Busy, bustling, noisy Barcelona is Catalunia's largest city. It's the departing point for people headed to the Balearic Islands of Majorca and Minorca and a top tourist destination for people from all over the world. Walking along the streets, visitors see incredible architecture, sunny beaches, and people from all over the world. Of course, all with all that wandering from sight to sight, people are sure to work up a healthy appetite. That's good news since Barcelona's flavors are sure to be a highlight of many journeys. This article lists spots, both touristy and not, to find some of the most characteristic dishes from the city and takes a quick look at Barcelona's restaurant culture.

Must-Try Flavors And Where To Get Them

Barcelona is in Spain, but the locals have a strong regional identity and even speak a distinct language--Catalan. So, while tourists can eat traditional Spanish fare (like patatas bravas or potatoes with spicy sauce) almost anywhere, this list includes the foodstuffs that are special to the city.

Hot Chocolate And Churros

Hot chocolate and churros is a classic breakfast in all of Spain and the thick hot chocolate seems to have more melted chocolate in it than milk. In Barcelona, though, the hot chocolate comes with a special twist--whipped cream on top. And it isn't a proper way to start the day if it doesn't come with churros or soletas (ladyfingers) for dipping. La Granja De Dulcinea in the Gothic District one of Barcelona's top-notch chocolate shop and the perfect place to order hot chocolate and churros.

Where: La Granja De Dulcinea, Carrer de Petritxol 2

Hours: 9 am - 1 pm, 4:30 pm - 8:30 pm

related: What You Can Do In Barcelona Depending On Which Month You Visit

Bombas De Barceloneta (Potato Bombs)

Bombas are fried balls of mashed potato and pork. Chefs adorn these delicious orbs with two tastey sauces: aioli (garlic mayonnaise) and salsa brava (spicy sauce). Today, visitors can try bombas almost anywhere in the city, but people say that cooks at La Cova Fumada, a restaurant in the port neighborhood, Barceloneta, invented this dish.

  • Where: La Cova Fumada, Carrer du Baluard 56
  • Hours: 8:45 am - 3:45 pm

Cap I Pota (Capipota)

Capipota is a traditional Catalan dish. "Cap" means "head" in the local language. "I" is "and." "Pota" translates to "foot," so in other words, this is stew made from head and foot of pork. It can be spicy and always comes with garbanzos. The cooks at La Cuina Del Papi in El Camp de l'Arpa neighborhood have included this dish on the restaurant's menu since it opened. Be warned, though: La Cuina Del Papi is not a tourist destination! This is a neighborhood restaurant meant for local families. Most of the Google reviews are in local Catalan and give the restaurant 4.5 stars. It is off the beaten track, but locals seem to agree--the fare is tasty and the prices are great. A three-course lunch (soup, main dish, and dessert) costs less than 15€.

  • Where: La Cuina Del Papi, Carrer de la Nacio 67
  • Hours: 7 am - 10 pm

Sobrassada De Mallorca

Sobrassada is cured pork sausage with a soft enough texture that it can be spread on toast or bread. Recently, the European Union granted a PGI or protected geographic identifier to the people who make it. That means that it can only be called "sobrassada" if people prepare it in the Balearic Islands near Barcelona and follow a certain procedure. Many Barcelonan restaurants feature sobrassada on bread, and travelers can try it at La Tasqueta de Blai. There, the kitchen specializes in making all sorts of "pintxos" or slices of homemade bread with a variety of toppings. People are meant to enjoy every bite of these snack-size portions. The restaurant offers another local classic: "la bocata de chipirones" or, in other words, a squid roll.

  • Where: La Tasqueta de Blai, Carrer de Blai 15-17
  • Hours: 12 pm - 12 am

related: Visiting Barcelona? You May Have To Leave Your Car Behind

Vermouth

People can probably drink vermouth just about anywhere in the world mixed in a martini, but Barcelonans drink vermouth, by itself, as an aperitif or along with tapas, which are tiny portions of food served in bars. Visitors should head to La Plata, a little restaurant with homemade vermouth and four classic tapas--little fried fish, tomato salad, olives, and chorizo (sausage).

  • Where: Carrer de la Merce 28
  • Hours: 12:15 - 15:15 pm, 6:30 - 11:00 pm

Mercat La Boqueria

It's impossible to write about Barcelona and food without mentioning Mercat La Boqueria. This is a top tourist hub there, but for good reason. The Mercat La Boqueria is a local market full of fresh products: every type of fruit imaginable, freshly caught seafood, meat, cheese, wine, and more. This market also includes stands that sell prepared food, for example, El Quim de la Boqueria. Trying their oxtail risotto is an unforgettable experience.

  • Hours: 8 am - 8:30 pm

Organized Food Tours In Barcelona

Heading out, finding local joints, and ordering food from a waiter who speaks another language is intimidating for many travelers. Fortunately, there are many organized tours in Barcelona, and most people agree that the local guides provide a fantastic experience.

Whether visitors take a tour or head to one of Barcelona's classic restaurants on their own schedule, they'll find plenty to excite their tastebuds. Barcelona's flavor is chocolate and coffee. It's freshly caught seafood with refreshing white wine. It's a "bomba de Barceloneta" which creates an explosion of taste and pleasure.

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