Perhaps you have just returned from your holiday in Barcelona and still crave the fresh fish, juicy jamón serrano or pickled olives. Alternatively, you might want to get a taste of what’s in store for you on your upcoming holiday in Catalonia’s capital city. Maybe you’re just in the mood for good food. Whatever the reason, you’ve come to the right place!

We present some of the most popular, classic, or traditional tapas, and best of all, they are all easy to make at home with everyday ingredients! There’s really only one thing left to say: Bon profit!

1. Patatas Bravas

We’re kicking off with an absolute classic: patatas bravas. These crispy potato pieces are traditionally served with a spicy tomato sauce, the Salsa Brava, and are an absolute favourite of the Barcelonese. They can also often be ordered with aioli or sometimes even guacamole.

Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, that’s how the perfect patatas bravas should be. They are perfect as a snack, side dish or even as a main course. Enjoyable for adults and children, they are versatile and easy to adapt. How about using special salt with dried herbs to season the patatas bravas? Instead of the usual seasoning with paprika, you could also mix in a little chilli… Be creative!!

What you need:

• 3 Good sized potato
• Half an onion
• Half a tablespoon sweet paprika
• One tablespoonful spicy paprika
• Two tablespoons wheat flour
• 500 ml Chicken stock
• Extra virgin olive oil for frying the potatoes
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Barcelona Tip:

If you’re in the mood for exceptional tapas, then be sure to stop by Tapas Season on your next visit to Barcelona. You won’t be disappointed!

2. Pa amb tomàquet

Of course, this absolutely traditional recipe from Catalonia should not be missed from our list! But don’t be fooled: with high-quality ingredients, this tapa is an absolute taste sensation.

Pa amb tomàquet is crusty, fresh bread, sun-ripened tomatoes and high-quality olive oil. Together, these simple and traditional ingredients make a tapa that Catalonia cannot do without. Tapas restaurants without pa amb tomàquet would be like Bavaria without pretzels or Stockholm without smørrebrød. Beyond imagination!

Barcelona Tip:

Have you ever wondered which other tapas are absolute classics? Then be sure to check out our blog on classic tapas so that you know the facts and can score points the next time you visit Barcelona.

What you need:

• Bread (If you can order Pà de Pagès (farmhouse loaf) even better)
• Ripe tomatoes
• Peeled garlic
• Extra virgin olive oil
• Salt

3. Escalivada

One of the basic and most traditional recipes of Catalan cuisine is escalivada. Many call it « the great vegetable dish of Catalan cuisine« . Simple yet no less delicious, it consists of roasted vegetables and includes eggplants, peppers, onions and tomatoes as its main ingredients. Escalivada is almost indispensable on the menus of Catalan (tapas) restaurants.

It is so easy to prepare that it (almost) makes itself. Don’t believe it? Then try it for yourself!

What you need:

• 1 Eggplant
• 1 Red pepper
• 2 Onion
• 1 Head of garlic
• 3 Tomato
• Extra virgin olive oil
• Coarse salt

4. Tortilla De Patatas

Tortilla de patatas also known as tortilla española or « Spanish omelette » is basically just an omelette to which chopped potatoes are added. But as with the other tapas and specialities mentioned in this article, don’t be fooled by this « simple » dish: It is one of the most famous and iconic dishes of Spanish cuisine and a very popular item that can be found in almost all bars and restaurants in the country.

Barcelona Tip:

You want to know where to get good and handmade tapas in Barcelona? Then check out our blog about different tapas bars in Barcelona.

What you need:

• 500g new potatoes
• 1 onion, preferably white
• 150ml extra-virgin olive oil
• 3 tbsp chopped flat-leaf parsley
• 6 eggs

5. Dátiles con bacon

Dátiles con bacon is a tapa that is as traditional as it is delicious. It is easy to make and therefore suitable for beginners and absolute novices to Spanish cuisine. Nevertheless, its effect on guests should not be underestimated, and it is also popular as a starter.

The tapa is so successful that there are now countless variations. How about filling the dates with cream cheese, Manchego, Roquefort or almonds. You could also put the dried dates in a marinade of sherry and/or orange juice for a few hours before roasting. For the more experimental among you: use prunes (fresh or dried) instead of dates, or prepare the whole thing as spicy dates.

Barcelona Tip: 

Want to know where to get the best tapas in Barcelona? Then check out our article on the 20 best tapas bars in Barcelona and feast your way through the selection on your next visit.

What you need:

• Pitted dates (natural dates are best, not candied as they are too sweet)
• Thin slices of smoked bacon (smoked bacon is better as freshly cured but not smoked bacon enhances the flavour, but you can use it if you prefer)

Bonus tip: Allioli

And if you still need a suitable sauce for dipping your tapas (for example for the patatas bravas), then we have a tip for you here too. How about a homemade garlic allioli (garlic and oil) to start with?

What you need:

• ¾ cup mayonnaise
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 ½ tablespoons lemon juice
• ¾ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper

So, now you’ve had a taste of the delicious tapas Barcelona has to offer! Have some fun experimenting in the kitchen and invite your friends over for a little feast. And don’t worry, that was of course just the tip of the iceberg of tapas variations. Check out other récipes on the web or try them on a local tapas restaurant!