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I simply adore food for the pleasure it gives me. There’s nothing quite like sharing good times with friends and family over good food. And international travel allows me, and you, to gain a new appreciation for other cultures of the world and a big part of any culture is its cuisine.

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The food of a region reflects their history and their geographical location and the resources they have available to them. Barcelona is a city on the northeastern coast of Spain on the Balearic Sea. The food fare that travelers find there definitely showcases the colorful history of Barcelona and its centralized location (in relation to northern Africa and all the Mediterranean).

Here are some of the great foods (and a couple drinks) that all travelers (and foodies) need to indulge in.

Beverages

I like to start any list with a drink—for what is great food without something tantalizing to sip alongside it—so here’s two to try on your next foray to Barcelona.

Sangria: Everyone knows that you must try a great glass of Sangria. This is a great refreshment on a hot day. The great thing about Sangria is that every restaurant and Sangria maker has a different take on it and some places will even offer up to 6 different varieties on their menu.

The traditional recipe calls for a bottle of red table wine with a cinnamon stick and the juice of two oranges and a lemon (of course slice some fruit to place in it and voila, Sangria!). For myself, I like adding in a bit of Sprite and Orange juice, perhaps a dash of Cointreau?! Sangria is a drink with numerous varieties, mix it up and see how you like it.

Cava: This is the sparkling wine of Spain. It is normally a drink that is on the sweeter side but there is a variation. Brut Cava is drier and tends to taste more like traditional champagne. For the best cava, head to the volcanic area of Catalunya, known for its stunning medieval architecture and picture-perfect old squares—it’s said to rival French champagne. Give it a taste and let me know what you think.

Meats

Here follow two meats that are traditional to Spain and should be on everyone’s list of foods to try.

Ibérico Ham: Ibérico ham is to Spain what prosciutto is to Italy. This ham has become a famous ingredient known well to world-class chefs as one of the best hams in the world. This ham can be served on its own or as an ingredient in a dish. It’s cut thicker than prosciutto, so it’s not as delicate and a little meatier.

Chorizo: Chorizo is spicy sausage eaten in numerous ways, including sliced up like salami or used as an ingredient in many dishes. For myself, I particularly like it scrambled up in my eggs in the morning.

Cheese

Manchego: This sheep’s milk cheese pairs great with wonderful Iberico ham. It has a salty, earthy flavor, and it originated in the La Mancha region of Spain (hence the name). It is eaten all throughout Spain with great popularity.

Dishes and Other Fare

Gazpacho: This is a chilled tomato soup that is really satisfying on a hot Spanish summer day. It sometimes comes served with Pa amb tomaquet or with sides of croutons, red peppers, and onion. No matter how it is served, it’s delicious.

Gazpacho is a true fav of mine, and soooo easy to make. I tend to cheat with a blender. Just pour in some tomato juice, pulse in some veggies—cucumber, garlic, roasted red peppers—with a slice of a toasted French baguette, season with some salt and pepper and a dash of olive oil, then let it sit in the fridge to mix the flavors for about an hour or so. Best lunch soup ever!!!

Bocadillos: This is the Spanish version of a sandwich. They are made on baguettes that are soft and crusty all at the same time. You can choose the meat that you want on it and then they are topped with multiple sauces and can include lentils, lettuce, corn, or cucumbers.

Seafood: Barcelona is located right on the Balearic Sea, just a stone’s throw from the Mediterranean, which makes Barcelona a central place for amazing seafood. One of the great dishes to try is the calamari and squid, which you can get either fried or grilled.

Bombas: Bombas are a combination of mashed potatoes and meat that are rolled in breadcrumbs in the shape of a ball and fried. They usually come in two different sizes (like snack and meal size) and are usually served with one aioli on top and another on the bottom.

Spanish Omelet: This is not the breakfast omelet that probably comes to mind right now. This is an omelet that is eaten all day and comes in an individual size or larger and served in slices—much like a pie. It is filled with chunks of potatoes and onions and served with some type of aioli.

Pa Amb Tomaquet: This is a bread served with many dishes in Barcelona. It is so popular that if you don’t order it specifically, many servers with ask you if you want it. It is a slice of bread topped with a rub of olive oil and tomato and a dash of salt. Everyone puts their own twist on the dish like some will toast the bread and others will serve it with more chunks of tomato.

Croquettas: Yes, the Spanish version of the croquette. This dish is a lot like the Bombas. Croquettas are filled with meat (usually chicken or Ibérico ham or Serrano ham) and cheese. They are a long, oval shape—a great appetizer to start any meal.

Spain can be a food lover’s dream. Amazing restaurants and cafes line the streets and all the best Spanish fare is at your fingertips. They love to serve their food in the small-plate style, so the portions are great for eating all day long. One thing to keep in mind is that there are going to be different serving size options. A pintxos serving (typically found in bars) is a portion that is like a two-bite snack and perfect for on the go. A tapas menu is going to be a bigger serving size, meant for sharing with a couple people.