When the heat arrives in Barcelona, flavors transform too. Catalan cuisine adapts to the climate and offers us fresh, light, and colorful dishes—perfect for taking a break between swims, strolls, or cultural visits. If you want to “eat like a local” this summer, take note of these typical dishes you’ll find in many homes, bars, and restaurants across the city. Hola Barcelona takes you there!
Here are some of the most typical dishes that locals in Barcelona enjoy when the warm weather hits—fresh, flavorful, and 100% Mediterranean suggestions that will let you connect with the local essence through your palate.
- Empedrat: A refreshing salad made with shredded salt cod, white beans, bell pepper, tomato, and onion. Served cold and dressed with extra virgin olive oil. Perfect for recharging after a morning exploring neighborhoods like El Born or El Raval.
- Melon with ham: A simple yet foolproof combination: the sweetness of fresh melon with the intense flavor of Iberian ham. A summer classic that captures the Mediterranean essence.
- Escalivada: Roasted vegetables (pepper, eggplant, and onion) with a smoky touch, served cold and often topped with tuna or anchovies. Enjoyed on a slice of tomato-rubbed bread, it’s a typical and comforting bite after a walk along Passeig de Gràcia or Parc de la Ciutadella.
- Seafood salad (Salpicón de marisco): A colorful seafood salad featuring octopus, shrimp, mussels, pepper, and onion, all marinated with vinegar and lemon. Light and very summery—perfect to enjoy on a terrace with sea views.
- Fruit salad: Fresh, sweet, and natural. Made with seasonal fruits like watermelon, melon, peach, or cherries. An ideal ending to any summer meal.
- Gazpacho and salmorejo: Refreshing, nutritious, and irresistible. Gazpacho is lighter, almost drinkable like a beverage. Salmorejo is denser, served with hard-boiled egg and ham. Both are a must when the heat is on.
- Mel i mató: A truly Catalan dessert. Mató, a fresh and mild cheese, is paired with honey for a sweet and light contrast—perfect for ending the day with a smile.
Experience Barcelona Through Its Flavors
Summer dishes are more than just food: they’re culture, tradition, and identity. Walk through local markets, discover charming bars, and let yourself be surprised by the richness of Catalan gastronomy. Because to truly experience Barcelona, you have to taste it too.
And if you want to get to know it in depth over a few days, travel comfortably and conveniently with the Hola Barcelona Travel Card. With unlimited public transport rides, you can discover every corner of the city at your own pace. Bon appétit and enjoy the journey!
