Winter is the time for cozy comfort foods that warm both the body and the soul. Each city has its own special dishes, and Catalonia is no exception. Let’s explore our favorite comfort food dishes in Barcelona for when the weather turns cold—perfect companions for chilly days.

Our favorite comfort food dishes in Barcelona

Escudella i Carn d’Olla

Barcelona’s version of winter stew is an absolute must-try during the cold months of the year.

The first documented soup in Europe, original recipes date back to the 14th century. It was something the citizens of Catalonia ate every day.

Expect to find it served in two courses: the first, the broth with noodles or rice, and second, a selection of meats and vegetables that made the broth, including an enormous meatball pilota.

• Where to try Escudella i Carn d’Olla in Barcelona: Terra d’Escudella

Lentejas

Lentejas, or lentil soup, is one of the most typical comfort foods of Spain. Hearty, rich and filling, this staple of Spanish cuisine generally consists of a thick stew made with chorizo, garlic and bay leaves for flavor. We love tucking into this delicious bowl of warmth on cold days. It’s definitely one of our favorite comfort food dishes in Barcelona.

• Where to try lentejas in Barcelona: Botigueta del Bon Menjar

Mandonguilles amb sípia

Barcelona is a city sandwiched between the sea and mountains, which makes for no surprise that Catalan cuisine highlights many mar i muntanya, or surf and turf dishes. As a result, one of the best foods to eat in winter in Barcelona is mandonguilles amb sípia, or meatballs with cuttlefish. This combination is incredibly flavorful, and one of our favorites of all Catalan cuisine!

• Where to try mandonguilles amb sípia in Barcelona: Bar del Pal

Arroz caldoso

Sure, you can eat paella in winter in Barcelona, but on a cold day, there’s nothing quite like an arroz caldoso, literally translated to brothy rice. However, this might not sound very appetizing to some! Believe us when we say that this is an absolute treat of winter dishes in Spain! This dish can come in many different forms. Furthermore, if really treat yourself to one with bogavante, or lobster!

• Where to try arroz caldoso in Barcelona: Can Solé

Canelons

Cannelloni aren’t just one of the best comfort food dishes in Barcelona, but we (humbly think) in the world. The Catalan version of this stuffed pasta is a typical dish on Boxing Day, although it’s the perfect dish throughout winter in Barcelona.

Whether stuffed with roast chicken or mushrooms, you can expect loads of creamy bechamel and rich flavor in canelons found in Catalonia.

• Where to try canelons in Barcelona: Bar del Pla

More comfort food dishes in Barcelona

These are just a handful of our favorite comfort food dishes in Barcelona, but there are other delicious warming tasty tapas to find in Barcelona, too. Don’t miss these other must-try dishes while you’re visiting the Catalan capital (or any corner of the region).