Does Barcelona Have a Chinatown?

By Robert Palmer

Barcelona, a city famous for its colorful architecture, football club, and mouth-watering cuisine, has a rich history of immigration. People from different parts of the world have made this city their home over the years, resulting in a diverse cultural blend. With such a mix of cultures, many people wonder if Barcelona has a Chinatown.

What is Chinatown?

In many cities around the world, Chinatown is a district that is predominantly Chinese and has many Chinese-owned businesses. Typically it’s an area where you can find authentic Chinese food, Chinese Supermarkets selling exotic ingredients or goods imported from China. You can also find traditional Chinese medicine shops and other businesses that cater to the local Chinese population.

Does Barcelona Have a Chinatown?

The answer to this question is no – Barcelona does not have an official Chinatown like other cities such as New York City or San Francisco. However, that doesn’t mean that you won’t find any Chinese influence in this city.

Barcelona has several neighborhoods with high Asian populations such as El Raval and Poble Sec. These areas are home to many different Asian communities including those of Chinese descent.

The El Raval Neighborhood

El Raval is one of the most multicultural neighborhoods in Barcelona and is known for its vibrant nightlife and street art scene. It’s also home to many different ethnicities including people of Asian descent.

If you take a walk through the streets of El Raval, you’ll see several signs written in Mandarin or Cantonese languages indicating that there are Chinese owned businesses present in this area. You can find various shops selling traditional Chinese products such as tea sets, silk accessories or even traditional dresses like Cheongsams.

The Poble Sec Neighborhood

Poble Sec is another neighborhood with a high Asian population in Barcelona. It’s located between Montjuïc hill and Paral·lel Avenue and is home to many different ethnicities, including a significant number of Chinese.

In Poble Sec, you can find several Asian supermarkets, which offer a wide variety of products ranging from fresh fruits and vegetables to imported snacks and sauces.

Conclusion

While Barcelona may not have an official Chinatown, it’s clear that the city has a significant Chinese presence in some of its neighborhoods. El Raval and Poble Sec are two areas where you can find Chinese-owned businesses and shops selling traditional Chinese products. So if you’re looking for a taste of China in Barcelona, these neighborhoods are the places to explore.