Eating My Way Across Barcelona

One of the first things that surprised me was meal timing. In Barcelona, eating felt like something you planned your day around, not something you squeezed in between obligations. Lunches were later, dinners were even later, and no one seemed rushed. At first, this adjustment was confusing. I’d find myself hungry earlier than everyone else, watching restaurants remain empty when my internal clock said it was time to eat. But over time, I began to appreciate the rhythm. Meals weren’t just about fueling up, they were about slowing down, connecting, and being present.

Portion sizes were another pleasant surprise. Compared to what I was used to back home, meals felt smaller but more intentional. Instead of leaving restaurants feeling overly full or groggy, I felt satisfied and energized. The food itself tasted fresher, with flavors that felt authentic rather than over-processed or heavy. Eating in Barcelona didn’t weigh me down; rather, it energized me.

One of my favorite things about eating in Barcelona was discovering the tapas culture, which completely changed how I thought about meals. Tapas aren’t just small plates, they’re an experience built around sharing, conversation, and taking your time. Instead of ordering one large dish for yourself, meals often consisted of several plates placed in the center of the table, encouraging everyone to try a bit of everything. It made eating feel social and intentional, and it removed the pressure of choosing just one thing.

Tapas culture also encouraged lingering. There was no sense of being rushed out of a restaurant or café. Meals stretched longer, conversations flowed more easily, and food became something that brought people together rather than something to get through quickly. I found that tapas nights often turned into hours of sitting, talking, laughing, and ordering “just one more plate.” It was during these moments that I felt most connected—not just to the people I was with, but to the rhythm of life in Barcelona.

Two of my favorite tapas quickly became pan con tomate and patatas bravas. Pan con tomate, in particular, amazed me in its simplicity (bread, tomato, garlic, olive oil, and salt), yet it captured everything I loved about Spanish food: high-quality ingredients, bold but honest flavors, and no unnecessary extras. Patatas bravas, on the other hand, felt comforting and familiar while still being uniquely local. As a potato lover, I couldn’t help but fall in love with them. The crispy exterior paired with the slightly spicy sauce hits that perfect balance of texture and flavor. Each bite was satisfying and indulgent without being heavy, and it quickly became one of those dishes I looked forward to every time I went out for tapas.

Barcelona’s food scene also goes far beyond lunch and dinner. One thing I quickly learned is that the city has extensive and amazing brunch options, something I didn’t expect at all. From cozy cafés to trendy brunch spots, brunch felt like an experience of its own and became a favorite way to spend slower mornings, whether catching up with friends or simply enjoying the city at a relaxed pace.

There was also one unexpected favorite that completely surprised me: Fanta Naranja. I normally don’t drink soda or any carbonated beverages, so ordering a soft drink when I went out wasn’t something I planned on doing. But after trying Fanta Naranja for the first time, I was hooked. It tasted brighter and more natural than the versions I was used to, and it almost felt like a crime not to order it every time I sat down at a restaurant. It became a small but joyful ritual, one of those little indulgences that made everyday moments feel special.

Beyond restaurants, grocery shopping became one of my favorite everyday experiences abroad. One place that truly stood out was Mercat de la Boqueria, one of Barcelona’s most famous food markets. It quickly became one of my favorite spots to try snacks and street food, especially fresh fruit. Walking through the market feels like a sensory experience—the vibrant colors, fresh juices, fruit cups, and vendors offering small bites that make it easy to sample a wide range of local flavors.

I lived just a five-minute walk from Mercadona, and it quickly became part of my routine. Each visit felt like a small adventure. I surprised myself with how open I became to trying new foods, unfamiliar brands, and items I’d never think to buy at home. Even better, I was always shocked by how affordable everything was at checkout. Grocery shopping felt accessible rather than stressful, and it encouraged me to cook more and experiment.

Food also plays an important role in Spain’s economy, especially in cities like Barcelona. Local ingredients, markets, cafés, and restaurants aren’t just businesses, they’re cultural institutions. You can see it in the way people prioritize fresh bread, olive oil, produce, and local products. Food supports tourism, yes, but it also supports everyday life. Markets, local restaurants, and neighborhood grocery stores felt just as important as famous restaurants and large chains.

For students studying abroad in Barcelona, one of the biggest differences you can expect is how central food is to daily life. Eating isn’t rushed. It’s social. It’s intentional. You’re encouraged to sit longer, talk more, and treat meals as something worth your time. That shift challenged me at first, but it ultimately helped me slow down and appreciate the present moment more fully.

Looking back, food became one of the most grounding parts of my study abroad experience. It connected me to the city, shaped my routines, and reminded me that culture often reveals itself in the smallest, most ordinary moments—like walking to the grocery store, sharing tapas late into the evening, or ordering a familiar orange soda that somehow tasted entirely new. Barcelona taught me that food isn’t just something you eat. It’s something you experience.

Blog by Abrar Salem, Wright State University
Semester in Barcelona

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