TRY THESE 6 UNIQUE AND TASTY TAPAS IN BARCELONA

Tapas are a fun and delicious part of Spanish cuisine because you get to try several dishes at once. Moreover, the interesting thing about these small plates is that they reflect Spain’s different regions’ cuisine so well. There can be great differences in what you order in the south and the north of Spain.

Here are 6 of the most delicious Catalonian tapas in Barcelona.

Pa amb tomàquet

Pa amb tomàquet is so simple, and yet it remains a staple on many Catalan tables every day. Translated to “bread and tomato,” this tapa is on the menu at most tapas bars and restaurants in Barcelona and can be eaten in several ways. Local bread, called coca, is rubbed with tomatoes, sometimes garlic, and then drizzled with olive oil. As an appetizer, alongside your meal, or as a vehicle for toppings such as Spanish ham or cheese, Pa amb tomàquet can be enjoyed in many ways.

Bomba Barceloneta

A Barcelona creation, the bomba Barceloneta has an explosion of flavor in every bite! What was once a local specialty in the Barceloneta neighborhood is now one of Barcelona’s most popular tapas. Ground meat wrapped in mashed potato is fried until golden brown and then topped with aioli and brava sauce. It’s the ultimate comfort food all in one tasty package. 

Patatas bravas, Barcelona style

Patatas bravas are a favorite across Spain, but Barcelona likes to put its own spin on this classic tapa. Many bravas in Spain are drizzled with a spicy red sauce, but you’ll likely find something different in Barcelona. Here Patatas bravas are topped with a garlic aioli sauce and chili oil, creating a unique blend of flavors. The latest trend is preparing them in large cubes, each individually served with sauce. This ensures the right amount of aioli and bravas sauce in each yummy bite!

Explore more: Where to Eat Some of the Best Tapas in Barcelona

Esqueixada

Salt cod is one of the most cherished ingredients in Catalan cuisine, and is at the centre of the esqueixada. This cold salad of shredded cod, onion, tomato, bell peppers, and olives is tossed in olive oil, vinegar, and sprinkled with salt. When it’s hot in Barcelona (and it is always hot in Barcelona!) you want something refreshing and this dish is the perfect choice. The name comes from the Catalan word esqueixar, which means “to shred.” The cod is always ripped apart by hand to achieve the desired texture, giving esqueixada its name.

Escalivada

Another classic tapas in Catalonian cuisine is escalivada, a grilled veggie dish that can be eaten hot or cold. Eggplant, bell peppers, and onions are grilled and brushed with olive oil, garlic, and salt. This dish is delicious on its own but can be garnished with tuna or anchovies for extra punch. Escalivada is often a side dish for Catalan barbecues. And you can put it on coca bread to create a tasty pincho!

Local meats and cheeses

Life’s most precious things are often the simplest. This is especially true when it comes to cured Spanish meats and cheeses. Cured meats like Spanish ham, fuet, llonganissa, and salchichón are delicious as a snack or during a meal. Try pairing them with crusty bread and cheese for something extra special! It’s easy to find local meat and cheese in tapas bars or farmer’s markets all over the city. Be sure to try mató, a soft Catalan cheese comparable to ricotta. Many eat it as a dessert with honey or jam.

Interested in learning more about these delicious dishes? 

Our food experts are thrilled to host you on the Barcelona Food Lover Tour Tapas Tour! Don’t miss out, because this tour usually sells out quickly…