Traditional Catalan dishes: What to eat in Barcelona?
Culture, history, music… Barcelona offers so much, especially its delicious dishes. While you can find them all over Spain, where better to taste them than in their place of origin?
But, what are the traditional dishes of Barcelona that you should savor during your stay in the city? Take note!
What dishes should you try in Barcelona?
Let’s see which are the most classic dishes of the city, that everyone will recommend you try at least once!
Pan con tomate
The famous “pan amb tumaca,” also known as “pan amb tomàquet,” in which two slices of bread are toasted, rubbed with cut tomato, and sprinkled with a little salt and extra virgin olive oil.
It seems quite simple, right? Well, few places prepare it as well as in the Catalan capital. If you have the opportunity, order it for breakfast in the city center. You won’t be disappointed.
Butifarra
In the town of Barcelona, you can try many types of sausages, but the most famous of all, and the most recognizable in Catalan cuisine, is the butifarra.
It is a pork sausage, quite thick, and can be eaten raw, fried, or grilled. The latter is, without a doubt, one of the best ways.
Escalivada
Another dish you can’t miss if you’re visiting Barcelona; it is prepared with peppers, eggplants, onions, potatoes, oil, pepper, and salt.
Some establishments innovate with changes to the traditional recipe, such as adding roasted tomatoes, garlic, parsley, or black olives.
Calçots
Is there anything more typical of Catalan gastronomy than eating calçots? A very simple delicacy where spring onions are cooked until tender and served with romesco sauce (also known as salvitxada).
Though traditionally enjoyed in spring or late winter, it’s not unusual to savor it during summer as well, especially when taking advantage of the barbecue season.
Catalan-style roast chicken
For many, Sunday roast chicken is a cherished tradition. Since you are in the city, why break the habit?
In fact, you can indulge in “Catalan-style roast chicken,” featuring a sauce made from a blend of 11 distinct spices. The texture is also sure to be a delightful surprise. Give it a try, you won’t be disappointed!
Bikini
The name of this delicacy caught your attention, didn’t it? Well, the truth is it’s something you’re very accustomed to eating: a ham and cheese sandwich.
You might think, “It’s just a sandwich I can get anywhere.” True, but Barcelona’s version is in a league of its own. The term “bikini” actually comes from the Sala Bikini nightclub, which, shortly after its 1953 debut, made this French delicacy famous by naming it after the club.
Black rice
One of the most common dishes in Mediterranean areas, especially on the Catalan Costa Brava.
The rice is prepared with cuttlefish, seafood, garlic, onions, and, depending on the region, tomatoes. No matter what time of year you visit the city, you can enjoy it whenever you want.
Calamari Sandwich
While this is one of the typical dishes of Madrid, you can eat it anywhere in Spain, including Barcelona.
Our recommendation is to go to the city center, where you can eat it with artisanal bread, a beer, and, of course, made with fresh market produce.
Sweet and Savory cocas
In Barcelona, you can enjoy what are known as “cocas,” very similar to bread or an empanada.
These can have a savory or sweet flavor, depending on the bakery or shop where you buy them. Especially recommended are those from the central areas of the city, where they are prepared with great care.
Catalan Cream
To close this list, we couldn’t leave out the quintessential dessert of Barcelona: Catalan cream.
You probably recognize it, as today it can be enjoyed anywhere. But this dish, crafted from egg yolk, sugar, wheat flour, milk infused with cinnamon, and lemon zest, is best savored in its true home: Catalonia.
After dining in a restaurant, don’t hesitate to order it to complete the perfect menu. It won’t disappoint you.
Looking for a different flavor experience? Come to EatMyTrip!
It’s fine to want to try typical dishes from Barcelona, but you don’t want to get bored of them, right?
At EatMyTrip, we offer a very different proposition, with dishes made from scratch by our chefs that will give you a flavorful experience through the various brunch options on our menu!
With several locations across Barcelona, there’s no reason to hold back, come visit us! We assure you that you won’t regret it.