Calçots: The Catalan Obsession You Didn’t Know You Needed

Calçots: The Catalan Obsession You Didn’t Know You Needed ????
If onions and leeks had a love child raised by BBQ masters, you’d get calçots—the royalty of Catalan winter cuisine. These mild, sweet onions are grilled until charred, peeled, dunked in a nutty romesco sauce, and devoured with messy, delicious enthusiasm. ????
But calçots aren’t just food—they’re an experience. Enter the calçotada, a glorious winter tradition where friends and family gather to feast on calçots (and piles of grilled meats) while laughing, chatting, and probably wearing bibs. ???????? Bibs, you ask? Oh yes, because eating calçots is a hands-on, sauce-everywhere kind of joy.
???? A Little History
Calçots hail from the town of Valls, where a clever farmer in the 19th century decided to bury growing onions deeper in the soil. The result? A longer, sweeter, and absolutely irresistible onion. Today, calçots even have a fancy European PGI label, so you know they’re the real deal.
???? Where to Try Them
Not near the countryside? Don’t worry, Barcelona’s got you covered:
???? L’Antic Forn (Raval): A cozy spot with passionate staff who’ll guide you through your calçot adventure.
???? El Glop (Gràcia): Rustic vibes and a hearty calçotada menu await.
???? Can Sarda: Classic flavours done right in the heart of the city.
Want the full countryside experience? Head out of town:
???? Can Cortes (Sant Cugat del Vallès): A perfect escape just a short ride away.
???? El Vinyet (Tarragona): Authentic, delicious, and worth the trip.
???? Pro Tip: If you want to DIY, grab a bunch from Mercat de Santa Caterina or Mercat de la Terra and try your hand at grilling!
✨ Why Calçots Are Life
It’s not just the food. It’s the messy fingers, the belly laughs, and the slow chats around the table (hello, sobremesa). It’s a winter tradition that makes you feel like you belong. So, tie that bib tight, grab a glass of wine, and go to town on some calçots. ????
???? Have you tried calçots yet? Share your messy pics below!