Continuing with the Barcelona series, why not talk about one of the classics of the city. The Boqueria Market.

You may think “Well, the Boquería is not precisely a small place”, and I couldn’t agree more. The Boquería is one of the largest markets in Spain (aswell as one of the oldest: The marketplace was inaugurated in 1840, in the dawn of the modernist city we know now, but the origins go far back to medieval times) and this makes it one of the most well known Barcelona’s sights, a favorite of the tourists.

But this is only on the surface.

This gastronomic paradise hides a lot of secrets from the superficial visitant, though. Just walking a bit further through the crowded alleys, and you will discover not only the great colors of the main ingredients of the Mediterranean cuisine such as fruits, vegetables, fresh fish and seafood, but great places to take the typical “Tapas” or to buy the best fungi selection. The tempo usually slows down a bit, and gets more pleasant as soon as you are in the middle of the place.

The key of the success of the “Mercat the Sant Josep” (it’s actual name) is the sum of all the small things that makes this place a big experience.

For the locals like me, this market is part of our culinary routine. Personally, I don’t like big “fluerencent-light” malls. I opt for the experience of a hectic Boqueria on Saturday early mornings. I like to shop in my favorite stands, buying fresh products. Also on Saturday, there is a part outside the market, when the “pajesos” (farmers) come to sell their goods. This is the perfect time to buy seasonal organic products at really good prices.

But also top restaurants buy here (Like Ferrán Adriá, the world famous chef who’s got his “laboratory on Ferran, just next to La Boqueria”), which makes it a desired place also for real connoisseurs.

Don’t miss out on all the small culinary treasures in this vibrant micro-world, just next to the Ramblas.

Barcelona, 26. March 2010

Mercedes Quevedo

Tags
Barcelona | Food | Market


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