Tarragona’s cuisine reflects its Mediterranean location and Catalonian roots. The city is known for its seafood dishes, thanks to its coastal location, with popular offerings including “fideuà” (a seafood paella made with noodles instead of rice) and fresh fish like “suquet de peix,” a fish stew made with garlic, saffron, and tomatoes.
Traditional Catalan dishes, such as “calçots” (grilled green onions served with a rich romesco sauce), are also widely enjoyed in Tarragona, particularly during the calçotada season in the early spring. Local markets like the Central Market of Tarragona offer a taste of the region’s freshest produce, where visitors can sample local cheeses, cured meats, and olives.
For those with a sweet tooth, Tarragona has a rich tradition of pastries and desserts, including “menjar blanc,” an almond milk pudding flavored with cinnamon. The city’s wine culture is also worth exploring, with Tarragona’s wines often accompanying meals, particularly the region’s Cava, a sparkling wine produced in the nearby Penedès region.