This blog post was originally posted on July 27, 2016 and was updated on August 4, 2017.
Eating in foreign countries with kids isn’t always easy, despite being such a great experience for their palates. That’s why we have created this delicious kid-friendly Spanish food guide so your little travelers will be kept fueled for a day of exploring!
Whether you’re dealing with picky eaters or just plain bizarre food—we all know how tough it can be making sure your kids eat well on vacation. Luckily in Barcelona there is plenty of kid-friendly Spanish food that children will enjoy and also come to love! Read on to find out about some of the best kid-friendly Spanish food in Barcelona, and above all, don’t forget to check out our full guide to eating in Barcelona with kids!
1. Tortilla de patatas
When it comes to tortilla de patatas, or the Spanish omelet, the real question is who doesn’t like this traditional Spanish dish?! Made with potatoes and onions, its savory goodness is delicious while also filling.
2. The Famous Xuixo
This delicious pastry is a Catalan favorite, especially amongst kids! It’s a delicious fresh pastry with smooth and creamy creme catalan inside. It’s a sweet breakfast treat that kids are guaranteed to love.
3. Patatas Bravas
Almost all kids love french fries! They will love the Barcelona version, which we think is even better! Patatas bravas, which means brave or rough potatoes are served in almost every restaurant or cafe in town. The fried potatoes are topped with one of two sauces—or in many cases both, which are all i oli, a type of garlic mayonnaise and salsa brava, a spicy red sauce. Picky eaters? Then just ask for the sauce on the side!
4. Croquetas
For many Spanish families croquetas or croquettes are the staple go-to snacks for little ones. These delicious treats are made with bechamel and all different types of fillings. However, children particularly enjoy the ham or chicken varieties and of course, adults love these delicious bite-sized wonders just as much!
Local’s Tip: Between meals you can also enjoy these awesome kid-friendly activities in Barcelona!
5. Secreto Ibérico
So it may not be the cheapest cut of meat, but we can guarantee that your kids are going to love secreto ibérico which translates to Iberian secret. This typical kid-friendly dish is a special cut of pork, which is generally grilled and sprinkled with sea salt. It’s absolutely melt-in-your-mouth delicious.
6. Pimientos de padrón
Kids can be funny sometimes about vegetables, but any picky eaters will quickly forget their qualms when it comes to pimientos de padrón, or padron peppers. Why’s that? Well, as the saying goes, some are hot and some are not—and kids absolutely love the game of seeing who gets the lucky hot pepper in the bunch!
7. Botifarra
Botifarra, Catalan for sausage, is the traditional sausage of this region of Spain. Throughout Barcelona you will find all different types of botifarra, fresh and cured alike. The classic fresh sausage is very similar to North American breakfast sausage and is always a big hit with kids!
8. Huevos rotos
When in doubt, order fried potatoes! Well, sort of. In fact, why not add some protein to that? Huevos rotos are a delicious tapa made of fried potatoes, fried eggs and generally some sort of meat sprinkled over the top, like Spanish ham or chorizo. Of course, this is by far one of the best kid-friendly Spanish food choices in Barcelona! We love Bar Pinotxo in La Boqueria Market to enjoy this dish at its tastiest. Let us introduce you to the famous owner, Juanito in the video below! He really is quite a character!
