15 Iconic Dishes That Define Barcelona - Barcelona - The Infatuation

"The bomba is like a deep-fried mashed potato ball stuffed with spicy ground beef and topped with the same sauces used for patatas bravas. It’s a native of Barceloneta, Barcelona’s former fishermen’s district and now the overtourism epicenter. Two Barceloneta landmarks both claim to have originated this recipe—la Bombeta and La Cova Fumada. People have robust opinions as to which is better, but we’d challenge them to tell the two apart in a blind tasting since there’s only so much you can do with potato, beef, and spice. For something fresher and more 2025-coded, head to Casa Maians, a newer addition to the neighborhood that fast became the local go-to. Here, the bomba is topped with jamón Ibérico and jalapeños for a fresher finish." - isabelle kliger