The Catalan cuisine
Spain is a wondrous and multi-faceted nation brimming with vitality, enjoyment and exceptional cuisine. Each autonomous region has distinctive traits that are mirrored in people's mindset and their relationship to the rest of the country. These differences are also found in what they eat. With an extensive Mediterranean coastline, Catalonia boasts a rich variety of ingredients. From succulent seafood to ripe tomatoes, sweet red peppers, tender eggplants, earthy mushrooms and delectable artichokes, Catalonia is home to a wealth of culinary gems.
Eating habits in Catalonia
One of the most enticing aspects of Catalan cuisine is mar i muntanya (sea and mountains), a culinary style that has evolved over the centuries. Its signature dishes combine fresh seafood flavors from the Mediterranean Sea and rich meats and produce from the mountainous inland region. Catalan cuisine also draws inspiration from Spanish and French cooking, with diverse and flavourful dishes featuring beef, seafood, poultry, fresh fruits, vegetables and nuts.
Prepare to let your taste buds run wild as we introduce you to some of Catalonia's most tempting traditional dishes. Get ready to be delighted by myriad flavors and textures that will leave you craving for more.
Vegetarian food in Catalonia
Pa amb tomàquet - bread or toast with tomato rubbed in and seasoned with olive oil and salt.
Escalivada - a dish of roasted vegetables such as eggplant, pepper, tomato and onion.
Calçots – grilled spring onions.
Meat dishes in Catalonia
Botifarra - a type of sausage made with pork and various spices.
Escudella - a traditional stew made with different meats, legumes and vegetables.
Xai rostit amb 12 cabeçes d'all - roast lamb with 12 heads of garlic.
Seafood in Catalonia
Esqueixada - basically a salad of peppers, tomatoes, onions, red wine vinegar and desalted cod.
Fideuá - a kind of paella, but it´s made with pasta instead of rice. Other ingredients include fish and shellfish.
Suquet de peix - a seafood stew. The ingredients can include monkfish, prawns and mussels.
Coca de recapte - a baked dough covered with roasted vegetables and local produce such has herrings and sardines.
Sauces in Catalonia
Romesco - a sauce made from tomatoes, peppers, onions and garlic.
Allioli - another favourite here, made from garlic and olive oil.
Desserts/sweet treats in Catalonia
Crema Catalana - you can easily find this delectable dessert in numerous restaurants in Catalonia. Its rich and creamy texture makes it comparable to the popular French dessert, crème brûlée.
Mel i mato - made with fresh cheese and served with honey and nuts.
Panellets: Small, sweet almond cakes typically eaten during All Saints' Day, which falls on November 1.
Food markets in Catalonia
In addition to traditional food, local markets play a vital role in the Catalan way of life, a source of daily fresh ingredients.
One of the most well-known markets in Catalonia is La Boqueria in Barcelona, located in the heart of La Rambla Avenue. It offers a wide variety of fresh produce, seafood, meats, cheeses and specialty foods. Walking through the market is a rich sensory experience, with the bright colors and aromas of fresh fruits and vegetables and the hustle and bustle of vendors and shoppers.
