Catalan cuisine tends to be of the type we associate with the Mediterranean diet, fish, fruit and vegetables simply prepared and as fresh as possible. Tapas bars abound in cities like Barcelona and this is where you can sample a variety of the region's food. The simple but delicious bread and tomato, pa amb tomaquet is a local staple and is on the menu of every tapas bar, sometimes with a slice of cured ham on top. Another Catalan favourite are beans which you will find served in many guises and fresh baby asparagus one of Catalonia's most appreciated vegetables.
Seafood
The the Costa Brava and Costa Dorada are one of the main sources of food in Catalonia. The coastal resorts were once fishing villages and the fishing industry is still extremely important for the region's economy. Seafood is widely used in Catalan cuisine, especially along the coast. Apart from paella, popular all over Spain, Catalonia has the more regional fiduella which uses noodles instead of rice. You'll find seafood dishes in most restaurants in the main towns and cities.
La Bocquaria Barcelona
To get a feel for the freshness and variety of the meat, veg and fruit available in Catalonia, the famous market "La Bocquaria" is an assault on the senses. Most of the restaurants and tapas bars in Barcelona buy their fresh ingredients here because of the sheer quality and quantity of the produce available. Have a look at the video below and if you ever find yourself in this exciting city make sure you have a look around, you won't be disappointed.
The Catalonian Countryside
Outside the mainstream tourist areas, the Catalan language is used on nearly all restaurant menus . If you venture out to some of the less frequented towns and villages, you might find it impossible to understand the menu. This happened to us on many occaisions on a trip to Catalonia. I remember visiting a restaurant populated mostly by students near the town of Reus, the students seemed to be eating very simple dishes and we felt a bit sorry for them. When the menu arrived we scoured it for something recognisable to no avail. We decided to take a risk and pointed to two items without a clue what we were ordering. Eventually, a large plate arrived bearing a variety of sausages, cold meats, vegetables , bread and tomato and about three different cheeses. We looked at each other relieved that there was nothing unpalatable but the amount of food was unbelievable. After about ten minutes into the meal the waiter arrived with another plateful. There was no way we could even attempt to eat it and we felt extremely embarrassed that we had so much food while the students were eating next to nothing.
If you're staying in Barcelona or one of the many resorts along the Costa Brava or Costa Dorada, you shouldn't have any difficulty with the menu's. Most will be in English and Spanish and will be almost identical to the tourist menus found throughout Spain. If you'd like to sample authentic traditional Catalan cuisine, you may have to travel a bit further afield although Barcelona does have a lot of restaurants specialising in Catalan dishes. Regional specialities include Butifara amb seques a local sausage served with white beans and a similar dish Butifara amb mongets made with blood sausages. Goat is very popular in the region and is served in a variety of ways using slow cooking methods to tenderise the meat.
Buy Spanish Ham Online In The U.S
Spain is renowned for the quality of the air cured ham it produces. Up until recently, it was almost impossible to buy authentic Spanish ham in the U.S but thanks to the internet, there are now a number of speciality food importers supplying a large variety of Spanish food to the U.S market. Opposite, we have listed a range of Spanish hams from the Amazon pages of two of the largest suppliers, La Tienda and Igourmet. For a fantastic taste experience, try some slices of Iberico ham with some Manchego cheese and a glass of red Rioja wine.
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Buy Spanish Cheese Online In The U.S
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Spain is a prolific cheese producer, Spanish supermarkets offer a huge array of cheeses from across Spain. The majority of Spanish cheese comes from the lush northern regions of Asturias, Galicia Cantabria and the Basque Country but the majority of regions have their own varieties. Manchego, Spain's most famous cheese is made from sheep's milk in the region of Castilla La Mancha. Up until recently it was difficult to find a Spanish cheese supplier in the U.S but today there are a number of online food importers who stock an excellent variety of cheese from all over Spain.
Buy Spanish Tapas Online In The U.S
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Tapas bars have sprung up all over the world and Catalonia, especially in cities like Barcelona have some of the best tapas bars in the whole of Spain. Spanish food importers are catering for the upsurge in the popularity of tapas and have a variety of ingredients and other products for anybody wanting to re create the tapas experience at home. We have listed a selection of tapas kits and speciality products from some of the internet's top importers here.
Buy Spanish Gift Baskets Online In The U.S
If you have any aspiring gourmands in the family, a Spanish food basket would make the ideal gift. There are a number of specialist Spanish food importers supplying a variety of gift baskets with products ranging from air cured ham to rare cheeses, herbs, spices and Spanish wines. These hard to find ingredients are perfect for creating a taste of Spain at home. We have listed a nice selection from two of the largest suppliers, La Tienda and Igourmet. Click photos for full details.
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Catalonian Wine
Wine was introduced to Catalonia by the Romans. After the Romans left, the area was invaded by barbarians and wine production came to an end. During the occupation by the Moors alcohol was forbidden and it wasn't until the 10th century that vineyards were planted once again. Today wine production is in full swing, Catalonia produces the bubbly Cava a white sparking wine similar to champagne but far cheaper. The area of Penedès is the primary Cava producing region. As well as Cava there are some excellent new wines being produced including the impressive Les Curtes. This wine isn't mass produced, it is made by the Pertíñez Juncosa family in the district of Poboleda. Catalan wine could be best described as up and coming, the area has excellent potential as a wine exporter.
