Exploring Tapas: 3 Great Bars in Barcelona's Center
What are tapas? The first thing that often comes to mind is a small appetiser served with beer or wine, usually in the form of a sandwich. But for Spaniards, tapas is much more than that; it's a cherished tradition. Whether relaxing at home, meeting friends or socialising in bars, tapas are an integral part of the experience. In fact, there's even a Spanish verb, 'tapear', that encompasses all of these activities. This tradition of enjoying tapas is deeply intertwined with the Spanish way of life. Due to the heat, dinner is usually eaten late, around 10pm, and tapas are the perfect way to satisfy hunger between main meals.
HISTORY OF TAPAS
The term 'tapas' comes from the Spanish word 'tapa', which translates as 'lid'. Tapas have evolved significantly over time, from a simple appetizer used to cover a glass of wine to a culinary art form. Initially, tapas served two main purposes: to protect drinks from dust and insects, and to moderate the level of intoxication of the guests. Today, tapas bars compete on taste and creativity, and tapas menus are featured at parties far beyond Spain's borders. Indeed, tapas bring a sense of lightness and festivity to any occasion. Spain regularly hosts tapas festivals, including World Tapas Day, which is celebrated by 32 countries around the world on 15 June.
One of the most popular legends about the origins of this delicious tradition is as follows: King Alfonso XIII once stopped at a provincial inn where he was served wine with a piece of jamón on the side. The innkeeper explained that the jamón served as a lid to protect the wine from dust on that windy day. The king was delighted and asked for more "with a lid" (Spanish: tapa). The practice quickly became popular.
TYPES OF TAPAS
Tapas are any kind of food for sharing, often prepared in three minutes or less. They can include slices of cheese, sausages, jamon, tartlets, olives, croquettes, sandwiches, grilled vegetables, padron peppers, octopus rings, tortillas (omelettes with potatoes) and pinchos (kebabs), among others. There are hundreds, if not thousands, of variations of tapas!
Let's talk about pinchos. Tapas and pinchos are similar, but there are some differences. First and foremost, there's a historical difference: tapas were originally a complimentary starter served with a glass of wine, whereas pinchos have always been a separate, paid-for treat. Secondly, tapas were served all over the country, whereas pinchos originated in the north, specifically in the Basque Country. Finally, pinchos are always skewered (the term "pincho" in Spanish means "skewer").
WHERE TO TRY?
Barcelona has a wide range of tapas bars to suit all tastes. Typically, these establishments have an extensive bar counter with ready-made tapas, making it easy for patrons to indicate their preferences to the waiter. Interestingly, the same tapas can often be less expensive if eaten at the counter than at a table or on the terrace. Tapas can be eaten with your hands or with utensils, and can be accompanied by wine or not, depending on your preference. The key, however, is to enjoy tapas in good company; it's a rare sight to see a Spaniard enjoying tapas alone.
We visited three central tapas bars in Barcelona that were recommended to us by locals. We evaluated their menus and atmosphere. Here we tell you what to try and where.
A restaurant chain with three locations in Barcelona. Two of them are in the Gracia district and one in Plaça Catalunya, which is busier and more crowded. The choice in this establishment is huge: they offer 51 different types of tapas.
As well as the aforementioned, there are local salads and the famous potato starter, patatas bravas, which translates as 'brave potatoes'. These are slices of fried potatoes served with a spicy tomato sauce or the popular Catalan sauce "ali-oli". You have to choose with your eyes, but there is a menu with a description of all the options for the most discerning. Prices: 2€ - 5€ for a tapa.
There are four Sagardi restaurants in Barcelona, all conveniently located in the city centre and all specialising in Basque cuisine. These restaurants offer an impressive selection of 48 starters, with favourites including pork and caramelised onion pinchos, bacon and cheese pinchos and a version with the traditional Spanish spicy sausage 'chorizo'. During our visit to the Gothic Quarter location, we were pleasantly surprised by the friendly staff and the reasonable prices - €2.10 each if you eat inside and €2.50 if you sit on the terrace. Notably, all tapas items are priced the same.
This place doesn't have any food displays or pictures of menus, making it a place for those who rely on their intuition and the recommendations of Amor Barcelona. It's an authentic place where both tourists and locals gather for a gastronomic adventure. The portions are small, but the dishes are incredibly tasty. The tables are often full, so it's best to book in advance. Whether you are looking for a large dinner, lunch or simply a small bite to eat with a glass of wine, this is the place to be. On our visit we ordered tapas with sardines, mushroom croquettes, squid ink croquettes and two glasses of red wine. This delicious meal cost us 22 euros for two!
Prices: from €3 to €15 per dish. Tapas are part of the main menu, so it is better to ask the waiter for a small snack. We recommend the toast with sardines and mango (smoked sardines "coca") and the speciality croquettes with mushrooms and seafood.
A list of the most traditional tapas to try in Barcelona:
Bread with tomato (Pan con Tomate) - a staple Catalan snack found in every establishment
Patatas bravas - fried potatoes with a spicy brava sauce
Croquetas - fried snacks with a soft filling of meat, mushrooms, cheese, fish or seafood. Think of it as a thick bechamel sauce in a hard shell.
Albondigas are meatballs in tomato sauce.
Padrón peppers (Pimientos de Padrón). These are the famous green peppers of Galicia. They have been described as Russian culinary roulette: for every 10 sweet peppers, there is one spicy pepper. It is impossible to tell them apart.
Olives (aceitunas) in all colours and varieties.
Small fried squid (chipirones).
Russian salad (Ensaladilla rusa). Unexpected, but true! This salad of eggs, vegetables, tuna, olives and mayonnaise is called Russian salad and is served almost everywhere.
Now you know where and what to eat in Barcelona! Order a glass of wine and some tapas, chat about important and not-so-important things until the waiters start wiping the tables and taking off their aprons... Que aproveche!
