This is a guest post:
Barcelona is a vibrant, cultural city full of history, and the same applies to the food.
Catalan food has a mixed heritage, with French, Italian and Spanish influences coming together to make up some of the area’s most famous dishes. With so much to see around the city centre, you’ll soon work up an appetite – so if you’re wondering what to try and where to find it, let this infographic be your culinary guide.
La Boqueria Market
Take La Boqueria market – one of Spain’s most famous food halls – which has been around since 1200. It’s sold all sorts over the centuries, but nowadays, you’ll find this historic site teeming with tapas bars and stalls selling anything from fruit and vegetables to cured meats and hard cheeses.
Bars of Barri Gotic
Discover the Secret Bars of Barri Gotic: Seek out an underground bar, or “okupa”. These drinking dens have been set up by squatters who have taken over local buildings all over Barcelona, but particularly in the Barri Gotic area of the city. Although most are hush-hush affairs, most people are aware of El Mariachi. This music themed bar specialises in potent cocktails and pacharán – a sloe based spirit.
Eat Escudella
Eat Escudella in Terra d’Escudella: The best place in the city to try this meaty stew is the aptly named Terra d’Escudella. The delicious variety that the restaurant serves up has an added ingredient – cuttlefish. Other dishes on the menu included rabbit served with snails and Dorada rice.
Drink Orxata
Drink Orxata in Planelles Donat: In the summer months, many local bars and cafes advertise the fact that they have Orxata in stock. The drink is made from ground tiger nuts and with a consistency similar to milkshake. Planelles Donat may be known for its ice cream and turron (nougat) – another Catalan specialty, but it’s also the best place to try the delicious drink for yourself and you should be able to find it here all year round.
Brave Criadillas in La Boqueria
If you’re feeling adventurous, you might want to try one of Barcelona’s more unique delicacies at La Boqueria. Criadillas – or bull’s testicles – are usually served breaded and fried in oil, alongside a spicy wine sauce. The thought might turn your stomach, but the Spanish believe that eating criadillas can boost the bravery and masculinity of the eater.
Sample Seafood Dishes at Barceloneta
Barceloneta beach is the best place to try the seafood dishes that the Catalan region is so renowned for. Cod is perhaps the most popular fish in the region and a popular salad sees the fish salted and served with peppers and onions. Alternatively Esqueixada Catalana is another take on salted codfish, where the fish is served with black and green olives.
Emily Collins is a writer based in London with a passion for food and travel.
Photo Essay: Los Angeles…Now with Less Smog!