomàquet, and Pan Tumaca
Why are there multiple names for Spanish tomato bread?
- Pan con tomate is your typical Castilian Spanish name for Spanish tomato bread. If you order it, everyone will understand what you’re asking for with no issue, so stick with this one!
- Pa amb tomàquet is Catalan, the regional language of Catalonia, for Spanish tomato bread and sounds like “pahm toh-MAH-ket.”
- And pan tumaca is somewhere in between – after all, if you say pa amb tomàquet fast enough, you’re going to get something pretty similar to “pahn tu-MAH-ka.”
The Simplicity of Perfection: Making Pan Con Tomate
How is Pan Con Tomate made? This dish is incredibly simple to make. Toast some bread, add fresh garlic, and then cut a tomato in half and smush the insides all over the bread. Top with salt and olive oil and you have yourself a delicacy. Is pan con tomate just bruschetta in Spanish? Maybe not, but it will have you saying “bruschetta who?”
4. Enjoy Paella in Barcelona
Is Paella a Barcelona food? While paella may not be traditional in Barcelona – having originate further south in Valencia – it has become a staple over the last century. Barcelona has put its own spin on the dish: seafood paella. Think octopus, cuttlefish, squid, mussels, and clams, all mixed in with rice, saffron, and plenty of veggies and oil. The dish is a flavorful combination of rice, seafood, and spices, making it a must-try for anyone visiting Barcelona. In fact, during a stay in Penedes, we were even treated to a paella, homemade by a local, that included squid ink, making it a striking dark gray to the point of being almost black.
The Best Time to Eat Paella
When should you eat Paella? Paella isn’t considered a dinner food – no one wants to be THAT full when they head off to sleep! Instead, paella is usually eaten for lunch in the early afternoon, as lunch is usually the biggest Spanish meal of the day. And you’re more likely to see locals eating it on Thursdays or on Sundays, often with family.
5. Taste Spanish Omelette: Tortilla Española
What is Spanish Omelette called in Spanish? How do you say (potato) omelet in Spanish? Tortilla! Or honestly, just “Spanish omelette” works, too. Spanish tortilla is a REVELATION, and we were lucky to eat this several times and to also make it in our cooking classes in Barcelona.
What Makes a Spanish Tortilla Unique?
What makes Spanish Tortilla different? Spanish tortilla isn’t a thing you wrap a taco in. No, Spanish tortilla is pretty much a potato omelet. You take soft, cooked potatoes, add eggs and seasonings – and possibly other things like jamón – and cook it in a big pan like an omelette, flipping it out into a plate and then putting it back into the pan to cook on all sides. Spanish omelette can be served hot or cold, but when you sit down to a piping hot Spanish tortilla, it gives the most major comfort food vibes. And you can have tortilla for breakfast or dinner – it’s completely up to you.
6. Indulge in Patatas Bravas: A Barcelona Tapas Staple
What are Patatas Bravas? So, patatas bravas weren’t really invented in Barcelona, but the city has become sort of the Mecca for patatas bravas in Spain. This is a very simple, bar-friendly dish made up of crispy, fried potato chunks topped with a tomato-based sauce that’s sometimes creamy but always a little spicy. Every cook in Spain makes these a bit differently, especially when it comes to the sauce, so don’t be afraid to test them out everywhere you go!
How to Enjoy Patatas Bravas
How should you order Patatas Bravas? Order these as an appetizer to share with friends, or as a side to wash down with a beer or some tasty Spanish wine. You really can’t go wrong. The combination of crispy potatoes and spicy sauce makes it an irresistible treat.
7. Experience Iberian Ham Croquettes: Croquetas de Jamón
What are Croquetas de Jamón? So, there’s literally no one in the world who could say anything against breaded and fried balls of ham and cheese or bechamel sauce, right? 👀 We had croquetas de jamón several times throughout our stay in Barcelona, and everyone made them just a little differently.
The Nostalgia of Croquetas de Jamón
What makes Croquetas de Jamón nostalgic? They have a lot of nostalgia for locals, because they’re something you’d often get made for you as a kid, and they could contain anything. You could have croquetas de jamón y queso, or Iberian ham croquettes, or croquetas de atún (tuna!)… any sort of leftover could easily be rolled in with that cheese or bechamel sauce and popped into the oil for a few minutes to get crispy.
The Perfect Bite: Inside a Croqueta de Jamón
What should the inside of a Croqueta de Jamón look like? Then, when you bite into them (please be careful – no blistered mouths, okay?) you should get a gooey, saucy, meaty center. They’re delicious bar food, good appetizers, and could honestly be their own main course with the right sides.
8. Savor Crema Catalana: The Quintessential Catalan Dessert
What is Crema Catalana? The first thing you’ll notice about crema catalana – or Catalan cream – is that it’s served in a ramekin and coated on top with a layer of caramelized sugar, just like creme brûlée. However, the delicious egg custard that goes into this most famous Catalan dessert is actually flavored with citrus – specifically lemon and orange zest – and cinnamon instead of vanilla bean.
Serving Crema Catalana: A Warm Delight
Why is Crema Catalana served warm? This gives the smooth, sweet custard a wonderfully warm flavor that makes creme catalana best served warm. It’s an in-depth pain in the ass to make – we made this in our Barcelona cooking classes, too! – but is indisputably a fantastic, light way to wrap up a lovely meal.
A Culinary Mission: Finding the Best Crema Catalana
Where can you find Crema Catalana? You can find crema catalana at just about any restaurant in or around the city, so maybe make it your mission to try a few and see which one you think is best!
9. Taste Xuixos de Girona: A Sweet Catalan Pastry
What are Xuixos de Girona? The Catalonian xuixo – said and written “chucho” in Spanish – is actually thought to originate in Girona, just an hour or so away from Barcelona. But of course, as with all things Catalonia, xuixos also found a home in this beautiful city.
What to Expect When Biting Into a Xuixo
What does a Xuixo taste like? Xuixos are actually a flaky pastry cylinder filled with crema catalana (yes, the exact same dessert from above, but minus the caramelized sugar), fried, and rolled in sugar. This means xuixos are gently crispy and sweet on the outside, and tangy, rich, and smooth on the inside. They’re truly a delight to eat!
Where to Find the Best Xuixos
Where can you find Xuixos? We found our first xuixos at La Colmena, one of the oldest bakeries in Barcelona (they also serve some truly heavenly stuffed meringues that you MUST try, but I digress). Just know that if you decide to visit La Colmena as well, their wide selection of baked goods and savory treats makes their very small storefront a very popular stop, so seeing a line out the door isn’t uncommon.
10. Bonus: Try a Clara (Summer Shandy)
What is a Clara? Okay, we didn’t directly include this on the “must try foods in Barcelona” list because it’s not specific TO Barcelona, and because it’s not really COMIDA tipica catalana. But mostly, we excluded it because we tried it… once. And I’m pretty sure we won’t try it again 😅 It’s a summer drink made 50/50 with Fanta lemonade and a regular beer, like Estrella.
A Refreshing but Unique Taste
What does a Clara taste like? This shandy is light, probably very refreshing, and has a combo of tastes that neither of us could really stand. But, that said, some of the other folks on our food tour seemed to enjoy their clara, and it IS one of the most popular summer drinks in Spain. So it’s definitely worth a try for anyone with a curious palate.
Ordering Beer in Spain
What should you know about ordering beer in Spain? We found this CultureTrip guide to ordering beer in Spain really helpful.
Barcelona Food: A Culinary Journey Awaits
Barcelona food offers a rich tapestry of flavors and experiences that cater to every palate. From the savory delights of jamón curado and patatas bravas to the sweet indulgence of crema catalana and xuixos, the city’s culinary scene is a true reflection of Catalan culture. Whether you’re a seasoned foodie or a curious traveler, Barcelona promises an unforgettable gastronomic adventure.
FAQ: Your Questions About Barcelona Food Answered
1. What is Barcelona food most known for?
Barcelona food is most known for its blend of traditional Catalan cuisine and innovative culinary techniques. Dishes like paella, tapas, and crema catalana are iconic and widely enjoyed.
2. What are some must-try tapas in Barcelona?
Some must-try tapas in Barcelona include patatas bravas, croquetas de jamón, pan con tomate, and gambas al ajillo (garlic shrimp). These small dishes offer a great way to sample a variety of flavors.
3. Is paella a Barcelona food?
While paella originated in Valencia, it has become a popular dish in Barcelona. Seafood paella is a common variation found in many restaurants.
4. What is crema catalana and how does it differ from creme brûlée?
Crema catalana is a traditional Catalan dessert similar to creme brûlée, but flavored with lemon and orange zest, and cinnamon instead of vanilla. It is often served warm.
5. What is “Pan Con Tomate?”
Pan con tomate is a simple yet iconic Catalan dish consisting of toasted bread rubbed with garlic and fresh tomato, then drizzled with olive oil and sprinkled with salt.
6. What is pluma iberica?
Pluma iberica is a cut of pork taken from below the jowl of an Iberian pig. It is known for its tender texture and rich flavor.
7. Where can I find authentic Catalan cuisine in Barcelona?
Authentic Catalan cuisine can be found in local restaurants and bodegas throughout Barcelona. Exploring neighborhoods like El Born and Gràcia will often lead to hidden culinary gems.
8. What is a “xuixo?”
A xuixo is a Catalan pastry originating from Girona. It is a flaky, cylindrical pastry filled with crema catalana, fried, and rolled in sugar.
9. What is a “clara” and is it worth trying?
A clara is a popular summer drink in Spain, made with equal parts beer and lemon Fanta. While some find it refreshing, its unique taste may not appeal to everyone.
10. Are there cooking classes available in Barcelona to learn about Catalan cuisine?
Yes, there are numerous cooking classes in Barcelona that offer hands-on experience in preparing traditional Catalan dishes. These classes often include visits to local markets and insights into regional ingredients.
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