What Is the National Dish of Barcelona?

If you are planning to visit Barcelona, Spain, you might be curious about the local cuisine. Spain is known for its delicious food, but each region has its own specialties.

So, what is the national dish of Barcelona? The answer might surprise you.

Paella: A Spanish Classic

When people think of Spanish cuisine, one of the first dishes that comes to mind is paella. This flavorful rice dish originated in Valencia, but it has become popular all over Spain. In Barcelona, you can find many restaurants that serve paella as a main course or as a shared dish for two or more people.

The History of Paella

Paella was originally created by peasants who worked in the fields around Valencia. They would cook rice with whatever ingredients they had on hand, such as vegetables and chicken or rabbit.

Later on, when Valencia became a major port city, seafood was added to the mix. Eventually, paella became a symbol of Valencian cuisine and spread to other parts of Spain.

What Makes Paella Special?

Paella is usually cooked in a large flat pan called a paellera over an open flame. This gives the rice a crispy texture on the bottom while keeping it moist on top.

The key ingredient in paella is saffron, which gives it its distinctive yellow color and adds flavor. Other common ingredients include tomatoes, green beans, peppers, and garlic.

But What About Fideuà?

While paella is certainly popular in Barcelona, there is another dish that some locals consider to be their national dish: fideuà. This noodle-based dish is similar to paella in many ways but uses short noodles instead of rice.

The Origins of Fideuà

Fideuà also originated in Valencia but has become popular in Barcelona as well. Legend has it that a fisherman who was out at sea realized he had forgotten to bring rice for his paella. Instead, he used noodles that were on board his boat, and thus fideuà was born.

What Makes Fideuà Special?

Like paella, fideuà is usually cooked in a large flat pan and seasoned with saffron. The noodles are cooked until crispy on the bottom and then topped with seafood such as squid, shrimp, or mussels. Some versions of fideuà also include garlic and peppers.

Conclusion

So, what is the national dish of Barcelona? The truth is, there isn’t just one.

Paella is certainly a classic Spanish dish that you can find all over Barcelona, but locals also love their fideuà. Both dishes are delicious and worth trying during your visit to this vibrant city.

• Tip 1: Look for restaurants that specialize in paella or fideuà to get the best quality.
• Tip 2: If you’re not a fan of seafood, try a vegetarian version of these dishes.
• Tip 3: Don’t forget to pair your meal with a glass of local wine or sangria!

Whether you choose to try paella or fideuà (or both!), you’re sure to enjoy the flavors of Barcelona’s cuisine. So go ahead and indulge in some delicious Spanish food during your visit!