La Boqueria > Reviews > Foodie Heaven

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Advantages:	Variety, Value, Central
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A visit to Barcelona is not complete without a walk down La Ramblas, which runs from the centre at Placa de Catalunya to Port Vell. This long straight tree lined avenue is alive day and night. The pedestrian strip in the centre is lined on one side with stalls selling small birds, chickens, rabbits, guinea pigs and tropical fish and on the other side flower stalls. Dotted between the two are kiosks selling newspapers and small items. As you reach halfway down on the right slightly set back from the main row of shops is the large stained glass arches of the oldest market in Barcelona where you are taken into foodie heaven. A food market might not be on your 'to do' list but make an exception with this one. You won’t be disappointed.

As I entered the covered market I was hit by the colour and the displays of vegetables, not just heaped into sections but also beautifully displayed. Cauliflowers are proudly displayed in baskets lined with leaves. Oranges and apples form skyscraper heights and every space is artistically utilised to please the eye. The market is divided into permanent mini shops and every space is taken up. Display is everything - this is a market where rotten fruit does not exist. Open Monday to Saturday 8am-8pm it has a constant stream of customers not just to buy food but to discuss world issues whilst sitting on the high stools at the Tapas bars dotted around the market.

As I walked round, the variety of food became apparent, the fish stalls are heaving with so many different types of fish I could name only ten out of forty. Seeing them sat on mounds of crushed ice, you suddenly realise what is meant in cookery programmes about spotting a fresh fish. It was the amount of fish that surprised me. I did wonder if they would manage to sell them all and what happened to the ones they didn’t.

This is an old and traditional market and you get that feel as you walk around. It seemed to me that the way the food had been displayed had been a method used for generations. Everywhere displays of food seem to draw you in. The meat stalls looked very interesting; deli like, with huge dried hams and salamis hung by string, no two pieces looking the same. The choice was amazing not just the meats but olives, peppers, herbs, tinned and jarred food.

Just from the sheer abundance of fresh food and colour this market is worth a look, it might not be on the tourist map but it should be.