Cheap Eats for the Summertime in Barcelona
I mentioned in a previous post that I am trying to lose weight, which means eating less ice cream and going to the gym. Luckily for me, I’ve got nature and the season on my side. Barcelona in the summer is hot. And humid. And though this year has been colder than others, it’s 86°F as I write this.
The heat makes me crave cool drinks, gazpacho, salads, fresh fruit, and grilled fish (not to mention chilled white wine, better if it’s a Priorat), all foods that go well with my diet and the warm weather.
Cava for summer in Spain
Here are some of the best local cheap eats to look for in Barcelona from June to September:
Gazpacho
A tomato-base soup served cold. Typically, the waiter will bring you a side of minced cucumber, red onion, and bell pepper, which you can mix into the gazpacho, along with croutons. Most restaurants will offer this refreshing and healthy soup in the summer for lunch or dinner, usually as a starter. €5, aprox.
Ice Cream and Gelato
Not in my diet, but delicious! There may be more gelato stands than bars areas like the Gothic Quarter and El Born. My preferred ice cream place in Vioko, in La Barceloneta. Try the rose and raspberry flavor. €4.
Rose wines for the summertime
Rosé and White Wines
Spain does wine well. Summer is the time for sangría, which is made with red or white wine or even cava, plus fruit and liquor. I don’t normally order sangría, as it’s akin to mixing Coca-cola with red wine for me (yes, people do this, it’s called kalimotxo).
Instead, I stick to the basics: an excellent rosé from Navarra, a cool white from Priorat or Galicia, and cava from Penedès. Have a glass of wine or two at Vila Viniteca’s La Teca in El Born. €3, a glass aprox. (See more of my favorite wine bars in town.)
Horchata and Granizados
Nothing says “it’s freakin’ hot” like a line in front of your local horchata shop. Granizados are like slushies… but made with natural ingredients such as lime, lemon, etc. Horchata is made from tigernuts, and is bitter-sweet. I’m not sure if I like it or not. I’d probably go for the granizados.
They say the best Horchata in Barcelona is found at El Tío Ché in Poblenou, which has been in the biz since 1912. Under €5.
These tasty Barcelona treats will keep you cool and happy this summer. What foods do you crave when the heat hits?
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