A day at La Boqueria - Barcelona
Regarded as one of the World's Best Markets, this gastronomic village within a city has mysterious roots that go all the way back to the 1200's.(AD) It is not exactly known how it was established but since then it has grown from strength to strength and is an absolute must visit by anyone even remotely interested in fresh produce and amazing food.
Over the centuries, its location was threatened many times. Throughout Catalonia, towns and cities have been founded around markets and the same is true for La Boqueria. Popular belief suggests that it originated as an open-air market, in front of one of the gates of the old city wall (Pla de la Boqueria) where fruit and vegetable traders from local towns and farms near by would gather to sell their products.
As the market's popularity grew, farmers from neighboring towns were prevented from trading there due to the fierce competition that spurned arguments and fights between the old greengrocers and the new ones. This led to the merging of markets from the two near squaresin to one: La Rambla de Sant Josep. The new open-air market, in Rambla de Sant Josep was inaugurated on October 18th, 1827. This was the forerunner of the market we see today. A convention was held in 1835 where it was decided to build an official structure. Construction began on March 19, 1840 under the direction of the architect Mas Vilà.
In 1914 the market was provided a metal roof and was inaugurated. From there, it began to modernize and to improve, not only at a sanitary level, but also aesthetic, and decorative. Over the years, La Boqueria has become the most emblematic market of all the network of markets in Barcelona.
Walking through La Boqueria, you instantly feel the history and culture seeping out into your consciousness. The food stalls are beautifully prepared and everyone has their specialty, the mushroom guy, the chili lady, the sweet stand. Everything you could ever dream of is there. From fish so fresh you could eat them on the spot, to cured meats and everything in between like sausages, chacuterie, meat and animal organs. It is an amazing sight to behold and the energy of everyone coming and going, the wheeling and dealing is infectious. And it is far from just tourists on some sort of foodie pilgrimage that are here cramming into the place, the local Catalan's revere the Boqueria as their local green grocer and produce market too. Many of Barcelona's top restaurateurs buy their produce here.
At the center of the market place lies a ring of eateries or food (tapas) bars as they are known, that take all of that wonderful produce from the food traders and turn it into something magical. Famous names like El Pinotxo, El Quim (where the Bull's Tail Risotto is sensational!) and Kiosko Universal all battle it out to be the king of the Boqueria. Each have their specialties and their own unique story and history of how they came to be there. Getting a seat is always a battle but persevere because it is absolutely worth it.
Bull's Tail Risotto
Patatas Bravas
This cenutries old food market is simply an enthralling and amazing place to visit let alone have a meal be that breakfast or lunch but once you get there it's impossible to walk away disappointed. As far as getting there goes, it’s just off the Ramblas and there’s plenty of nice hotels to choose from. One I liked quite a lot was the Barcelo Reval which is basically around the corner, which means you can walk there and take in all the sights, sounds and characters you’ll come across along the way.
If you’re a foodie of any kind - actullaly even if you’re not, this is one food journey that you should go on!
All Images By Talking Fork. Enjoy.
