Tapas: Small Plates, Big Flavor

Spain is known for its rich culinary scene and is particularly famous for tapas. Tapas are small plates that are typically served as appetizers or snacks in bars and restaurants. These dishes are perfect for sharing, allowing you to sample a variety of flavors and textures in one meal.

Here are 10 of the best tapas I had in Barcelona:

Jamón ibérico

Jamón ibérico is a cured ham, similar to prosciutto, commonly served as a tapa. The meat is beautifully marbled and has a deep red wine color. The pigs are exclusively fed acorns, giving the meat a deeply nutty, sweet flavor. Jamón ibérico can be found in most tapas bars around Spain and is a must-try for anyone that enjoys pork or cured meats.

Patatas bravas

Literally translating to “brave potatoes,” patatas bravas is a classic tapa consisting of fried potatoes served with a slightly spicy tomato sauce and garlic aioli. The potatoes are hot, crispy on the outside, and soft on the inside with subtle hints of the olive oil it was fried in. The red sauce is reminiscent of a slightly spicy, marinara sauce with a bold, paprika-heavy flavor, while the garlic aioli is slightly acidic from the raw garlic and lemon. They say the quality of a tapas bar can be judged by how well they prepare this popular dish.

Pimientos de Padrón

Pimientos de Padrón ended up being one of my favorite tapas, and I ordered it almost everytime I saw it on the menu. This very simple dish of small green, mild peppers that are blistered over high heat or fried, then sprinkled with crunchy, flakey sea salt. They’re similar to Japanese shishito peppers, but less spicy and pair great with cold white wine.

Location: Hidden Boqueria (inside Boqueria Market)

Gambas a la plancha

Gambas al la plancha is a dish consisting of prawns that are tossed in olive oil, then lightly grilled and topped with coarse sea salt. The shell is easy to peel, while the inside remains juicy and sweet. In Catalonia, the shrimp is always fresh, so it's a must-try for seafood lovers.

Pan con tomate

Pan con tomate, a simple but delicious dish is a favorite among locals. It consists of toasted bread rubbed with raw garlic and tomato, and drizzled with olive oil. I loved ordering this simple dish and topping it with a slice of Jamon.

Garlic scallops

Garlic scallops are halved, lightly sauteed, then drizzled in garlic herb sauce and lemon. Scallops here are often served in the shell with the vibrant, orange-colored roe still attached. The end result is delicate and delicious.

Croquettes

These crispy, creamy bites are another staple of Spanish cuisine. They can be filled with a variety of ingredients such as ham, chicken, or seafood then breaded and deep fried. I highly recommend the ham croquettes, which I believe are the most popular.

Boquerones en Vinagre

This traditional Spanish tapa consists of fresh anchovies marinated in vinegar and olive oil, and seasoned with garlic and parsley. On the first taste, I wasn’t the biggest fan of this tapa because of the strong brininess from the vinegar, but I came to really enjoy it paired with a piece of bread.

Pulpo Gallego

Pulpo Gallego, also known as Galician-style octopus, is cooked and then seasoned with sweet paprika and olive oil. This simple dish is often served alongside boiled potatoes or bread. I usually shy away from octopus because of the tough texture, but because of the quality and freshness of seafood here, the octopus dishes I had in Barcelona were tender and buttery.

Tortilla de patatas

Tortilla de patatas is a classic Spanish tapa similar to an omelette made of eggs, potatoes, and onions. After being combined and cooked in olive oil, it’s typically cooled and served at room temperature. This tapa is light and has a pleasant, familiar flavor, making it a great addition to any meal.

Barcelona has no shortage of excellent tapas bars and restaurants, and these are just a few of my favorite dishes. Whether you're a foodie or simply looking for a quick snack, be sure to try some of these tapas on your next visit to Barcelona.