This was my first Secret Food Tour, my first time in Barcelona, and day 2 of 3 in the city, so this was the perfect way to get an in depth, intimate local experience with the gastronomy, history, and culture of Spain, Barcelona, and Catalan. I was alone but in a group of 9, led by the amazing Jordi, who shared tips and tricks for finding the best places to eat and shop and what to steer clear from. From the Santa Caterina market (I wish I lived here so I could shop there every day, I have to shop at Costco in bulk to feed my family up in Canada!) tasting beautiful olives, goat and sheep cheeses, and meats (serrano, iberico hams and chorizo), to sweets and pastries, to several tapas (with vermut, and I had the extra drink package so a glass of cava as well), and ending with seafood paella (with red sangria, and I could not do the other drink!), I was stuffed - with food, drink, and new knowledge and appreciation of the area and people.
As an introvert, exploring a place by myself for the first time, a group tour made me nervous - but there's something about sharing food and drink in a tight, hot, busy, intimate setting that feels - comfortable and good.
I will note, the extra drinks package was probably not necessary, as the tour already had 2 drinks (alcoholic or non), and I was drinking bottled water to stay hydrated, so while being on a schedule it was a lot to add 2 more alcoholic drinks (I deferred the last drink) to the experience in that time. If the tour was a touch longer, I might have taken that aperitif!
I would not only recommend this tour, but I will look for other locations with the...
Read moreWhenever we travel, we always do a food tour and Secret Food Tours is our #1 go to company for these! Their tour in Barcelona did not disappoint! We lucked out in that we were the only ones on the tour which allowed Miguel to customize the experience to our liking and as we were a very small group, we had the unique opportunity to a spot that is not normally on the tour but on the recommendation list you get after the tour (El Xampanyet). It also happens to be Miguel's GO-TO spot with his friends! As we walked through the city, Miguel explained the plaques on the side walk in front of various establishments were actually awards recognizing the business for being an expert in their craft. These are all around Barcelona and we were wondering what they were up until that moment! On our tour, we were able to start off with this amazing donut at a local dessert place, visit a local roastery (nuts/coffee) to taste some nuts, a tapas restaurant for various small bites, a neighborhood market for meats and cheeses (OMG BELOTTA!!!) and finally a paella restaurant for an amazing seafood paella! The tour concluded with an amazing view by the beach of the Mediterranean Sea. We definitely recommend the Secret Food Tour of Barcelona and 5 stars to Miguel for being an...
Read moreI recently had the pleasure of joining a secret food tour in Barcelona led by the incredible Jordi, and it was nothing short of fantastic! From the moment we met, Jordi’s passion for the city and its culinary scene was evident. He took us off the beaten path, introducing us to hidden gems that we would never have discovered on our own.
The tour was thoughtfully curated, showcasing a delightful mix of traditional tapas and unique dishes that truly captured the essence of Catalan cuisine. Jordi’s knowledge and enthusiasm were contagious; he shared fascinating stories about the history and culture behind each stop, making the experience both educational and entertaining.
Every bite was a revelation, and the vibrant atmosphere of the local eateries added to the charm. It felt like we were dining with a friend rather than just a guide. I left the tour not only with a full stomach but also with a deeper appreciation for Barcelona’s food culture.
If you’re looking for an authentic culinary adventure in Barcelona, I can’t recommend Jordi highly enough. This tour was the highlight of my trip, and I can’t wait to return and explore...
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