7 Must-Try Traditional Foods in Barcelona

Last Updated on October 18, 2025 by Emma Fajcz | Published: October 27, 2017

No matter where you are in Spain, you can enjoy truly authentic foods that you may not find anywhere else in the country–and Barcelona is no exception! Here’s a peek at 7 must-try traditional foods in Barcelona, such as fideuà and crema catalana.

Eating Like a Local in Barcelona

• Barcelona locals often eat five or six times a day! The day starts with a light breakfast (desayuno), followed by a mid-morning esmorzar, a large lunch (dinar), an afternoon snack (berenar), and a late dinner (sopar). Many locals enjoy an aperitif of vermouth before lunch at l’hora del vermut.
• Curious what to budget for eating out in Barcelona? We think a budget of €35–40 per person, per day, is enough for you to eat out every meal and enjoy great food!
• Barcelona is known for its amazing food markets, not just its restaurants. Check out these historic food markets in Barcelona for good food and a wonderful experience.

Escudella d’Olla

Escudella d’Olla, a hearty Catalan stew, is something you will most typically find between October and May.

Two courses make up this traditional dish: first, a broth, and second, other foods like different vegetables, pasta, and meat. Botifarra, or Catalan sausage, and botifarra negre, blood sausage, are also common in this savory dish that will warm your body and soul.

Check out our list of the 5 ultimate comfort foods in Barcelona for more ideas!

Fideuà

A lot of people come to Barcelona without realizing that, for the locals, paella is often sidelined next to its noodle version, the fideuà.

Unlike paella, however, a good fideuà comes in just one variety: seafood! It’s a delicious mixture of noodles with seafood like cuttlefish, prawns, and other delights. Enjoy it with some freshly made alioli, a thick garlic and olive oil sauce, and you won’t go wrong.

Esqueixada

If escudella d’olla is a dish reserved for the cooler days of the year, then esqueixada would be its warm weather opposite. It is also often referred to as the Catalan ceviche.

This refreshing salad consists of bacalao, or salt cod, with peppers, tomatoes, onions, and olives. It tastes delicious when topped with nutty romesco sauce.

Seafood obviously plays a huge role in the traditional foods of Barcelona. Therefore, it’s no surprise that a Catalan favorite is the suquet de peix, a potato-based seafood stew.

It can be made with a wide variety of fish, really whatever is found daily at the market, mixed up with some garlic and oil to finish. (Check out our roundup of 5 off-the-beaten-path food markets in Barcelona if you want to explore some local markets!)

Escalivada

One of the most famous dishes of the region also happens to be one of the simplest. The name escalivada comes from the verb escalivar, which means “to roast on ashes”. This smoky vegetable dish usually consisting of eggplant and bell peppers, and sometimes is accompanied by onions, tomatoes, and garlic.

People eat escalivada as a tapa, or sometimes also as a relish for other savory bites of fish or meat.

Crema Catalana

As far as desserts go, Catalonia has various mouthwatering specialties. One of them is crema catalana, a custard dessert similar to creme brulée but not without its differences. Unlike the vanilla flavor traditional of the French custard, crema catalana is a bit lighter with citrus and cinnamon flavors.

Many people debate on which came first, but there’s really no need! Crema catalana recipes began appearing in Catalan cookbooks in the 14th century, while creme brulée made its debut in French ones in the 17th.

Get our tips on where to find the best crema catalana in Barcelona!

Mel i Mato

A dessert even non-dessert people will like? Try mel i mato!

This name is Catalan for honey and Mato cheese. This fresh, unsalted soft cheese topped with walnuts tastes delicious with Spanish honey. It makes for a simple, not to mention, delicious and healthy end to a meal!

Experience Catalan Food Like a Local

Want to connect with locals and try essential Catalan dishes? Join our Barcelona Tapas, Taverns, and History Food Tour!

Experience Barcelona’s tapas culture where it was born on this visitor-favorite tour. Wander through the Gothic Quarter’s hidden alleys to century-old taverns, tasting 10+ iconic tapas and sipping vermouth, cava, and regional wines along the way. This is more than a meal; it’s a journey through Catalan history and culture, with unforgettable food, stories, and company along the way.

Featured Review: Barcelona Tapas, Taverns, and History Food Tour

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “This a great combo tour with some great food & drinks and a little history mixed in! Our guide Alex was knowledgeable and fun!”
– Jennifer on Viator

Traditional Foods in Barcelona FAQs

What is Barcelona’s most famous food?
Barcelona is best known for its seafood and market-fresh Mediterranean cuisine, with dishes like paella, botifarra (Catalan sausage), and crema catalana standing out as local favorites. You’ll also find plenty of tapas, fresh seafood, and seasonal produce that showcase the city’s coastal and Catalan influences.

What are some traditional tapas in Barcelona?
Traditional tapas you’ll find in Barcelona include patatas bravas (crispy potatoes with spicy sauce), bombas (potato-and-meat croquettes from Barceloneta), pimientos de padrón (fried green peppers), and pan con tomate (toasted bread rubbed with tomato and olive oil). You can also enjoy anchovies, Iberian ham, and croquettes, often paired with a glass of cava or vermouth.

What is the most popular Catalan food?
One of the most popular Catalan dishes is escudella i carn d’olla, a hearty meat and vegetable stew often enjoyed in winter. Other beloved Catalan foods include calçots (grilled green onions served with romesco sauce), fideuà (a noodle-based cousin of paella), and crema catalana, the region’s caramelized custard dessert. These dishes reflect Catalonia’s love for simple, flavorful ingredients rooted in local tradition.