Barcelona - Foodie Alert

Finally had the time to settle down in Finland and start writing about my travel experiences.

My very first city in Europe was Barcelona, and it set my benchmark for Europe travels to be so so so high.

When it comes to Barcelona, most people think of cheap shopping experience, all the Gaudi attractions and La Sagrda Famillia. However, many neglected the fact that foods in Barcelona are relatively cheaper in Europe with decent portions and quality of food. This post would expose you to some must-try food in Barcelona.

I'm sure after all the visitations and shopping, you'll be craving for some to-go food so that you'll maximise the limited time you have in this beautiful city. Here are a list of snacks that you can grab and go and continuing your shopping spree or visitations to museums.

1. Xuixo de Creme

This pastry originated in Girona and is commonly eaten during breakfast or tea time. This cylindrical deep-fried pastry is filled with generous portion of creme and spinkled with crystalized sugar as a finishing touch. In some places, there's other filling you could choose from, for example chocolate or Nutella. Although i would highly encourage you to try the creme one just to have a taste of the local flavour.

Damages: 1.60 euros ( ~ 3 sgd )

2. Llao Llao

The self-proclaimed healthiest and most recommended natural frozen yogurt, combined with the finest toppings of seasonal fruits to cereals to crunchy toppings to various flavourful sauces, make its not only instaworthy, but also delicious and healthy. Being quite a fan of Llao Llao in Singapore, i've decided to give the outlet in Barcelona a shot and see if Llao Llao could maintain it's high standards in their international franchises. It turned out that Llao Llao Sg does taste better, slightly richer in flavour, but most importantly the generous toppings and sacue given.

Total damanges: Sanun - 3.50 euros ( ~5.60 sgd )

Address: Carrer Boters, 8, 08002 Barcelona, Spain

Phone: +34 902 43 40 00

3. Udon Arena

Being Japanese food lovers, Nic and I gave in to our cravings and decide to try Udon Arena. An average cost of ane bowl of udon is about 9 euros, taking into account that the portion is smaller than expected, I would advise you to spend the same amount of money on other spanish food instead. You'll definitely get a more filling meal with that amount. That said, i think the fried calamari is worth a try. Calamari was fresh, covered with a thick layer of batter, then drizzled with mayonaise and chilli wasabi sauce. It was damn good, had to control myself not to order another portion.

Total damange: Yakiudon and fried squid snack - 13.50 Euro

Address: C.C. Las Arenas | Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes, 545-547, 08015 Barcelona, Spain

Phone: +34 932 92 69 69

4. P&C Dor cafe

There are many bakeries along the street offering breakfast set ranging from 1 to 2.50 euros. Usually it consist of one pastry and a cup of coffee, which is very value-of-money. You're able to choose from a wide range from partries ranging from croissants, pies and many others. Dont be fooled went i mentioned coffee, its not the usual 3-in-1 coffee we find in Singapore. The coffee beans are grounded on the spot, filling the whole shop with a strong coffee aroma, then a professional brarista coffee machine is used to produce your cup of coffee.

I've chosen the basic crossiant with flat white and Nic chose the chocolate puff with latte. It wasn't anything fantastic, but it was good enough to fill our tummy and energized us before we start our visitations.

Total damange: 2 breakfast set - 3.20 euros ( ~5.20 sgd )

Up next is CHURROS!!

After researching on the internet, we have decided to try out 5 different churros stalls.

1. Xurreria Laietana

This small shop is run by one lovely old couple who are extremely friendly. Though there's a little language barrier between us, Nic and I still managed to communicate through hand signs. HAHA! They cook the churros in small batches to ensure that the churros we get are hot, crispy and fresh from the deep fryer. Instead of the usual hot chocolate, we opt for coffee instead, as recommended by one of the locals sitting beside us. He told us to dip the churros into the coffee for a different experience. Dont worry, the churros won't turn out to be soggy, but instead the crispy outer layer would have a tinge of coffee, reducing the usual greasy feeling you'll normally get. It's definitely the best churros i had thus far, so good that we had to order another portion.

Total damage: Coffee and churros - 2.40 Euros

Address: Via Laietana, 46, 08003 Barcelona

Phone: +34 932 68 12 63

2. Xurrieria Banys Nous

Although it's well hidden in the alleys, this little churros shops has non-stop customer going in and out. There's no seating available in the shop, it's a take and go concept, suitable for people who wants to continue walking. It's rather common to see people standing outside, enjoying their churros and chocolate.

Total damange: 3.20 Euros

Address: Carrer dels Banys Nous, 8, 08002 Barcelona, Spain

Phone: +34 933 18 76 91

3. Granja M Viader

To be honest, we had our worst churros here. What happened was we went there right before they closed and they served us their leftover churros, those that were left on the shelves and in the cold. Was truly disappointed that they did not lived up to their reputation (at least on tripadvisor website), would rather them not serving us than to give us the sub-standard churros. Also, this was my most expensive churros set, yet it's also the worst in terms of quality and smallest portion churros i've had in Barcelona.

Total damage: 4.50 Euros (~7.20 sgd)

Address: Carrer Xuclà, 4-6, 08001 Barcelona, Spain

Phone: +34 933 18 34 86

4. Xurreria El Trebol

Decent churros at a reasonable price, with good service too! There's other flavours you can choose from, original, creme, chocolate or cinnamon. We wanted to play safe and only tried the original one. Do let me know if the other two taste as good as the original one if you ever try it!

Total damange: 1.70 Euros

Address: Carrer de Còrsega, 341, 08037 Barcelona, Spain

5. Xurreria Sagrada Familia

This is where we had our first flavoured churros! Thick and fat churros with generous filling inside, making sure every bite has a rich content of the fillings. I had a Nutella one, while Nic tried the creme one, both was acceptable, a little crispier would be perfect.

Total damange: 5 Euros (~ 8 sgd )

Address: Plaça de la Sagrada Família, 26, 08013 Barcelona, Spain

Phone:+34 934 58 25 60

Now, it's time for the meals! It's really easy to find something decent in Barcelona, just avoid all the touristy area. Even at touristy areas, the quality are still good, just that they will charge you a lot higher, but overall i would say Barcelona food are generally decent and reasonably priced.

1. La Taguara Areperia

Review a readon on a Spanish Food blog and took a leap of faith to try it out. It was cheap, good and very filling. Arepas taste abit like the mixture of pancake and Mcmuffin bread, was rather new and unlike any bread i've had before. On the recommendation of the owner, we tried the beef and chicken arepas.

Total damage: 9.10 Euros (~ 14.50 sgd )

Address: Carrer del Rec, 10, 08003 Barcelona, Spain

Phone:+34 932 68 15 72

2. Terrablava

Extremely value for money buffet in Barcelona, it includes many starters, salads, cold dishes, hot dishes, beverages, ice cream and fruits. All that only for 10.50 Euros per person. Apart from the food, the place looks well renovated and new, a good place to rest your feet before you conquer the other attractions. Yes, there's free wifi too! Quite a good deal right?

Total damange: 21 Euros for 2 pax ( ~ 33 sgd )

Address: Via Laietana, 55, 08003 Barcelona, Spain

Phone:+34 934 12 63 72

3. Portonovo

This is no doubt the best meal we had in Barcelona, and also the most expensive meal. Guess it's really true that you have to pay more for higher quality food. I had Codloin Garlic Museline, which is basically codfish baked with tomato based vegetable. Yes, it doesn't sound appetising at all, but it's truey the best codfish i've eaten. The codfish was extremely soft and tender, the tomato based sauce was so unique and the vegetables were so soft and fully soaked up with the tomato based sauce. The rich flavours exploded in my mouth with every single bite. Nic ordered Paella of Shellfish and that converted him to a Paella fan. The paella rice was cooked to the right texture and the right amount of moisture, accompanied with a generous serving of seafood, this is definitely a must try when you're there.

Oh yes, they charge you extra for the bread, which tasted horrible. So do reject them if you dont want to end up paying for nothing!

Total damange: 36.95 Euros (~60 sgd )

Paella of Shellfish: 14.50 Euros (~ 23 sgd )

Codloin Garlic Museline: 18 Euros (~ 29 sgd )

Bread: 2.45 Euros (~ 4 sgd )

Water: 2 Euros (~3 sgd )

Address: Carrer de la Creu Coberta, 37, 08014 Barcelona, Spain

Phone:+34 932 92 53 95

4. Bar Central la Boqueria - La Boqueria Market

Located in La Boqueria Market, this open kitchen seafood stall has a seating of about 20 people, but don't worry, the turnover rate here is rather fast. Great service, great atmospher and great seafood here, even though it very pricey for an exchange student. We ordered a mix fish and seafood platter each, which includes razor clams, mussels, lobsters, prawns, clams and fish.

Total damage: 2 sets at 27 Euros each (~43 sgd )

Address: Rambla 91, Mercat de la Boqueria, 08001 Barcelona, Spain

Phone: +34 932 92 69 69

Then, we had 2 big oyster at a random stall in the market, because it's cheaper than those sold in restaurant. Typically, 1 good oyster would cost you about 4 euros in a restuarant, but at the market, you'll be able to find a good one at 2.5 euros. Definitely a better way to save money wihtout compromising on the quality of food you like.

Total damange: 2 oyster at 2.5o euros each (~4 sgd )

That's about all for our Barcelona - Foodie Alert!