MEET YOUR GUIDE IN BARCELONA… BORIS RIERA!

What inspired you to become a food tour guide?

I worked in the hospitality industry for several years, including managing a bar. With the COVID situation, I decided to change sectors and start working in the video game industry, but I missed the social aspect of hospitality. As a food lover, I found the opportunity to complement my job with the social interaction I was missing.

What’s the most important thing you hope guests take away from your food tours?

A great experience, of course. I also hope that clients finish the tour having tried new things. Often, when people come to Spain, they are familiar with some of the typical dishes like ham or croquettes, but Spanish gastronomy has so much more to offer!

How do you help guests connect with the local culture and community?

Spanish culture has a long history, and everything has a reason for being the way it is. Through food, I have the opportunity to introduce and explain various aspects of Spanish culture, its traditions, and its history.

Can you share a memorable moment from one of your tours?

One of the most memorable moments was with a guest, a businessman visiting Barcelona for work. His daughter had gifted him a Food Lovers experience because she had enjoyed it so much during her own visit to the city. Initially, he was hesitant to try certain dishes, but by the end of the tour, he was enthusiastic about tasting everything. It was incredibly rewarding to see him step out of his comfort zone and fully embrace the local cuisine, making the experience all the more special.

Which is your city’s best place?

That’s a tough one… Barcelona is full of hidden gems, and it’s impossible to pick just one. However, O Retorno is one of the restaurants I frequent the most. I love their Galician octopus!

Interested in seeing Barcelona through Boris’s eyes?

Join us on one of our tours now! You’re in for a blast with Boris as he shows you all the best places in town.