In this article, I present pinchosoften confused with tapas. What are the main differences? Where to eat good pinchos in Barcelona? What do you need to know about these Basque taps? I tell you all about it!
Here you'll find
- An explanation of the term Pinchos
- The origins of these mini-tapas
- 5 places to taste it in Barcelona
- Practical information: prices, opening hours, tasting tips
- And much more!
If you're looking for information on pinchos, you'll love this article.
Follow the guide!
Pinchos: article summary
Pinchos and tapas: what are the main differences?
It is unthinkable to pass through Spain without tasting tapas. During your stay in Barcelona, you will an embarrassment of richesand all you have to do is push open the door of one or more of the best tapas bars of the Catalan capital to treat yourself.
A taste of some of the local specialities - serrano ham, patatas bravas, tortillas and croquetas - while sipping a cold beer, a glass of wine or a delicious cocktail. Visit tapas concept is simple to grasp: order a glass and you'll be brought a few small plates of food to share (for a fee or free of charge) during a gourmet aperitif.
But why do we often confuse Tapas and Pincho ? What are these Pinchos really all about?
What's a Pincho?
The truth is, both look the same ! The main difference is that Pincho is a local speciality. Basque Country and that it's very common over there. It's often a miniaturized version of a dish, served on a plate. a piece of bread and/or on a pick.
And since Spanish Basque gastronomy is often considered the most elaborate in the country, pinchos are a real treat!
Order them on the sideYou'll find them in bars dedicated to pinchos, or in establishments serving pinchos, tapas and montaditos (which are tiny sandwiches).
Where does the term Pincho come from?
The Basque Country is a independent region of northern Spainwhich has its own idiom. Over there, Pincho is written Pintxo and Pintxos bars are a dime a dozen!
The term derives from the verb Pincharwhich means to prick. And since pinchos are essentially served as mini-brochettes, where food is threaded onto spikes before being placed on bread, they're nicknamed Pinchos !
In Barcelona, you'll be forgiven for making a mistake between Tapas and PinchosThe people of the Basque Country are much more touchy when it comes to their culture. Don't say tapas!
How do you eat pinchos?
Pincho is usually eaten as a one or two bitesThe tapas plate is meant to be shared, and the quantities are larger.
The advantage of this system is that you can eat the quantity you require - two or three pinchos to accompany a beer, or fifteen if you want to make a full meal of it - because you pay at the end. And how do you do that? Simply by counting woodpeckers on your plate!
It's practical, fun and, above all, a great opportunity to a taste of Spanish gastronomyin a variety of ways. Today, pinchos are often used by chefs to experiment with new things. You could fill up on amazing flavours, by biting into one of these delicious bites.
You just have to know where to get good ones...!
Where to eat good pinchos in Barcelona?
There are some very good restaurants in Barcelonacountless places to eat tapas. And even gourmet tapas ! What about pinchos? Here's 5 addresses to know for a great time!
Koska Taverna, in Poble Sec
Located in the most famous tapas streets of the city, Carrer de BlaiThis pincho bar is popular with locals for several reasons. Its terrace, the inventiveness of the pinchos served and the quality of its ingredients!
- Address: Carrer de Blai, 8, 08004 Barcelona
Maitea, for a refined touch
Still in the Eixample districtThis establishment has built its reputation on the quality of its preparations. From fusion cuisinetraditional Basque dishes revisited to delight gourmets. Top service and refinement are the order of the day.
- Address: C. de Casanova, 155, 08036 Barcelona
Euskal Etxea, 100 % Basque
A Basque tavern with a restaurant and a bar. pinchos barnot far from the Picasso Museum and Citadel Park. Here, we want to honor the cuisine of the Basque Country, and the end result lives up to expectations: visually, it's magnificent, and the pinchos are simply exquisite!
- Address: Placeta de Montcada, 1, 08003 Barcelona
Taberna Blai Tonight
We return to the carrer de Blai with this Pinchos bar and rustic establishment which smells of authenticity. The prices are ridiculously low, the atmosphere is young and jovial, and of course, the food is delicious!
If you have time to spare, spend a few hours there to sample all the preparations, which arrive as the clientele changes!
- Address: Carrer de Blai, 23, 08004 Barcelona
Anardi, the ultimate Pinchos experience
In the district of Sant Antoni (Eixample), you'll find an establishment run by a Basque couple who have come down from the country to introduce Barcelonaers to the wonders of their gastronomy. Mission accomplished? Absolutely! The pinchos are as good, as beautiful and as varied as you'd expect. the flavours of the rendez-vousfrom savoury to sweet!
The waiter circulates between the tables and you pick out what tempts you. And believe me, there'll be plenty to tempt you!
- Address: 48 Carrer Del Parlament, 48, 08015 Barcelona
What price pinchos?Â
There's probably a question on your mind: How much does a Pincho cost? ?
Depending on the quality of the establishment and the nature of the ingredients, prices generally range from 1 and 2 euros / pincho.
In short, with 10 / 20 euros in your pocket, you can eat and drink in this type of establishment. For smaller budgets, it's a good plan to know!
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