When I first arrived in Spain, I knew I would experience a new culture, but I did not expect food to become one of the main ways I connected with it. From making paella to trying different tapas and exploring foods from around the world, every meal has introduced me to a different part of Barcelona. As someone from an immigrant background, these experiences have helped me realize that food is more than something we eat. It can tell stories about people and their history!
The food in Spain is absolutely delicious. In my first experience making the classic Spanish dish called paella, I worked with a team of four to make a chicken and vegetable paella. The second paella I tried was a fish paella that I enjoyed right next to the ocean, and it was so delicious that the plate seemed to disappear. I was able to taste the different ingredients of the paella all in one bite. I also tried different types of tapas, which are very popular appetizers in Spain, such as pa amb tomàquet, which is bread topped with fresh, ripe tomatoes, and bombas, which are fried potatoes served with a delicious mayonnaise sauce. Many people might assume that I would only eat Spanish food in Barcelona, but I have tried many different types of cuisine, including Mexican, American, Arab and French foods.
