One of the things we love the most about Barcelona (and for extension, Spain) is… yeah, the FOOD (it is no surprise). But actually you realize how much you love it when you live abroad and you can’t have it or just it doesn’t taste the same (I will forever remember when I went grocery shopping in the US for the first time).
So, going back to the food in Spain, we made a list of the most iconic dishes that you can’t miss when exploring the North of the country: the northern spain food. Because we are truly believers of food as one of the best ways to discover a country and its culture. Not only food but also the culture around food. And that combo in Spain is just amazing.
“Pintxos” in the Basque Country
You probably are familiar with Spanish tapas but here is how people in the Basque Country do their “tapas culture”: meet the “Pinchos”. We went on a route to explore the North of Spain (which includes yummy northern Spain food) a couple of years ago, and stopped to have pinchos in the Basque Country. Even though the “pinchos culture” might be a bit more expensive than just having traditional tapas, it is worth it to try. Not because they are delicious but also because it is a creative exercise: pinchos can get really creative.
Pintxos in Pamplona have their own street: Calle Estafeta
In Barcelona we are not used (at all) to have a free tapa when ordering a beer (which actually is a normal thing in the South of Spain and some areas in the North such as Galicia). So when we went to the first Bar in Estafeta street and ordered some tapas, we couldn’t believe that that was actually a “tapa” (it was huge! and delicious).
Cachopos in Cantabria
Not the healthiest dish, but definitely one of the most iconic in Cantabria (if not the most). Cachopo consists of two large veal fillets filled with ham and cheese, and it is eaten fried (breaded in eggs and breadcrumbs). It is usually served with a garnishment (potatoes, fries, mushrooms or peppers).
Calçots in Catalonia
There are many typical dishes in Catalonia, but definitely calçots is the one that we recommend you to try. Not only because of the food itself but also for the ritual involving wearing a bib and the fun atmosphere that is usually created while enjoyed with family or friends. If you actually live in Barcelona, you will probably know what we are talking about, but in case you don’t, here is an article dedicated to this special onion called “calçot”.
Seafood in Galicia
When you go to a tapas bar in Barcelona and check the menu, you will probably find this popular tapa: “pulpo a la gallega” and the name itself says it pretty much all. It is one of the iconic northern Spain food, specifically from Galicia: octopus cooked in a special style which is usually served on a wood plank. Actually, Galicia is the famous region in Spain known for its delicious seafood: vieiras, zamburiñas, pulpo… Seafood land in Spain which will make your belly really happy if you love food, and specially, seafood.
