International travel allows people to gain a new appreciation for other cultures of the world, and a big part of any culture is the cuisine. Experiencing culture is a unique and delicious way to celebrate life's big moments through travel!
The food of a region reflects their history, their geographical location, and the resources they have available to them. Barcelona is a city on the northeastern coast of Spain on the Balearic Sea. The food fare that travelers will find there is reflective of the colorful history of Barcelona and its' centralized location (in relation to northern Africa and all of the Mediterranean).
Here are some of the great foods (and a couple of drinks) that all travelers (and foodies) need to indulge in.
Beverages
Let's kick this list off with a couple of great drinks that anyone traveling to Barcelona will want to try.
Sangria - Everyone knows that you have to try a great glass of Sangria. It is a great refreshment on a hot day. The key 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 is usually a drink of the sweeter type, but there is a variation. Brut cava is a drier cava, 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 a thicker cut than prosciutto, which is less delicate and a little meatier.
Chorizo - Chorizo is a spicy sausage eaten in many ways, including sliced up like salami or used as an ingredient in many dishes.
Cheese
Manchego - Manchego is sheep's milk cheese that pairs wonderfully with Iberico ham. It has a salty, earthy flavor, 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 - Gazpacho is a chilled tomato soup that is incredibly satisfying on a hot Spanish summer day. It sometimes comes served with Pa amb tomàquet or with sides of croutons, red peppers, and onion. No matter how it is served, it's delicious.
Bocadillos - Bocadillos is the Spanish version of a sandwich. They are made on baguettes that are soft and crusty all at the same time. You can choose the meat you want on it, and then they are topped with multiple sauces and toppings that can include lentils, lettuce, corn, or cucumbers.
Seafood - Barcelona is located on the Balearic Sea and just a stone's throw from the Mediterranean, making Barcelona a central place for fantastic seafood. One of the great dishes to try is the calamari and squid, which you can get fried or grilled.
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 they are generally served with one aioli on top and another on the bottom.
Spanish Omelet - Spanish Omelet is not the breakfast omelet that is probably coming to your mind right now. This omelet is eaten all day and can come in an individual size or larger and served in slices. It is filled with chunks of potatoes and onions and served with some type of aioli.
Pa Amb Tomaquet - Pa Amb Tomaquet is a bread that is served with many dishes in Barcelona. It is so popular that many servers will ask you if you want it if you don't order it. It is a slice of bread topped with a rub of olive oil and tomato and a dash of salt. Everyone puts their twist on the dish like some will toast the bread, and others will serve it with more chunks of tomato.
Croquettas – Croquettas 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 great for eating all day long.
You need to be aware that there will be different serving size options. A pintxos serving is a portion that is like a two-bite snack, perfect for on the go. A tapas menu will be a bigger serving size that is meant for sharing amongst a couple of people.
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