This article will present the Top dishes you have to try in Barcelona. Furthermore, according to the world food experts, we will add where they are, serving the best local specialties. So, if you are a gourmet like us, please proceed.

Paella Catalana

Why? Because it represents the perfect combination of land and sea. The dish consists of traditional saffron-flavored rice, chicken, longaniza sausage, crayfish, prunes, and, depending on the season, either artichokes or peas. Since it started appearing on the menus of local restaurants, paella Catalana has been raising a heated debate over what constitutes authentic paella. Regardless of the differing viewpoints, it has become a typical dish of the Catalonia region.

Note: To try your best food, visit 7 Portes or Xiringuito Escribà.

Montadito

The name montadito derives from the word montar (to mount) as a reference to the toppings mounted on each bread slice. They are open-faced sandwiches and an important tapa in Spain. In addition, montaditos are always made with bread slices, generally from a long thin bread similar to a baguette. The toppings are remarkably versatile and may include anything from smoked meat, chorizo sausages, jamóns, various types of cheese, pickled vegetables, anchovies, and other types of seafood. Furthermore, they were the first type of sandwich in Spain, dating back to the fifteenth century.

Bombas

During the Spanish Civil War, Barcelona anarchists and revolutionaries wandered the slums of Barceloneta hurling handmade grenades in their fight against General Franco’s Fascists.

These tiny grenades inspired a local chef to create what is now one of Barcelona’s most iconic tapas dishes, “la bomba” (or the bomb). Ultimately, this tasty combination of ingredients is a staple at numerous tapa bars throughout Spain, and it is particularly popular as a late-night snack.

Crema Catalana

It is a widespread Spanish dessert made by baking a custard of milk, cornstarch, and eggs in an oven. After baking and cooling, the dessert is sprinkled with sugar and broiled or burnt with a torch to create a crispy caramel top layer.

It is also the oldest European custard dessert, dating back to the 14th century. Sometimes, crema Catalana may be flavored with cinnamon, lemon, or orange zest.

Crema Catalana has a distinctive flavor; that’s why it is used as a base for other desserts such as ice cream and torró, a nougat-like sweet.

Note: To try your best food, visit Granja M. Viader or Granja Dulcinea.

Top dishes you have to try in Barcelona - Crema Catalana

©TasteAtlas

Calçots

The calçot is a type of green onion that is native to the region of Catalonia. They come into season at the end of winter, and the locals celebrate their arrival with wild street barbecues. These sweet onions (and all sorts of meats) are grilled to enjoy with homemade romesco sauce, a traditional Catalan salsa made with hazelnuts, almonds, and red peppers. It is the ultimate foodie fiesta!

Where to eat it: The most significant “calçotada” parties happen in the countryside, though you will find many street parties throughout Barcelona.

Calçots

©amiplim / Laia Solanellas / Getty Images

Paella de mariscos

Seafood paella is one of the most popular varieties in cities along the Spanish coast. It originates from Valencia. Furthermore, this dish is an absolute summer favorite due to the abundance of fresh fish and seafood. Paella de mariscos is prepared with a typical saffron-flavored rice, peppers, and tomato base. Still, it owes its stunning visual appearance to the flavorful combination of fish, shrimp, mussels, and clams. Locals recommended preparing this rich dish over a wood fire to infuse it with a delicate smoky aroma.

Note: To try your best food, visit Restaurant Barceloneta.

Escalivada

The name comes from the Catalan verb escalivar, “to cook in ashes,” referencing the dish’s traditional preparation in the embers of a wood fire. It is a traditional dish from Catalonia, Valencia, Murcia, and Aragón of smoky grilled vegetables. It generally consists of roasted eggplant and bell peppers with olive oil and sometimes onion, tomato, minced garlic, and salt. Although it is served mainly as a side dish, you can also do it as tapas, a warm salad, or an accompaniment to fish dishes.

Note: To try your best food, visit Sesamo or Taverna El Glop.

Churros

A churro is a kind of fried dough from Spanish and Portuguese cuisine.

Churros can be thin (sometimes knotted) or long and thick in Spain. Try them; they are yummy! You will typically eat them for breakfast dipped in champurrado, hot chocolate, or café con Leche.

Patatas bravas

This traditional tapas dish consists of potato cubes drenched in a spicy tomato sauce with onions, garlic, chili powder, and paprika. Additionally, this tasty combination of ingredients is a staple at numerous tapa bars throughout Spain, and it is especially popular as a late-night snack.

Note: To try your best food, visit Bar Tomás de Sarrià or Ciudad Condal.

Salchichón de Vic

It is a sausage produced in the Vic Valley in the Spanish district of Osona. It is also made with ground pork and bacon mixed with salt and black peppercorns. Furthermore, you can enjoy an appetizer with homemade bread and local cheese.

Garrotxa

It is a Catalan cheese made from pasteurized goat’s milk. It can be young or aged, usually flaky, creamy, and crumbly. Furthermore, the cheese has a nutty, herbal, and milky flavor that pairs exceptionally well with crusty bread, nuts, and white wines.

Sangria

It is a fruity Spanish cocktail made with red wine and chopped fruits such as pears, peaches, berries, apples, nectarines, or pineapple. The beverage is often combined with sugar, orange juice, sparkling water, and brandy. Although you can find it in every bar, the best versions are still homemade. So, go to the village and try it there.

Cava

This top Spanish sparkling wine is made with grape varieties indigenous to Spain, mainly Macabeo, Parellada, and Xarello.
Sometimes even Chardonnay will be added to the blend, though some producers suggest that this practice diminishes Cava’s regional character.

Top dishes you have to try in Barcelona - Cava

Cava

©Cava

Top dishes you have to try in Barcelona – final thoughts

For us, tasting local food must be part of every vacation. It is a part of getting to know the essence of the culture together with other cultural sites. What about you? What is your favorite dish?

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