Mercat de La Boqueria, Barcelona

More posts from my last trip to Spain. The Boqueria market is a must see if you are in Barcelona, although flocked with tourists, you really can't miss it.Located in the Ramblas near the Liceo, the first mention in the history books about the Boqueria market dates 1217 - although the structure that you see now still existing was constructed in 1914.

The first thing you will see when you enter the Market is Bar Pinotxo. A place made famous by Ferran Adria of El Bulli when he mentioned in one of his interviews that he often is there for lunch when he is in his Taller (very near the market) preparing for the new menu of El Bulli. A very small place serving tapas. Its recommended to go there for a late breakfast or brunch. Ingredients are at its best since its bought fresh directly from the market.

The whole area I'd say is around 4000 to 5000 sqm., divided in to areas...the first area that immediately caught my eye was the deli/chorizo/meat area. Stores lined up one after the other with legs of Jamon serrano/Jabugo/Iberico just hanging - ready to be sliced and packed... Also all kinds of Chorizos, Salchichones and butifarras...after seeing this - I was in heaven...

Next was the 'Bacalao' section. Bacalao is very widely used in Catalan cooking and that's why there were more than 10 stores just selling Bacalao. All kinds of cuts, sizes, shapes, etc...they even had Bacalao that was already soaked in water and was either ready to use, or needed one or 2 more days before cooking. Bacalao normally has to be soaked 3 days before cooking and water changed every 8 or 12 hours to remove the salt. Here they have it ready for cooking in case you don't want to soak it anymore.

There were many other 'sections' in the market, like the fruits section - all kinds of fruits, including tropical ones that you would rarely see in Spain. There were also several stores that sold all kinds of nuts and dried fruits - all kinds of nuts, dates, raisins, etc...

Other areas worth mentioning is the seafood area. I failed to document this because of an annoying american tourist who started taking pictures while holding the lobsters, crabs and shrimps of one stall - so the owner, very angry - shooed everyone away. There are several other small Bars/restaurants inside like Pinotxo which we saw but without doubt Pinotxo is the most popular.

To end this post, 2 more pictures : Fresh Pimientos del Padron, which I spoke about here and a store selling mini chorizos and Fuets (Fuet is a Catalan type of Salami very popular). Ive tried this minis and believe me, once you start you cant stop.

I hope you enjoyed this post and like I said in the beginning of this post, if you happen to be in Barcelona - do not miss this place.