30 Must-Try Food of Barcelona and Where to Have Them

When it comes to cuisine, Barcelona is one of the richest and most diversified. With restaurants across the city serving traditional food items that date back centuries ago, you'll never run out of ideas. From mains to snacks and sweet to savory, the traditional dishes of Catalonia caters to the taste of people with all types of palates and dietary preferences. 

Here's a list of 30 dishes you must definitely try during your stay in Barcelona:

1. Esqueixada de Bacallà

Esqueixada de bacallà, popularly called Esqueixada is a quintessential Catalan dish. The name 'Esqueixada' is derived from the word ‘esqueixar,’ meaning 'to tear or shred'. The dish is an amalgamation of hand-shredded salt cod bits accompanied by ripe tomatoes, onions, hard-boiled eggs, and black olives tossed in olive oil, vinegar, and salt. 

Esqueixada is one of Barcelona's most popular dishes, and you'll have no trouble finding it on restaurant menus across the city. However, it is more in demand during warm weather and is often considered a summertime dish. With several layers of freshness, there's nothing more refreshing than an Esqueixada on a hot summer day. 

Typically served as a ‘tapa’ or starter, the salty flavors of the bacalao (dried cod fish) infused with vegetables and other ingredients make it a perfect dish to start your day. You'll find different versions of this classic dish all over Barcelona. Some restaurants stick to minimal ingredients, while others lend a unique taste to it by blending it with eggplant, bell peppers, etc.  

Whether you want to keep it authentic or try a modified version, have it your way and please your palate. 

Popular restaurants/ food joints: 
Taverna el Glop
Polleria Fontana 
La Bodega d’en Rafel in Sant Antoni
El Pebrot i el Petit Cargol
La Vinateria del Call
Cal Pep

2. Pa amb Tomàquet

Gear yourself up to see and be served lots of Pa amb tomàquet if you ever set foot in Barcelona. Also called Pan con tomate in Spanish, it is a staple Catalan dish but more than a recipe or culinary technique, the gesture of making a Pa amb tomàquet or rubbing tomato on a piece of bread is a sign of the Catalan identity and an integral part of their culture. 

Pa amb tomàquet is the simplest yet the ultimate tapa for Catalans. It’s served at breakfast, for lunch, or for dinner as a starter in Catalan households across the region. It's absolutely everywhere that you might even think someone is pulling your legs at some point. It's not an exaggeration to say that no other dish represents the Mediterranean diet better than Pa amb tomàquet.

For something so delicious, it’s simple to make. All it takes is lightly-grilled bread, fresh ripe tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, and salt to whip up the scrumptious tapa. It is usually taken as a snack on its own or as a tapa with any meal. If you want it as a side dish, try it with 

• Gazpacho
• Anchovies
• Omelets
• Ham
• Catalan chickpeas
• Sangria
• Sausages, etc., for a heavenly taste. And pair it with a glass of Fino for an absolutely satisfying finish. 

In some restaurants, the tapa is served ready-made. But in many other places, they provide customers with the ingredients to prepare the dish themselves. If you aren't in a hurry and get a chance to, go for the second option, as the first tends to be quite soggy by the time the platter reaches your table. 

That said, if you want the best of Pa amb tomàquet melting in your mouth, integrate the ingredients in the following order. First, rub the garlic on the bread. After that, do the same on the bread with the tomato. Next, season the bread with a pinch of salt and olive oil. So simple and yet so delicious. And once you try it, you’ll never think of bread with butter or jam ever again.  

Popular restaurants/ food joints:
Bar Pla in Barri Gòtic
Can Recasens in Poblenou
Paco

3. Paella

From London and Los Angeles to Singapore, Paella, one of Spain's signature dishes, is loved and served at restaurants across the globe. But Paella in Spain and Paella in a US-based bistro are not and cannot be the same - however close the taste is. 

No trip to Spain would be right without at least a taste of Paella, one of its quintessential dishes. Though it is originally Valencian, you can taste it in its most authentic way in Barcelona if you know where to look.

Paella is a rice dish prepared in a wide, shallow pan over an open fire. Traditionally, it consists of short or round-grain rice, green beans, rabbit meat, chicken sometimes, duck, and saffron cooked in olive oil and chicken broth. 

But nowadays, you will find a variation of the dish to choose from. Some restaurants season the dish with whole rosemary branches, while others add artichoke hearts and stem as ingredients. Paella de marisco (or seafood paella) substitutes meat with seafood and omits green vegetables. Another variation, Paella mixta (or mixed paella), combines livestock meat, seafood, and vegetables with traditional rice.

Whether you prefer the traditional or the modern version with a smoky twist ( with pork, shellfish, fish, eel, squid, or peppers) or wish to go vegan - you have all at your disposal in the city of Barcelona.  

Popular restaurants/ food joints:
Can Majó
La Donzella
Can Solé

4. Fideuà

Fideuà is essentially a modified version of paella. It is packed with all the rich flavors of paella and cooked on a shallow pan over an open fire. The only difference is that while paella consists of rice fideuà is made with short spaghetti-like pasta called 'fideos'. Its primary ingredients are pasta noodles, seafood, alioi (garlic mayonnaise), and a squeeze of lemon.

The pasta soaks up the delicious blend of rich fish stock and tomato-pepper sauce while on the pan. After which, it is crammed with fish and seafood. Though you can splurge on Fideuà any time of the year, it's usually preferred during the colder months. 

Popular restaurants/ food joints:
La Mar Salada

5. La Bombas

La Bombas are basically giant crispy potato croquettes. It is deep-fried balls of mashed potatoes with a spiced mixture of meat and vegetable fillings. La Bombas tastes best when served hot and topped with either aioli (garlic mayonnaise) or a spicier sauce. It is one of the most delicious appetizers and is served in tapas bars and bodegas all over Spain. "The bomba is to Barcelona tapas bars what a bagel is to New York delis.”

If you are in the city, head to one of the famous bars for a heavenly mouthful of crispy potato balls. And if you plan a trip to Barcelona sometime in the future, include this in your bucket list. 

Popular restaurants/ food joints: 
La Cova Fumada
Senyor Vermut

6. Mel i Mató 

Smooth and creamy with a slightly nutty-crunchy texture! What can be a better dessert choice than the delicious Mel i mató? And to think, it’s relatively healthy and more nutritious than most of the desserts out there. 

Mel i mató is a traditional Catalan dessert made from mató – cheese processed from sheep’s or goat’s milk without added salt. Mató’s soft texture resembles ricotta cheese though it is milder in taste than the latter. 

Basically, Mel i mató is cheese garnished with honey and sprinkled with a generous amount of nuts. Today restaurants across Barcelona also serve modified and modernized versions of the dessert. It surprisingly complements well with fresh figs, strawberries, flaked almonds, chocolate, and amaretti biscuit crumb toppings. 

In short, Mel i mató is flavor and nutrients on a platter. Indulge in it guilt-free for a stress-free weeknight dessert. 

Popular restaurants/ food joints:
Can Punyetes
Casa Lolea Barcelona
La Pubilla

7. Patatas Bravas 

'Fiercely textured, fiercely flavored, fiercely presented, and fiercely enjoyed fried potatoes'. That is how chef John Mitzewich describes Patatas Bravas. 

Patatas Bravas is typically a popular Spanish dish - fried potato wedges, crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. The potatoes are then drenched in a spicy and flavorful bravas sauce. Bravas sauce is prepared by adding tomato sauce, paprika, and cayenne to sautéed onions and garlic. 

It is one of the simplest, most appetizing, and budget-friendly tapas. Almost every tapas bar and restaurant in Barcelona has it on the menu. But not every one of them caters to the same palate. While most stick to the traditional dish with minimal ingredients, others include additional ingredients such as chorizo, aioli, or a fried egg. 

Have it with a glass of beer or wine to even out the spiciness of the dish. It is doubtlessly the perfect choice for a midday snack over a casual meet-up.

Popular restaurants/ food joints:
Pan & Oli
El 58

8. Tortilla de Patatas

Tortilla de Patatas, a.k.a. Tortilla Española or Spanish Omelette, is celebrated as the Spaniards' national dish. Looks wise it resembles a frittata. The Spanish Omelette is an egg and potato dish cooked in a skillet and usually served as a tapa. But you can have it as the main alongside a warm baguette and green salad. Have it cold or warm with a glass of red wine - you won't be disappointed. 

It is not the same as Mexican tortillas. While Mexican tortillas are flatbread with meat or beans fillings, Spain's Tortilla de Patatas is made from potatoes, onions, and eggs. It is celebrated not just for its taste but for its thickness as well. You can also add chorizo, peppers, and cheese, and whip up your version of Tortilla de Patatas.

Popular restaurants/ food joints:
El Xampanyet
Vinitus

9. Crema Catalana

Crema Catalana, Spain’s classic burnt custard, is one of Europe’s oldest recorded desserts and dates back to the 14th century. It is a custard made from egg yolks, milk, cream, sugar, and cornflour and flavored with lemon or orange zest, cinnamon, and vanilla for a unique flavor. 

Crema Catalana tastes best when served slightly chilled. With an irresistibly creamy texture and caramelized sugar topping, it is the best way to end a meal! On top of that, it is gluten-free and is perfect if you are celiac. 

Though much similar to the French Crème brûlée in texture and flavor, the two are different in taste and ingredients. 

Popular restaurants/ food joints:
Senyor Parellada

10. Churros

"Satisfyingly crunchy on the outside and wonderfully spongey on the inside". Though churros originated in Spain, it is now one of the most preferred street food worldwide. 

Churros are cinnamon and sugar-dusted fried pastry dough sticks. They can be thin (or even knotted) and crispy or thick and doughy. Some restaurants serve churros that are fried to perfection in olive oil with unique fillings and toppings.

This snack is usually taken at breakfast or as dessert. But when it comes to food, there's no set rule as to when to eat what. Have it when you crave it - at breakfast with a strong Argentine coffee or lunch, or wrap up your day on sugar-high warm churros. It goes smashingly well with chocolate caliente espeso dipping, champurrado, dulce de leche, caramel, or other sweet sauces.

If you are in Barcelona, you must make room for Comaxurros's churros, even if you had the world's most scrumptious meal. There you'll get finger-smackingly - delicious yet relatively healthy churros. Have a dozen, and you'll still ask for more. 

Popular restaurants/ food joints:
Comaxurros

11. Croquettes

Like churros, croquettes are deliciously crispy on the outside yet temptingly creamy on the inside. No wonder it's one of the most preferred comfort food in several countries. 

The word croquette is derived from the French word 'croquer' which translates to 'to crunch'!

Croquettes are balls/cylinders of mashed potatoes with ground meat, seafood, veggies, and cheese fillings. These balls are then coated with breadcrumbs and deep-fried until golden brown. Though usually served as a snack or appetizer, you can also have them as your main dish alongside other side dishes. Also, these are versatile, and you can customize the fillings and seasonings according to your preferences. 

You'll find croquettes on almost any Barcelonian bar and restaurant menu. In some eateries, you might even come across sweet croquettes with pastry cream and fruit fillings. 

Popular restaurants/ food joints:
7 Portes

12. Suquet de Peix

For seafood lovers, this is an absolute must! You'll find all sorts of seafood on your platter, monkfish, prawns, clams, mussels, shrimp, whitefish. You name it.

Suquet de Peix, or Catalan fish stew, originated in the coastal regions of Catalonia, Spain. The name comes from 'Suquet' or Catalan clay pot, which is where it is prepared. 

Though seafood is the primary ingredient, it is picada (the Catalan sauce), which makes the potato and tomato-based stew irresistibly delicious. The sauce is a mixture of roasted nuts, fried bread, garlic, and chili powder. Fresh parsley, paprika, and saffron and then sprinkled into the stew. 

The stew goes smashingly well with rice or crusty bread and a glass of white wine. A perfect dish for a chilly winter evening, we must say! Just taste it once, and you'll be immediately sold. 

Popular restaurants/ food joints:
Peix d'Or. Restaurant

13. Capipota

Capipota is another iconic Catalan dish you must not miss out on if you are visiting Barcelona during the colder months. You won't have trouble finding this dish in popular restaurants, food joints, and even guesthouses around the region. 

Also called "cap I pota" or "capirotada", the dish reflects the history and culture of Catalonia! As rustic as it sounds, Capipota is a stew prepared from various organs of a pig's head (cap), including the cheeks, snout, ears, and feet (pota). The ingredients might not cater to everyone's palate, but it is a favorite to many. 

The meat is boiled for several hours at low heat until it becomes tender and falls off the bone. After which, it is chopped into small bite-size chunks and mixed into a veggie broth (onions, leeks, carrots, garlic, bay leaves, and other herbs and spices).

The dish taste best when served sizzling hot alongside potatoes or crusty bread.

Popular restaurants/ food joints:
Santornemi

14. Canelons

Canelons or cannelloni is an iconic Catalan dish. Since it is relatively harder to prepare, it is not eaten often, despite its unmatched taste. Due to the work that goes into it, Barcelonians usually cook Canelons on special occasions. And you can even say it's a ritual for them to have it on Boxing Day, i.e., the day after Christmas, with the leftover meat from the previous day. 

Canelons are prepared by filling large pasta tubes with a mixture of ground meat, fish, vegetables, and sometimes foie gras or truffles. These filled tubes are then baked in creamy béchamel sauce and topped with grated cheese. Unlike the Italian cannelloni, the Catalan version uses roast meat fillings. Usually, canelons are a non-vegetarian food, but you can also find vegetarian and vegan versions with mushrooms, spinach, or lentil fillings. 

The best way to have canelons is alongside escalivada, pa amb tomàquet, and crema catalana.

Popular restaurants/ food joints:
Petit Comitè

15. Freginat

Freginat is a traditional Catalan dish typically consisting of thinly sliced boneless pork pieces, white beans, onions, lard, and spices.

While the pork pieces are sautéed in lard until crisp, chopped onions are sautéed in a different pan. After which, the white beans are added to the onions and sautéed, followed by the cooked meat. 

Barcelonians prefer Freginat as a weekend or even holiday food when the whole family gathers for a meal. It is more than a dish for many Barcelonians as they get ample time to catch up on each others' lives while preparing for this iconic dish together. 

16. Xuixo

The catalan xuixo (pronounced shoo-shoo) is a deep-fried pastry filled with crema catalana and sprinkled with crystallized sugar. 

It is typically enjoyed at breakfast, as a mid-morning snack, or as a dessert. Though the authentic version of xuixo consists of crema catalana fillings, some variations use chocolate or cream.

The name 'Xuixo' is unusual, but wait till you hear the backstory from where it got the name. Legend has it that the pastry is the consequence of an acrobat's sneeze. El Tarlà, a famous acrobat was caught in one of his amorous exploits with the daughter of a pastry chef after a sneeze gave them away. Tarlá then gifted the chef a special pastry recipe and named it after the sneeze that exposed them. 

Though the pastry originates from a sneeze, it is nonetheless one of the most delicious desserts and is found in almost any Barcelonian restaurant and cafe. 

Popular restaurants/ food joints:
Dolceria DE La Colmena
Bar Pinotxo
Mussol Casp

17. Ànec amb peres

Ànec amb Peres, meaning 'duck with pears', is a traditional Catalan dish - an ideal example of the region's sweet and savory food items! As pear is one of the primary ingredients, it is more common during fall and winter when the fruit is in season. 

Ànec amb Peres is an irresistible blend of tender duck meat and sweet pears. It is usually served as a main course with roasted vegetables and salad. Though not too common, you can find it in traditional Barcelonian eateries. 

Popular restaurants/ food joints:
Can Jeroni

18. Fricandó

Though Fricandó finds a place today on the menu of several Barcelonian restaurants, it is typically a dish meant for special occasions. 

It is a delicious Catalan beef stew slow-cooked in mushrooms, specifically moixernó or perretxico (St. George’s mushroom), tomatoes, onions, and red wine. For a nutty and creamy texture, a mixture of ground almonds and bread crumbs is added to the puree and garnished with chopped parsley and almonds. Other variations may include garlic, olives, or prunes. 

Rather than having it fresh and hot right out of the pan, Fricandó tastes best when reheated and eaten the next day. A must-try if you love beef! Have it with rice, potatoes, or noodles for a divine experience. 

Popular restaurants/ food joints:
Bar-Restaurante Muy Buenas

19. Xató

Xató (pronounced "sha-toh") is a refreshing Catalan salad perfect for a summer afternoon. 

A combination of nutritious ingredients, including escarole lettuce, endive leaves, codfish, anchovies, arbequina olives, tuna, etc., goes into a platter of the salad. For the dressing, xató sauce (a mixture of breadcrumbs, garlic, hazelnuts, toasted almonds, vinegar, olive oil, salt, and ñora pepper) is used.

Typically, natives prefer the xató salad as an appetizer before a meal consisting of grilled meat. But you can have it at any time of the day. 

Popular restaurants/ food joints:
Restaurante Portoles

20. Mona de Pasqua

Mona de Pasqua is a traditional Easter cake representing Catalan culture and tradition. The word 'mona' comes from the Arabic word 'Munna', meaning gift, as it is a tradition for grandparents to give the cake to their godchildren on Easter. 

If you are in Barcelona during Easter, expect to see hundreds of Mona de Pasqua on display in bakeries. Elderly and young children carrying boxes of cakes around is also a common sight. 

The authentic version consists of a sweet brioche dough stuffed with candied fruit and decorated with colorful hard-boiled eggs. The age of the godchild determines how many eggs go atop the dough. Besides the hard-boiled eggs, chocolate eggs and figurines of cartoon characters are also used to elevate the look and make the cake more lively. 

Nowadays, you'll find different versions of the cake with cream, chocolate, or jam fillings. These are less eggy and often decorated with a chocolate glaze, almonds, chocolate eggs, colorful feathers, and figurines of cartoon characters. 

21. Aarròs Negre

Yes, arròs negre is a black dish! But don't let that trick your mind into believing it to be less delicious than any other traditional Catalan dish. Though it might be visually unappetizing for some, arròs negre remains one of the most nutritious and exquisitely flavorful Catalan dishes. 

The distinctive black color comes from squid ink, an antioxidant that further enhances the taste of the seafood. It is one of the primary ingredients alongside white rice. Other ingredients include cuttlefish, shrimp, mussels, fish stock, onions, garlic, tomato, cubanelle peppers, sweet paprika, and olive oil. 

Aarròs negre, also called arroz negro is cooked on a shallow and flat wide pan, just like they do paella. 

Usually, the dish is served with allioli (garlic mayonnaise), crunchy baguette, and a glass of wine. Though it is enjoyed throughout the year, it is more common during the summer months when seafood is found in abundance. 

Popular restaurants/ food joints:
Cera 23
Arume Restaurant
El Llagut

22. Conejo con Chocolate

Conejo con chocolate roughly translates to 'Rabbit in chocolate sauce'! Yes! It's an exotic dish of the Catalans and not a fairy tale!

The dish is a divine amalgamation of rabbit meat, chicken stock, dark chocolate, onions, carrots, garlic, flour, orange zest, olive oil, red wine (rancio), thyme, bay leaves, rosemary, cinnamon, and peppercorn.

The coming together of the rich flavorful, tender meat and the sweet chocolate sauce is beyond words. Have it with rice, potatoes, noodles, bread, or salad, and wash it down your throat with a glass of red wine for an unforgettable experience. 

Popular restaurants/ food joints:
Restaurant Can Rubiales

23. Coca de Recapte

During your stay in and around Barcelona, you'll see Coca de recapte in almost every bakery, pastry shop, cafe, and restaurant because it's a staple for the Catalans. One reason that explains its wide availability is that the ingredients that go into the making of coca de recapte are usually leftovers that might otherwise go to waste. In fact, that is how this food item came into being - to make the best use of leftovers. 

But is it any less yummy than the other Catalan dishes? Don't be so quick to judge. Have a bite, and you'll know the other reason why it found a place in almost every Catalan food joint. 

It consists of a pizza-like thin bread-dough base topped with eggplants, escalivada (or roasted bell peppers), tomatoes, anchovies, olives, and onions. Sometimes, sardines are also added for a richer flavor.

You can have it as an appetizer, alongside a main dish, or as a snack on its own just like the natives do. Since Coca de recapte tastes best when served cold, it is the most preferred picnic snack in the region. It is also the go-to snack for hikers and adventurers alike. A must-try if you are a fan of flatbread and pizza!

Popular restaurants/ food joints:
L'antic Bocoi del Gòtic

24. Cargols a la Ilauna

Cargols a la llauna, another Spanish delicacy from Catalonia, is a dish of land snails grilled on a llauna or tin plate and mixed in a tomato, garlic, and mayonnaise sauce.

Different areas of the region have their own unique variations. So, you'll come across numerous recipes for the dish across Barcelona. While some add butifarra (Catalan sausage), you'll find bacon inside Cargols a la llauna in other restaurants.

Popular restaurants/ food joints:
Restaurante Can Cargol

25. Gazpacho

Though Gazpacho originates from the Andalusian region of Southern Spain, the quintessential summer soup is enjoyed across the country, and Barcelona is no exception. Even a neighborhood grocery store in the city has no less than seven different types of bottled gazpacho. It's everywhere across the country, literally! You'll find them in restaurants and even bars, served in shot glasses as a non-alcoholic apéritif. 

It is prepared from fresh ripe tomatoes, cucumbers, red onion, garlic, and other seasonal vegetables. The key here is to add the freshest veggies, bursting with flavor for a refreshing taste. Modern variations of the dish include avocados, watermelon, strawberry, grapes, meat stock, seafood, parsley, and others instead of tomatoes. But really, nothing beats the authentic Andalusian gazpacho. Just to let you know, it can be hard to find the original version when tomatoes are out of season.

To bring out the dish's best, have it with cheesy jalapeno pull bread or tortilla chips. Gazpacho is everyone's favorite during the warm summer months because there's nothing better than a refreshing cold dish to beat the summer heat. 

Popular restaurants/ food joints:
Paco MeralgoLa Pepita

26. Botifarra

Botifarra is a traditional Catalan sausage that dates back to the Roman Empire. You'll find numerous versions of this sausage, depending on the ingredients and spices included. These are some of the most delicious and popular types you can try while in Barcelona:

• Botifarra blanca - Made from ground pork and spices, including black pepper, garlic, and thyme. 
• Botifarra negra - Ingredients include pork blood, rice, and spices, as mentioned earlier. 
• Botifarra d'ou - Consisting of pork, eggs, and spices. 

Yet, there are newer botifarra recipes made with tripe, truffles, and boiled rice. Usually, the sausage is grilled, fried, baked, and served with bread, tomato sauce, roasted potatoes, and other vegetables. It is loved by locals and tourists alike. If you ever get a chance to try any or all of these while in the city, do not hesitate because it's a taste you'll cherish. 

Popular restaurants/ food joints:
Cal Boter

27. Rostir de Festa Major

Rostir de Festa Major is a hearty Catalan dish, ideal for holidays and festivities. 

Essentially Rostir de Festa Major is a platter of roasted chicken, rabbit, pork, lamb, etc. Usually, the meat is marinated in olive oil, garlic, lard, bay leaves, cinnamon, pepper, and salt overnight or for at least a few hours. After which, it is generously splattered with cognac and roasted until tender and oozing with a juicy flavor. 

Roasted potatoes, grilled vegetables, fresh salad, and salsa romesco (almonds, roasted red peppers, garlic, and olive oil) goes incredibly well with this dish.

28. Arròs a la cassola

As the name suggests, the traditional Catalan dish Arròs a la cassola is cooked in a casserole or clay pot. Also called arròs del tros, arròs de pagès and casseroled rice, arròs a la cassola resembles the paella. But its texture is much softer than that of paella.

The primary ingredients of the dish include a variety of meat and veggies like pork, chicken, rabbit, tomatoes, onions, and peppers. All these are sautéed in olive oil, garlic, and paprika. Then the rice is added and cooked in the broth/ juices from the meat and vegetables.

The dish is comfort food and is especially enjoyed with family, and friends in a large group during the colder months. 

If you are visiting Barcelona during the autumn season, you're more likely to find wild mushrooms and fish in your arròs a la cassola.

Popular restaurants/ food joints:
La Cassola

29. Empedrat

Empedrat, another Catalan salad, is one of the most sought-after food items when the temperature rises. The dish is set aside and chilled for several hours before serving, giving ample time for the flavors to blend perfectly.

Varieties of vegetables and legumes go into assembling a platter of empedrat. Some of these include cod, hard-boiled eggs, tomatoes, white beans, onions, black olives, and green peppers. The salad is dressed with olive oil, garlic, and red wine vinegar, adding a distinctive flavor to the taste.

Empedrat is not just about the taste but is rich in fiber, protein, and other nutrients. If you are a wellness freak looking up for healthy Catalan cuisine, this is definitely your go-to dish. 

Popular restaurants/ food joints:
Terra d'Escudella

30. Trinxat

Delicious beyond words and temptingly pretty too! That is what Trinxat (to slice or chop) is. It is a traditional Catalan pancake consisting of mashed potatoes, cabbage, and meat. Other variations include ingredients like garlic, onion, and cheese. 

It can be eaten on its own, with bread or salt herring. During the colder months when cabbage is in season, the dish is usually enjoyed as a main dish. For the taste of the authentic, garnish it with finely chopped parsley. 

Popular restaurants/ food joints:
Bodega La Puntual

There's no end to what you can do in Barcelona. From historical architecture to modernist landmarks, there's always something to enchant you. The diversified cuisine of the region is no less mesmerizing than the beauty of the land. While in or around it, immerse yourself in the history and culture of the land. Also, make it a point to taste as many traditional Catalan dishes in the streets of Barcelona as you can.