Top 5: Dishes to Try in Barcelona

When culinary travel capitals come to mind, Spain always makes the list with at least two or three cities. Catalonia’s capital city of Barcelona is no exception, and the five dishes below are best to share with your travel mates.

Pan con tomate (pa amb tomaquet in Catalan)

This classic Catalan dish is often served like an Ikea bookcase: All the elements are delivered but it is up to you to construct it. Rub the toasted bread with a halved tomato, a clove of garlic and then drizzle olive oil and sprinkle on some salt.

© Yulia Mikhaylova | Dreamstime

Churros con Chocolate

Morning, noon or night, there is never an unacceptable time for churros con chocolate. Long rods of fried dough are served with chocolate dipping sauce and are a perfect complement to a cup of cafe con leche.

Patatas bravas

Patatas bravas are one of Catalonia’s most-loved dishes. Traditional preparation involves covering oven-roasted diced potatoes with a spicy Catalan sauce comprised of tomatoes, olive oil, pimenton (Spanish paprika) and cayenne pepper. Wash down the shared dish with an ice-cold Estrella cerveza while you contemplate ordering seconds.

Catalonian Calcots © Juan Moyano | Dreamstime

Calcots

When in Catalonia, take yourself to the nearest Catalan restaurant for this messy and classic Catalan dish. Served on a large platter, these long, thick green onions are grilled and meant to be dipped in an orange sauce called Salvitxada (tomatoes, garlic, almonds, dried pepper, olive oil). Bibs are typically provided to protect your clothing from the inevitable slinging of the sauce.

Croquetas

There’s more to these fried cylindrical delights than you might expect. Béchamel sauce is mixed with ham (jamon), seafood or cheese and fried inside these crispy yet soft bites.