10 Barcelona Must-Try Foods | Food Guide For First Timers

Are you heading to Barcelona soon and don't know what to order at the restaurant? Here's a small guide to familiarize yourself with Barcelona's menu words and must-try foods. Not all food on this list originated from Barcelona, but that does not mean it is not good here. If you only visit Barcelona on this trip, please try out these recommended dishes! 

Honestly, I wished I had done more food research to try in Spain, but I went on this trip with no research, just with faith that all the food would taste good. Luckily, we had great food at every restaurant, including visiting fresh food markets like La Boqueria market. The Barcelona food scene was incredible, and we very much appreciate all the traditional food we got to try in this Catalan Capital, such as pan con tomate, potato bombas, or crema catalana.

Food to Try in Barcelona 🇪🇸

Paella

Paella originates from the Valencia region, a three-hour train ride from Barcelona and not from Barcelona itself. However, if you are visiting Barcelona during your Spain trip, don't hesitate to try Paella here. Paella is a popular Spanish rice dish in many types, such as seafood, chicken, pork, veggies, squid ink, or even rabbit. While dining at a restaurant is fantastic, you can have an over-the-top experience with this delicious paella cooking class, which will provide fun and knowledge.

You can try out a Paella class in the Barcelona, Catalonia area, which provides you with a three-in-one package. You get to visit the famous La Boqueria market (A local market), where the chef will explain and teach you how to pick fresh seafood (squids, prawns, and clams).

After the market, you'll learn how to make Sangria and taste their pre-made version of Sangria and tapas (Pa amb tomàquet & Pintxos). Lastly, it's time to learn how to make Paella! Don't worry; you'll get to eat it after hard work. This particular experience suits people with food preferences because the team is attentive and will accommodate your needs. I highly recommend this experience to anyone who wants to learn how to make Paella.

Churros with Chocolate

Imagine a dough stick fried at the right temperature, crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Freshly sprinkled with cinnamon sugar and dipped into hot chocolate. That's what churros with chocolate are; it is a must-try in Spain!

It's best to try churros in every Spanish city you visit because you will never know what you will find. Churros aren't specifically from Barcelona, but they are a dessert/snack I love trying every other day.  

Still looking for a place to stay in Barcelona? Here are my favorite boutique hotels around Barcelona!

Iberian Ham (Jamón Ibérico)

What is Iberian Ham? It is a high-quality cured leg of pork from an Ibérico pig. There are different classifications for Ibérico Ham, with the highest 100% pure-bred Ibérico pig being Black Label (Pata Negra). You can get this at a specialty shop, Mercat la Boqueria, tapas bars, or restaurants.

Iberian Ham is so famous that you will see the whole cured leg of a pig at the airport souvenir stores. I am not 100% sure how they will bring it on the plane or if they will ship it to your home, but it is hard to miss. This famous ham can be found at many restaurants and local markets. 

Spanish Omellete (Tortilla de Patatas)

Okay, this one confused me when I saw it on the menu. I thought Tortilla de Patatas was potatoes wrapped in a tortilla flatbread...

Tortilla de Patatas, aka Tortilla española or, as some spell it, Spanish Omelet, is a traditional Spanish dish made with potatoes, onions, and eggs. It is like a fat omelet with potatoes. You can also order tortillas de patatas in sandwiches. 

Fried Potatoes (Patatas Bravas)

The famous Patatas Bravas is fried potatoes topped with this delicious spicy brava sauce.

You can find this item on many tapas bar menus~ it is a must-try!

Spanish Garlic Shrimp (Gambas al Ajillo)

Do you like shrimp and garlic? If you do, then I don't have to explain anything further. Imagine a bowl of shrimp bathing in garlic-infused olive oil and use bread to dip into the oil. Typing about this is making me hungry! 

Catalan Cream (Crema Catalana)

An original dessert from the Catalonia area that will remind you of a crème brûlée, the main difference between the two is that crema catalana is made with milk, and crème brûlée is made with cream. This dessert is one of my favorite ways to end all my dinners in Spain!

Spanish Tomato Bread (Pa amb tomàquet)

Spanish Tomato Bread is a traditional Catalan food called Pa amb tomàquet or Pan con Tomate. It is a tasty snack to order at the tapas bar and a drink while hanging out with your friends.

Spanish tomato bread is exactly what it says and is surprisingly delicious with minimal ingredients. Some restaurants also serve it with ham, cheese, olives, tinned fish, or anchovies on top of the bread. This is one of the Catalan cuisine staples, so try it out at least once!

Spanish Potato Bombas

This is an original from La Barceloneta, a seaside neighborhood in Barcelona. It's a fried mashed potato in a ball filled with minced meat and topped with spicy brava sauce. You can find this delicious dish at most tapas bars.

Is Sangria-overrated?

Sangria is overrated, but I'm still a fan and drink at least one glass daily. Why not? The locals drink wine like vino tinto, cerveza, and Spanish vermouth, so if you want to feel more like a local and less like a tourist, try them. One of my new favorites is this refreshing summer drink, tinto de verano, usually made of 1 part red wine and 1 part soda served cold. Trust me, if you try this, then you will know why I love it so much!

My Personal Favorite Restaurants in Barcelona

These are some of the foods that Barcelona is known for and must-try foods, but there are way more than this list. Try whatever sounds good to you, and you will be surprised! Some of the best restaurants are just the local restaurants next to your hotel or a random restaurant you pass by while walking down the street. ☺︎