Hola amigos! (Hi friends!) One of my favorite things about studying abroad is trying new foods — it’s such a fun and delicious way to learn about Spanish and Catalan culture. Living in Barcelona has given me the chance to experience Catalonia’s distinct take on Spanish cuisine. Catalan food is known for being simple yet full of flavor, using fresh, local ingredients like tomatoes, olive oil, seafood and seasonal vegetables.
Since being here, I’ve had the chance to eat at several local restaurants that serve fresh and flavorful dishes made with traditional Mediterranean ingredients. On a typical day, Spaniards enjoy a diet that includes vegetables, olive oil, fruits and seafood -- all essential parts of the Mediterranean lifestyle.
My favorite dish that I’ve tried so far is paella (Pronounced ‘pie-yay-a’). It’s a traditional Spanish dish that originally comes from Valencia, but it’s loved all across Spain. Another dish that I love is bread with tomato, which is made by rubbing ripe tomatoes on toasted bread, drizzling olive oil on top and sometimes adding garlic or salt. This simple but flavorful dish is a staple in Catalan cooking and perfectly represents their appreciation for fresh ingredients.
