Catalonia

With its diverse geography and landscapes, from the rocky Pyrenees to the Mediterranean coastline, each producing their own local specialities, it is little wonder that the region of Catalonia is world renowned for being a bit of a foodie-lovers paradise! 

From the sea to plate

600km of coastline mean there is ample opportunity to eat delicious fresh seafood in Catalonia! White fish is very popular in the Costa Brava. Some specialities include Esqueixada (a delicious salad tossed with salt cod), Suquet de Peix (a fish stew using bits of hake, monkfish, clams and mussels mixed with saffron) and the best Palamós prawns. 

Hearty mountain food

The pastoral landscapes of the Pyrenees are ideal for producing tasty vegetation and fauna, giving rise to some of the finest meat, vegetable and cheese specials. Mongetes amb botifarra is a hearty sausage and beans dish, very popular in the mountains. Calçots are hugely popular, a type of onion cooked in hot ash and served with a spicy salsa sauces. And Costa Negra is a unique black cheese sour and tart in flavour. 

Michelin-stars

Around 55 restaurants throughout Catalonia have 1 or more Michelin-stars, the prestigious award given to top-rated eateries. The famous Roca brothers are some of the most famous chefs in Catalonia, and their restaurant in Girona, El Celler de Can Roca, actually owns 3 Michelin stars and has been named the best restaurant in the world - twice! 

Wines

Of course, you can't eat amazing food without having it accompanied by some delicious wine, and this is another area Catalonia is expert in. There are 11 Designation of Origin (DOA) wines in the region as well as 1 for cava. With over 50 wineries in the Costa Brava region alone to discover, you are sure to discover a new favourite! The Garnatxa de l’Empordà is a famous sweet wine from this region. 

Markets

One of the best ways to try some Catalan specialities is to have a wander round one of the many markets. There is not only the famous Mercat de la Boqueria in Barcelona on the Ramblas. Try the Mercat de Palafrugell for sampling lots of fresh fruit and vegetables, the Mercat de Girona, in the central Plaza de Lleo, and the Mercat de Sant Feliu de Guixols with over 100 stalls near the sea.