If you read my first blog (and hey, thanks if you did!), you might remember me saying that Barcelona is hands-down one of my favorite places I’ve visited. So I figured, why not start this whole blogging thing with a post about one of the best parts of Barcelona?
The food.
I’m not gonna pretend I knew what half of these things were before we got there. But once we started tasting, we couldn’t stop. I’m pretty sure we ate our way across the entire city. Here are some of the foods that totally won me over:
1. Patatas Bravas
Hands down my favorite (and I ordered this EVERYWHERE). Crispy fried potatoes topped with a slightly spicy tomato sauce and creamy aioli. These are everywhere, and everyone’s version is a little different. Great snack with a drink! Think, a spiced up poutine.
2. Padrón Peppers
These little green peppers are blistered and sprinkled with sea salt. Most are mild… but every once in a while you’ll get a spicy one. It’s like edible roulette.
3. Croquetas
Golden fried bites filled with creamy béchamel and usually ham, cheese, or mushrooms. We ordered these constantly — crunchy outside, melty inside, what’s not to love?
4. Jamón Ibérico
Spain’s famous cured ham, thinly sliced and melt in your mouth delicious. Totally worth trying even if you’re not a “ham” person.
5. Huevos Rotos
Literally “broken eggs.” This dish is usually a pile of fries, jamón, and eggs all broken up together. It’s a glorious, salty, savory mess (in the best way).
6. Tinto de Verano
My favorite summer drink. It’s red wine mixed with lemon soda and served over ice — kind of like sangria’s chill cousin. Perfect for sipping on a sunny patio.
7. Crema Catalana
Think crème brûlée, but lighter and with a hint of citrus. It’s a classic dessert in Catalonia, and it totally grew on me. The crunchy sugar top is everything.
8. Pa Amb Tomàquet
This is as simple as it gets: rustic bread rubbed with fresh tomato, garlic, olive oil, and salt. Somehow, it’s magic. You’ll find it on nearly every menu.
9. Fideuà
Like paella, but made with short noodles instead of rice. Usually packed with seafood and served with garlicky aioli on the side. If you’re a noodle person — get this!
Barcelona made us braver eaters. We tried things we’d never even heard of, and honestly, that’s part of what made the whole trip so memorable. We fell in love with Spain through its food, plain and simple.
Bonus tip: While the Boqueria Market is an absolute must (seriously, go hungry), don’t skip the other markets too! We found some amazing bites and way fewer crowds at Sant Antoni and Santa Caterina. Both were worth the wander.
Extra Bonus Tip: Barcelona is one of Virgin Voyages home port in Europe (Athens is the other). So here is a link to some AMAZING itineraries on Virgin Cruises.
Virgin Voyages Amazing Barcelona Itineraries
Hope this gives you a little taste of why we loved it so much. And if you ever find yourself in Barcelona, come hungry. 😋
