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Introduction to Tapas

Tapas are small plates or appetizers that are a quintessential part of Spanish cuisine and culture. The word “tapas” means “lid” or “cover” in Spanish, and it is believed that tapas originated in Andalusian taverns several centuries ago. Patrons would be served a small snack or portion of food to place on top of their drink as a lid or cover. This was meant to keep flies out of the drink, while also soaking up some alcohol.

Over time, tapas evolved into a social and cultural tradition across Spain. Going out for tapas became a popular pastime, allowing friends to leisurely sample a variety of small plates over hours of conversation. Tapas can range from a simple dish like olives or ham to more elaborate seafood, meat, cheese or regional specialties. They are typically served in small portions meant for sharing.

Nowadays, tapas are an iconic part of Spanish identity and cuisine. Tapas culture encourages conviviality, discovery of new flavors, and exploration of different ingredients and cooking techniques. Part of the enjoyment is hopping between different tapas bars to experience their unique offerings and ambience. In cities like Madrid and Barcelona, entire neighborhoods are dedicated to tapas hopping, known as “tapeo.” Let’s take a look at what tapas to order in Barcelona.

Most Popular Tapas in Barcelona

Tapas are a beloved culinary tradition in Barcelona and all of Spain. Some of the most classic and iconic tapas to try in Barcelona include:

Patatas Bravas

• Fried potatoes served with a spicy tomato sauce or aioli. Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, patatas bravas pack a flavorful punch. They are a staple at nearly every tapas bar in Barcelona.

Pan Con Tomate

• Bread rubbed with garlic and tomato, then drizzled with olive oil. The bread soaks up the tomato juices to create a simple but tasty snack. Pan con tomate is the perfect accompaniment to jamon and cheese.

Croquetas

• Béchamel and meat filled croquettes, breaded and deep fried. Some popular variations are jamón croquetas (ham), pollo croquetas (chicken), and bacalao croquetas (cod). Their crispy exterior and creamy interior make them an addictive tapa.

Jamón Ibérico

• Thinly sliced Iberian ham, from acorn-fed Iberian pigs, is the crown jewel of Spanish charcuterie. Good jamón ibérico has deep red color and marbled fat that melts in your mouth. It’s served simply over bread or on its own.

Tortilla Española

• The iconic Spanish omelet made with eggs, potato, and onion. It’s served in wedge shapes and makes for a hearty, filling tapa. Tortilla espanola is found on most tapas menus. When thinking about what tapas to order in Barcelona, make sure this is on your list.

Seafood Tapas

Seafood tapas are some of the most iconic and delicious tapas found in Barcelona. Here are 5 must-try seafood tapas:

Anchoas (Anchovies)

Anchovies marinated in vinegar, olive oil, and garlic are a classic tapa. The combination of salty, tangy, and umami flavors makes these small fish irresistible, especially when paired with bread. Look for boquerones, a white anchovy marinated in vinegar.

Boquerones (White Anchovies)

Related to anchovies, these white anchovies are marinated in vinegar, giving them a tangy flavor. They are milder than regular anchovies and served as fillets in olive oil. Boquerones pair perfectly with bread or patatas bravas.

Gambas al Ajillo (Garlic Shrimp)

This popular tapa features shrimp sautéed in olive oil and garlic. The shrimp soak up the flavors of the sizzling garlic oil and are served warm and juicy. The simplicity of the dish highlights the sweet brininess of fresh shrimp.

Mejillones (Mussels)

Steamed mussels served in a tomato, garlic and white wine broth are a delicious tapa. The mussels soak up the savory flavors of the broth, which is perfect for dipping bread. Get them as mejillones a la marinera.

Calamares (Squid)

Tender squid rings dusted in flour and fried until golden brown are a staple tapa. They are crisp on the outside and tender inside with a mild, sweet flavor. Served with lemon and aioli, they are addictively good.

The Spanish do seafood really well, so make sure to add this to your list when thinking about what tapas to order in Barcelona.

Meat Tapas

Meat tapas are a quintessential part of Spanish cuisine and culture. In Barcelona, you’ll find a wide variety of meat-based tapas that are flavorful, filling, and delicious. Some of the most popular meat tapas to try include:

Jamon Iberico

Jamon Iberico is a cured ham made from acorn-fed Iberian pigs. It’s considered Spain’s national treasure and a luxurious delicacy. In Barcelona, Jamon Iberico is served in thin slices on crusty bread. The ham has a rich, nutty flavor and smooth, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Be sure to order it at least once during your visit. You can’t miss this dish when making your list of what tapas to order in Barcelona.

Albóndigas

Albóndigas are classic Spanish meatballs made from beef, pork, or a mix of both. They are simmered in a tomato sauce and often contain spices like paprika, oregano, and garlic. The meatballs are tender and juicy, soaked in the flavorful sauce. Albóndigas make for a hearty, comforting tapa.

Pincho Moruno

Pincho moruno consists of marinated pork tenderloin chunks, skewered and grilled. The pork is coated in a blend of olive oil, spices like cumin and paprika, garlic, and often oregano or thyme. It’s then grilled so the outside gets caramelized while the inside stays juicy. Pincho moruno is simple but packed with flavor.

Chorizo

Chorizo needs no introduction. It’s Spain’s beloved pork sausage, made with paprika which gives it its characteristic red hue. In Barcelona, chorizo is served sautéed in olive oil, sometimes with bread for dipping. It can also be found in tapas like patatas bravas. The spicy, garlicky chorizo packs a flavor punch.

Be sure to sample all the iconic meat tapas when visiting Barcelona. They are satisfying and highlight Spain’s incredible cured meats and sausages.

Vegetable Tapas

Vegetable tapas are a great option for vegetarians or those looking for lighter fare. Some of the most popular vegetable tapas in Barcelona include:

Escalivada

Escalivada features grilled vegetables like eggplants, peppers, onions, and tomatoes. The vegetables are grilled over an open fire or barbecue which gives them a delicious smoky flavor. Once cooked, they are peeled and served at room temperature with olive oil, salt, garlic, and sometimes anchovies. The mix of textures and flavors makes escalivada a tapas favorite.

Pimientos de Padron

Padron peppers are small green peppers that are fried in olive oil and sprinkled with salt. Most padron peppers are mild, but occasionally you may get one that packs a spicy punch! It’s like a game of pepper roulette. Padron peppers are served by the plateful in bars across Barcelona. You can’t miss this dish when making your list of what tapas to order in Barcelona.

Espana con Romesco

This dish features slices of grilled eggplant, zucchini, and peppers served with romesco sauce. Romesco is a thick sauce made from roasted tomatoes, garlic, almonds, olive oil, and spices. It’s tangy, nutty, and the perfect complement to grilled veggies. The smoky grilled vegetables paired with rich romesco sauce is a delicious combination.

Tortilla de Verduras

A Spanish omelet or tortilla makes for great tapas. Tortilla de verduras is an omelet filled with potatoes and whatever vegetables are on hand like spinach, onions, mushrooms or peppers. The egg and vegetable mixture is cooked in olive oil until the tortilla firms up but remains tender inside. Tortilla wedges are served warm or at room temperature.

Vegetable tapas make the most of fresh Mediterranean produce. They’re flavorful, healthy options perfect for tapas grazing. Be sure to try some of these tasty veggie tapas on your next visit to Barcelona!

Cheese Tapas

Cheese is an integral part of Spanish tapas culture. Some of the most popular cheese tapas in Barcelona include:

Queso Manchego

Queso manchego is a sheep’s milk cheese from the La Mancha region of Spain. It has a firm texture and a nutty, tangy flavor. Queso manchego is aged between 60 days and 2 years, with the longer aged versions having a sharper taste. This iconic Spanish cheese is often served as a tapa with quince paste or paired with cured meats like jamón ibérico. The cheese is also used in dishes like the tortilla española. This is one of the best cheeses to add to your list of what tapas to order in Barcelona.

Torta del Casar

Torta del casar is a soft cheese made from sheep’s milk that hails from Extremadura. It has a creamy texture and a rich, tangy flavor. Torta del casar is served by cutting off the top rind and scooping out the soft cheese inside. It is often drizzled with honey or olive oil and eaten with bread or crackers as a tapa. This decadent cheese spreads easily, making it perfect for tapas.

Queso de Cabra

Queso de cabra means goat’s milk cheese in Spanish. Some popular varieties found in Barcelona include Garrotxa from Catalonia and Majorero from the Canary Islands. These cheeses have a firm, compact texture and a distinct tart and grassy flavor. Queso de cabra is delicious served with honey and paired with fruity red wines. It also works well in salads or grilled and served in tapas like goat cheese croquettes. The strong taste of goat cheese makes it a flavorful addition to any tapas spread.

Cheese makes for an irresistible tapa in Barcelona. From the iconic manchego to the decadent torta del casar, cheese tapas highlight Spain’s incredible dairy traditions. Pairing cheese with cured meats, bread, honey, or wine creates mouthwatering combinations perfect for tapas.

Egg Tapas

Eggs are a staple ingredient in Spanish cuisine and feature prominently in tapas. Some of the most popular egg tapas in Barcelona include:

Tortilla Española

This classic Spanish omelette is made with eggs, potatoes, and onion. It’s cooked slowly so the egg mixture is creamy and soft on the inside. Slices of tortilla espanola are served room temperature and often accompanied by aioli or tomato sauce for dipping. It’s a filling tapa that can be found in most bars in Barcelona. You can’t miss this dish when making your list of what tapas to order in Barcelona.

Huevos Rotos

Meaning “broken eggs,” huevos rotos starts with fried potatoes and then the egg yolk is broken over top and lightly fried. It’s topped with Serrano ham, chorizo, or other meats. The runny egg yolk acts as a sauce over the crispy potatoes. It’s a simple but tasty tapa.

Revuelto de Setas

This scrambled egg dish is cooked with wild mushrooms like chanterelles and oyster mushrooms. Sometimes parsley is added. The egg and mushrooms come together into a creamy, earthy tapa that goes well with a glass of Spanish wine. It’s a vegetarian tapa option found on many tapas bar menus.

Best Tapas Bars in Barcelona

Barcelona is known for its incredible tapas bars that allow you to sample a variety of small Spanish dishes paired perfectly with drinks like wine, beer, or vermouth. Here are some of the best tapas bars to visit in Barcelona:

Quimet & Quimet

Located in the Poble-Sec neighborhood, Quimet & Quimet is a charming and popular tapas bar that has been around since 1914. It’s quite tiny with standing room only, but it’s worth squeezing in for their incredible montaditos (small sandwiches) and tapas. Some highlights on the menu are the canned seafood montaditos, cod croquettes, Manchego cheese with honey, and foie gras.

Bar Pinotxo

This famous tapas bar is located inside Barcelona’s bustling La Boqueria food market. Bar Pinotxo only has counter seating, so be prepared to rub elbows with both locals and tourists trying dishes like the egg and potato omelette, sautéed shrimp, roasted mushrooms with garlic, and fresh juices. It’s a great spot to sample high-quality market ingredients turned into delicious tapas.

Taperia Tasca

For a more modern take on tapas, visit Taperia Tasca in the Eixample neighborhood. The interior has an industrial-chic vibe and the menu offers innovative and seasonal tapas. Try the burrata with tomatoes, Iberian ham croquettes, grilled octopus, patatas bravas (fried potatoes with spicy sauce), and be sure to order a vermouth drink.

El Xampanyet

Located in the Born neighborhood, El Xampanyet is famous for its cava (Spanish sparkling wine), so be sure to order a glass. Pair it with tapas like the anchovies, ham, cheese, and spicy sausage montadito sandwiches. Other popular small plates are the fried artichokes, mussels, and patatas bravas.

Cal Pep

For delicious seafood tapas, head to the famous Cal Pep near Barcelona’s port and Gothic Quarter. Highlights include the fried baby squid, grilled shrimp, the “fish of the day” tapa, smoked salmon montaditos, and creamy sea urchin. Be sure to make a reservation since it’s a very popular spot with locals and visitors alike.

The variety of tapas available in Barcelona is incredible. Visit any of these top spots to indulge in these small Spanish plates accompanied by drinks like cava, vermouth, wine, or beer for a quintessential Barcelona experience.

Tapas Etiquette and Customs

Tapas are meant to be shared, so when dining in a tapas bar in Barcelona, be prepared for a communal experience. The small plates allow you to sample a variety of dishes and flavors. Here are some tips for tapas etiquette in Barcelona:

• Focus on sharing. Only order 2-3 tapas at a time. Once you finish those, you can order more. This allows you to try many different dishes.
• Stand at the bar counter if space is limited. Bars are where locals socialize while enjoying tapas and drinks. Grab a spot at the bar to fully immerse yourself in the culture.
• Try new foods. Part of the fun is experimenting with unique tapas creations. Don’t be afraid to try seafood, offal, or other local specialties.
• Keep your voice down. Tapas bars can get loud, but avoid shouting. Speak at a reasonable volume to those around you.
• Pay before you leave. It’s custom to settle up before you leave, especially if standing at the bar counter.
• Leave a small tip. If you received good service, leave a few small euro coins behind as a tip.
• Relax and take your time. Tapas culture is laid back. Spend a few hours hopping between venues and trying different tapas. There’s no need to rush.

Following local customs shows respect for Barcelona’s tapas culture and will lead to a better experience. So grab a glass of cava, relax with friendly locals, and enjoy the delicious flavors of Spain.

Conclusion

Tapas are a quintessential part of the dining experience in Barcelona. From seafood favorites like gambas al ajillo (shrimp in garlic sauce) and boquerones (marinated anchovies) to classic Spanish tortilla and croquetas, the possibilities for tasty small plates are endless. Some of the best tapas bars to visit in Barcelona include Bodega 1900, Quimet & Quimet, and El Xampanyet.

When enjoying tapas in Barcelona, don’t be afraid to sample new and unique items from the menu. Part of the fun is discovering new flavors and foods. It’s customary in Spain to order many different small plates to share with your group. Try to avoid just ordering one dish – tapas are meant for sharing! Don’t forget to accompany your tapas with a refreshing glass of sangria or local wine.

Overall, tapas are an integral part of experiencing Barcelona’s legendary food scene. By sampling a variety of these tasty shareable plates and embracing the local customs, you’re sure to have an unforgettable culinary experience.

FAQ’s

What is the best street in Barcelona for tapas?

Barcelona boasts many streets and neighborhoods with fantastic tapas bars, each offering its own unique atmosphere and specialties. One of the most popular streets for tapas in Barcelona is Carrer de Blai in the Poble-sec neighborhood. This vibrant street is lined with numerous pintxos bars offering a wide variety of small bites at affordable prices, making it a favorite among locals and visitors alike.

What time is best for tapas in Barcelona?

Like in other parts of Spain, the timing for enjoying tapas in Barcelona can vary depending on personal preference and local customs. However, in Barcelona, it’s common to enjoy tapas as a pre-dinner snack, typically between 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. Some tapas bars may also offer lunchtime specials, making it possible to enjoy tapas earlier in the day. Additionally, many bars and restaurants in Barcelona stay open late into the evening, making it possible to enjoy tapas as a late-night snack as well.

What are traditional tapas in Barcelona?

Traditional tapas in Barcelona reflect Catalan flavors and regional specialties. Some of the must-try traditional tapas include:

• Pa amb Tomàquet: A Catalan classic, it’s simple toasted bread rubbed with ripe tomato, drizzled with olive oil, and sprinkled with salt. In Barcelona, you can’t miss this dish when making your list of what tapas to order in Barcelona.
• Patatas Bravas: Crispy fried potatoes served with a spicy brava sauce and a dollop of aioli.
• Bomba: A large potato croquette, filled with meat and served with a spicy sauce, originating in the Barceloneta neighborhood.
• Calçots: In season during winter and early spring, these are long, tender green onions typically grilled and served with romesco sauce.
• Escalivada: A dish of roasted vegetables like eggplant, red peppers, and onions, often served with anchovies or as a side dish.
• Anchoas: Fresh or marinated anchovies, often served in oil with garlic or on top of simple toasts.

What to order for tapas in Spain?

Across Spain, there are classic tapas you must try to get a full experience:

• Tortilla Española: A thick Spanish omelet with eggs and potatoes, sometimes with onions.
• Gambas al Ajillo: Shrimp sautéed in olive oil with garlic and a hint of chili.
• Chorizo a la Sidra: Spicy chorizo sausage cooked in cider. In Barcelona, you can’t miss this to accompany your list of what tapas to order in Barcelona.
• Albondigas: Small, flavorful Spanish meatballs in a tomato-based sauce.
• Jamón Ibérico: Thin slices of the famous cured Iberian ham.
• Pimientos de Padrón: Small green peppers sautéed with sea salt, some of which can be spicy.

What is the best street in Barcelona for tapas?

• Carrer de Blai in the Poble Sec neighborhood is widely regarded as a great street for tapas. It’s known for its pinchos (small bites on a piece of bread, secured with a toothpick) and offers a range of tapas bars where you can sample a wide variety of dishes at reasonable prices. It’s ideal for hopping from bar to bar and experiencing diverse flavors.

Which tapas should I make sure I try?

If you’re new to tapas or visiting Spain for a short time, you should definitely try:

• Pimientos de Padrón: A classic with a little element of surprise due to the occasional spicy pepper.
• Croquetas: Creamy croquettes, usually made with ham, cheese, or fish.
• Tortilla Española: A hearty, comforting dish with a signature Spanish twist.
• Pulpo a la Gallega: Galician-style octopus served with paprika and olive oil over sliced potatoes. This is a very popular tapa, make sure to add it to your list of what tapas to order in Barcelona.
• Boquerones en Vinagre: White anchovies marinated in vinegar and served with garlic and parsley.
• Pan con Jamón Ibérico: Bread with thin slices of the famous cured ham, often topped with grated tomato.

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