Last Updated on November 17, 2025 by Emma Fajcz | Published: November 26, 2017
Looking to stock the perfect Spanish kitchen? Whether you’re in Barcelona or not, there’s nothing better than a kitchen full of traditional Spanish ingredients!
Must-Have Spanish Spices
Spanish food is by no means spicy! However, there are still some absolute must-have Spanish spices. Furthermore, these are used in a variety of traditional Spanish recipes and dishes that you can find in Barcelona.
- Salt: the paramount of Spanish cuisine.
- Pimentón (paprika): the most widely-used Spanish spice.
- Azafrán (saffron): make sure to get the real stuff!
- Guindilla (cayenne pepper): for the occasional touch of heat, as seen in the delicious tapa gambas al ajillo.
Read more about traditional Spanish spices here on our lovely co-founder Lauren Aloise’s blog!
Other Traditional Spanish Ingredients
As far as traditional Spanish ingredients go, there are a few staples that you also can’t miss.
- Garlic: and lots of it!
- Extra virgin olive oil: for everything
- Parsley: to sprinkle over fish, stews and more
- Bay leaves: to add extra flavor to your sauces, soups and stews!
Utensils in Every Spanish Kitchen
If you’re trying to recreate a Barcelona kitchen at home, there are certain utensils that no Spanish kitchen could stand without.
- Mortar and pestle: used in traditional recipes to grind up different herbs and spices.
- Immersion blender: the blender that will change your life. Perfect for making delicious dishes like gazpacho!
- Terracotta ramekins: or ceramic ramekins/pots.
- Ham stand and carving knife: if you’re really serious about your Spanish kitchen, you’ll have a leg of ham. You’ll also have the necessary equipment to slowly devour it!
- Paella: the pan from which the dish gets its name!
- Wine bottle opener: because good Spanish food needs good Spanish wine!
