Dive Into a Dish That Defines a Culture! A Guide to Tapas in Barcelona

When traveling to Spain, experiencing local cuisine is a must in your focus of getting a feel for this destination, so that was how I spent my evening last night, and it inspires today’s article…

Dive Into a Dish That Defines a Culture! A Guide to Tapas in Barcelona

Tapas is a communal meal popular in Spain, based around small plates. Typically, several plates are ordered and shared between friends or family. Eating tapas is a different way of dining, and it’s an experience that must be given a go by travelers to Barcelona and elsewhere in Spain. In the Catalan capital, regional flavors are combined with broader Spanish cuisine, offering a mouthwatering array of dishes to try.

A History of Tapas

The exact origins of tapas are unknown, suffice to say that it has been around for centuries. A popular urban legend is that tapas began as simple slices of ham or bread, used to cover drinks glasses in order to prevent flies from spoiling a customer’s drink. Tapas got much more sophisticated as it developed, evolving into a range of dishes and spreading to large cities like Madrid, Seville and Barcelona. In each city, it took a regional turn. For example, seafood is much more prominent in Barcelona tapas, than it is in landlocked Madrid.

Tapas Culture

Tapas are so important in Barcelona that it has taken on a cultural identity – it is so much more than a meal. Locals are known to spend hours hopping from tapas bar to tapas bar, eating a few bits here and there and socializing with their friends and family. The sheer number of tapas bars in the city make it one of the best places in Spain to experience tapas for the first time.

The Best Neighborhoods for Tapas in Barcelona

Different parts of Barcelona offer a different tapas experience for travelers. For those seeking an authentic experience, follow the locals to Poble Sec. The area’s main street, Calle Blai, is renowned for its tapas bars and for its pintxos – bite size tapas dishes skewered on cocktail sticks.

The Barri Gotic Gothic Quarter is home to some of the oldest tapas bars in the city, tucked away amongst its narrow streets. While those seeking a more modern side to Barcelona should explore El Born, known for its experimental tapas bars, where the boundaries of innovation are pushed. And finally, if enjoying a spot of tapas in El Raval, it is customary to enjoy it alongside a “vermut”. Also known as Vermouth, this fortified wine is extremely popular across Catalonia, but particularly in El Raval!

Must-Try Tapas Dishes

There is an almost endless array of tapas dishes offered in Barcelona. There are some classic dishes, however, that simply must be tasted for any newcomers to tapas.

Patatas Bravas

Patatas Bravas are perhaps the single most well-known tapas dish in Barcelona and beyond. Chopped potatoes are fried until the skin is crispy and served with a spicy tomato sauce and aioli. Any tapas bar worth its menu in Barcelona will offer Patatas Bravas, but Bar El Tomas de Sarria in the Sarria neighborhood is particularly well-known.

Gambas al Ajillo

A popular Catalan tapas dish that makes the most of the bountiful resources of the sea, Gambas al Ajillo consists of prawns cooked in garlic-infused olive oil. It sounds simple, but when done properly, it’s an assault on the senses. La Cova Fumada opened its doors in 1944, and so has had plenty of time to master its Gambas al Ajillo.

Jamon Iberico

Any traveler to Spain is sure to come across the country’s renowned cured ham, and this popular meat has also made it onto tapas menus across Barcelona. Often served with melon, different tapas bars will offer different qualities of jamon, from the more affordable jamon serrano to the jamon Iberico, an expensive, acorn-fed cut.

Croquetas

A Spanish twist on the French classic, Croquetas are deep friend bites with a variety of delicious fillings. From ham to seafood, mushroom, cheese and spinach, croquetas are renowned for being crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside. The humble Medusa 73 market stall at the Ninot Market specializes in seafood croquetas, filling them with hake, shrimp, and even cuttlefish in its own ink.

Top Tips for Tapas

Ordering tapas can be daunting, as it’s different to ordering one dish from a traditional menu. Typically, each dish will have an individual price, and as a general guide, three dishes per person is recommended. The best way to do it is to order several dishes for the table, tuck in, and split the bill!

The Spanish tend to eat late, with dinner typically lasting from 9pm – 11pm, or even later depending on how much wine and sangria is involved! US travelers may wish to head out earlier, with restaurants typically quieter until later in the evening. But for a busier and more jovial atmosphere, have a late lunch and head out with the locals.