Top Foods to Eat in Barcelona

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Barcelona, located in north-eastern Spain and is known for its love for football. But its cuisine is also renowned globally and is practically a gift for visitors. The delicacies are bestowed with flavor and aroma, which creates an explosion of taste. However, among all the preparations, sorting the top 5 foods to eat in Barcelona is undoubtedly a challenging task. Nevertheless, for visitors, the list of favorites is provided below.

Top 5 Things to Eat in Barcelona

1. Seafood Paella

You can find Paella in many parts of Spain, including Valencia, but the preparation from Barcelona stands out. The seafood paella is prepared with a special Bomba rice, which makes the difference. It combines shellfish and seafood and is cooked in a base of tomato sauce. The rich flavor comes from the fish stock, 'sofrito,' and rice and is a must-try for seafood lovers.

2. Croquetas

It is believed that the croquette originated from France, but after that, the Spanish people took it forward. They experimented with it and presented it in art form. Croquetas are one of the most beloved tapas, and in Barcelona, these are cheap and flavorful. The croquetas are made from bread, and they are fried with a variety of ingredients in a thick béchamel sauce. This gives a rich flavor and is one of the must-try foods in Barcelona. Among every other option, croqueta de Jamón is one of the most famous and is prepared with cured Spanish Iberian ham.

3. Fried Chipirones (Very Small Squid)

In the US, Calamari or fried squid is usually served as small, lightly breaded rings that are crispy and fried. But, in Spain, they elevate fried squid to the next level and usually take multiple paths to prepare them. Among all of its variations, Chipirones Fritos is one of the favorites among tourists, and you simply can't get enough of it. These are tiny squid that are gently flavored and then fried to give a correct degree of crunchiness. You can also try ‘Calamares a La Romana,' which is a large battered, fried ring of squid.

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4. Pan Tomaquet

Considered one of the top local foods to try in Barcelona, Pan Tomaquet was first prepared by the Catalan people. This authentic local delicacy is prepared by rubbing a local variety of tomato on toasted bread. Next, they add a splash of local extra virgin olive oil with some sprinkles of salt on top. However, if you like extra flavor, you can add some fresh garlic. This preparation is usually served as a starter or as an accompaniment to other dishes. You can order it at most restaurants. Furthermore, you can spot a few places that will provide you with toasted bread, oil, tomato, and garlic, so that you can prepare that on your own.

5. Calçots

Calçots are specially grown long onions and are a seasonal crop harvested from late autumn to early spring. So, you cannot have it every time of the year, but if you visit Barcelona at the correct time, you won't regret it. This is an authentic Catalonian preparation, and while enjoying it, you are allowed to get a bit messy. These are grilled directly over flames to turn them black and provide an idyllic taste. The crusty carbonized layer of onion with its smoky taste with a touch of Romesco-like sauce makes it truly delicious.

What’s Next?

So, it is evident that Barcelona is one of the top cities in Spain to try some of the best cuisines in Europe. You can head towards some top restaurants for a fine dining experience, such as Aürt, Torre d'Alta Mar, or Cocina Hermanos Torres; otherwise, there are plenty of local options. Lastly, you can also try Michelin Gastronomy, Gazpacho, and Xuixo for an everlasting flavorful experience.

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