International travel allows people to gain a new appreciation for other world cultures, and a big part of any culture is the cuisine.
The food of a region reflects their history, geographical location, and the resources they have available to them. For example, Barcelona is a city on the northeastern coast of Spain on the Balearic Sea. The food fare that travelers will find there reflects the colorful history of Barcelona and its’ centralized location (in relation to northern Africa and all of the Mediterranean).
Here are some great foods (and a couple of drinks) that all travelers (and foodies) definitely need to indulge in.
Beverages
Let’s kick this list off with a couple of great drinks that anyone traveling to Barcelona will need to try.
Sangria- Everyone knows that you have to try a great glass of Sangria. Sangria is a great refreshment on a hot day. The great thing about Sangria is that every restaurant and Sangria maker has a different take on it, and some places will even offer up to 6 different varieties on their menu.
Cava
This is the sparkling wine of Spain. It usually is a drink that is on the sweeter type, but there is a variation. Brut cava is a cava that is drier, and it tends to taste more like traditional champagne.
Traditional Meats
There are a couple of traditional meats to Spain, and they should be on everyone’s list of foods to try.
Iberico Ham
Iberico ham is to Spain what prosciutto is to Italy. This ham has become a famous ingredient known well to world-class chefs as one of the best hams in the world. This ham can be served on its’ own or as an ingredient in a dish. It is cut thicker than prosciutto, so it is not as delicate and a little meatier.
Chorizo
Chorizo is a spicy sausage eaten in many different ways, including sliced up like salami or used as an ingredient in many dishes.
Cheese
Manchego
This is a sheep’s milk cheese that pairs wonderfully with Iberico ham. It has a salty, earthy flavor to it, and it originated in the La Mancha region of Spain (hence the name). It is eaten throughout Spain with great popularity.
Dishes And Other Fare
Gazpacho
This is a chilled tomato soup that is incredibly satisfying on a hot Spanish summer day. It sometimes comes with Pa amb tomàquet or with sides of croutons, red peppers, and onion. It is delicious no matter how it is served.
Bocadillos
Discover the Spanish take on sandwiches – Bocadillos. Byrd Adventures recommends trying these hearty baguette creations, with a soft yet crusty texture that’s uniquely Spanish. You can customize your Bocadillo by choosing your preferred meat, then top it off with a variety of sauces and fresh ingredients like lentils, lettuce, corn, or cucumbers.
Seafood
Barcelona is located right on the Balearic Sea and just a stone’s throw from the Mediterranean. This makes Barcelona a central place for fantastic seafood. Be sure to try calamari and squid dishes – you can order them fried or grilled to your preference.
Bombas
Bombas is a combination of mashed potatoes and meat rolled in bread crumbs in the shape of a ball and fried. They usually come in two different sizes (like snack and meal size) and are generally served with one aioli on top and another on the bottom.
Spanish Omelet
This omelet is not the breakfast omelet that is probably coming to your mind right now. Enjoy this omelet any time of day, available in individual portions or larger slices. This omelet features hearty chunks of potatoes and onions, served with a side of creamy aioli.
Pa Amb Tomaque
Diners across Barcelona enjoy this bread served alongside many local dishes. It is so popular that if you don’t order it, many servers with ask you if you want it. This slice of bread is topped with a rub of olive oil and tomato and a dash of salt. Everyone puts their twist on the dish. Some will toast the bread, and others will serve it with more chunks of tomato.
Croquettas
This is a dish that is a lot like the Bombas. Croquettas are filled with meat (usually chicken or Iberico ham) and cheese. They are a long, oval shape.
Spain can be a food lover’s dream. Some fantastic restaurants and cafes line the streets, and all of the best Spanish fares are at a traveler’s fingertips. They love to serve their food in the small-plate style, so the portions are significant for eating all day long. One thing that you need to be aware of is that there will be different serving size options. A pintxos serving is a portion that is like a two-bite snack, and that is perfect for on the go. The tapas menu provides generous portions ideal for sharing with a companion.
Would you like a culinary tour? We can add some of these dishes in Barcelona to the culinary itinerary on your rail vacation. Contact me when you’d like to discuss your options!
