Culinary routes of Tarragona: What to eat before or after a port adventure

Tarragona is a captivating city on Spain's Costa Daurada, which is better known for its ancient Roman ruins and pristine beaches. However, exploring any local culture inevitably leads to gastronomy, and food is Tarragona's claim to fame.

Its culinary scene is deep-rooted in Mediterranean traditions which use only local ingredients, so a true highlight for any visitor here is to savor the traditional Tarragona food dishes to experience the best of its culinary identity.

Cruises departing from Barcelona (Tarragona), typically take guests on shore excursions to the city as well as the nearby surroundings to visit key historical sites and sample local cuisine, before the departure of the cruise.

In fact, some of the fresh seafood is available near the port terminal itself where you can enjoy delicious Catalan paella with mussels and other kinds of shellfish, like prawns, which are served with fragrant saffron fried rice, glazed with Romesco sauce, Tarragona's notable culinary contribution.

Tarragona seafood delights

Enjoying an enviable coastal location means that fresh seafood in Tarragona is not an option, but the cornerstone of the local cuisine.

To celebrate this unparalleled bounty which comes daily from the Mediterranean Sea, it is essential to visit a historic fishing village to truly appreciate these flavors. Besides paella, another local favorite is arrossejat, a rice dish cooked in thick fish broth, till it becomes crispy on the bottom. This local delicacy is served with garlic mayonnaise and the intense flavor of the seafood captures the essence of the Mediterranean culinary tradition in each and every bite.

Another iconic and beloved local dish of Tarragona is Suquet De Peix, which is a rich fish stew made from the meat of different white fish and simmered with potatoes and mussels.

For those seeking something exclusive, sea cucumbers or Espardenyes are a highly prized and expensive offering because of their delicate texture and extraordinary taste.

Shrimps are a delicacy which locals enjoy by simply grilling them and incorporating them in different rice dishes.

Catalan comfort food

Beyond the fresh seafood, Tarragona cuisine also boasts a wide selection of robust dishes that reflect the rich history of its Roman past and strong Catalan identity. 

The backbone of these delicious recipes is the abundant availability of fresh local produce and quality meats that are supplied by the local farmers and hillside outlets.

A quintessential winter Catalan experience is Calçotada, made from a specific type of green onion which is grilled over an open flame till the outer sides are charred black, while the interior remains soft and tender. These onions are then peeled by hand and placed on terracotta tiles to later dip them generously in Romesco sauce. This seasonal delicacy is always on the menu of many local festivals from January to March.

Those who prefer noodles over rice, a delightful alternative to paella is Fideuà, a kind of thin pasta noodles cooked in thick shellfish and fish broth. The noodles absorb the flavors of the sea perfectly to create a dish with a unique texture and depth.

Sweet treats of Tarragona

Tarragona is so full of delightful desserts and excellent local drinks that no meal is deemed complete without indulging in them. Besides the savory ingredients, the region is also known for its proud spirits and winemaking tradition.

For a truly authentic sweet treat, try the Panellets, which are actually small cakes that come coated with pine nuts or at times with almonds or coconut. While they are found in bakeries all over because of the high demand, they are traditionally associated with All Saints Day, which is celebrated in late October.

Coming to wines, the local produce from the DO Tarragona appellation is worth looking into. This region is known for its red wines, which are made from three types of local grapes, which are a perfect complement to the region's wholesome cuisine. White wines made from Macabeo and Xarel·lo are also gaining in recognition and offer an ideal alternative.

Finally, embrace local customs, try out new flavours, savor the wines and let your taste buds guide you through the journey for an authentic Tarragona culinary adventure that awaits you.