Posts Tagged ‘tapas’
When you visit a new country you usually have some preconceptions about it. It could be that in Sweden you expect to see polarbears in the streets or that all french people wear berets.
We are going to kill some of the most common myths about Spain.
1. La Sagrada Familia is the cathedral of Barcelona. If you ask anyone for the direction to the Cathedral you will get confused when you arrive. The Catherdal of Barcelona is called Cathedral of Santa Eulalia and has nothing to do with La Sagrada Familia which is the famous building designed by Antoni Gaudi.
2. Paella is a seafood dish. It most certainly can contain seafood ,but it’s mainly a rice dish.
3. Bullfighting is the national sport. First of all, it’s not a sport and second of all it’s not national.n The real national sport in Spain is soccer.
4. You drink Sangria in the bars. Sangria is a party drink and exists only to get everyone drunk as fast as possible.
In the bars there are mainly tourists ordering sangria.
5.Flamenco is a very popular dance. It contains dancing, but it has four main elements: music, handclapping, dancing and singing.
6. Spain is a tropical paradise. If you visit during the winter you might have to buy a portable heater to survive the night.
7. Spanish food is hot and spicy. The Spaniards will sprinkle paprika over the food and call it spicy. But it’s nothing compared to a mexican chili con carne.
8. Tapas is a special kind of food. In fact, tapas can be anything. It’s a small dish served with a drink.
9. You have to leave tip. No, it’s not common in Spain and is perpetuated by a lot of guidebooks.
With this in mind for your visit, you will be a bit more prepared!
Visitors to Barcelona must eat atleast a few typical Spanish and Catalan meals during their stay. However, outside of the thousands of bars and restaurants serving up tapas and local specialities, the abundance of international foods available is incredible. Even picky eaters can find something to eat in a city the size of Barcelona. Japanese, Chinese, Indian, Thai, Italian, French, and many more types of restaurants are scattered throughout the city, varying in price and quality. Below are a few suggestions for interesting restaurants, but feel free to search for your own favorites!
Japanese-
Check out Kynoto, a sushi and Japanese fusion restaurant in the Gothic Quarter, and one of the first to start the current sushi craze blazing through the city. With the freshest ingredients, served with beautiful presentation, you’re sure to enjoy your meal here.
Address: Carrer Correus Vells, 8 (check the website for more information)
Phone: 932 682 540
For a Japanese-Catalan combo, try Ken, a tiny restaurant serving up innovative dishes. This place is always packed, so make sure to make reservations in advance and avoid the lunch and dinner rush.
Address: Carrer Benet i Mateu, 53
Phone: 932 032 044
Chinese-
An ‘actual’ Chinese restaurant in Spain is hard to come by, but Shanghai 1930 certainly meets most high standards. In spite of the cheesy atmosphere, the food is served generously and combines Spanish, Japanese and Chinese elements, making the menu a bit confusing to figure out. If you’re feeling adventurous, this is definitely the place for you.
Address:Carrer de Buenos Aires 11-13
Phone: 933 634 370
A bit out of the way, but well worth the trek, Dong Lin Chinese Restaurant is as authentic as it gets. Well-suited for large groups, this restaurant serves typical dishes for great prices. Don’t be wary that you haven’t heard of it before, sometimes the best places are undiscovered.
Address: Av Paral-lel, 152
Italian-
For an authentic Italian meal, look no further than La Bella Napoli. This restaurant, run by true Italians, serves some of the best pizza and pasta in Barcelona, and is always packed with tourists and locals alike. Make sure to reserve a table or get there before 10 pm to get a seat!
Address: Carrer de Margarit, 15
Phone: 934 425 056
French-
To find authentic, delicious French food, give Le Petit Bergerac a try. With fantastic presentation, high-quality ingredients, and reasonable prices (for the quality), this place will satisfy any French afficionados.
Address: Carrer Aribau, 141
Phone: 934 305 758
For an experience unlike any other, take a ‘ride’ on a British double decker bus while enjoying the cuisine of Crêperie Bretonne Anaick. The low prices and enormous crepes are crowdpleasers.
Address: Carrer Ramon Trias Fargas, 2-4
Phone: 93 221 1599
