When most people think of Spanish cuisine, images of rich, meaty dishes like jamón, chorizo, and seafood paella immediately come to mind.
For vegans, this can make the idea of traveling to Spain, particularly Barcelona, seem daunting. How do you navigate a culinary landscape so deeply rooted in animal products?
The answer, it turns out, is easier than you might think. Barcelona has quietly blossomed into a haven for plant-based eaters, offering a diverse array of vegan options that cater to both locals and tourists.
In this post, I’ll take you through some of my favorite vegan spots in Barcelona, introduce you to inspiring individuals who are shaping the city’s vegan scene, and share some tips on how to enjoy this vibrant city without compromising your plant-based lifestyle.
Embracing Veganism in Barcelona: A Growing Movement
It wasn’t always easy to be vegan in Barcelona. As Sandra from Vegan Tours Barcelona explains, the early days were a challenge, with limited options and a culture steeped in traditional meat-based dishes. However, over the past decade, Barcelona has experienced what Sandra calls a “spring of veganism.” The city’s culinary landscape has evolved to include a wide variety of plant-based options, drawing on influences from global cuisines while still honoring traditional Spanish flavors.
According to Sandra, the key to surviving—and thriving—as a vegan in Barcelona is to seek out places that offer vegan versions of classic Spanish dishes. Whether it’s tapas, paella, or traditional Catalan cuisine, there’s a growing number of restaurants that have embraced veganism without sacrificing the essence of these beloved dishes. The result is a vibrant, ever-expanding vegan scene that offers something for everyone.
Vegetalia: A Sweet Start with Vegan Crema Catalana
My culinary adventure began at Vegetalia, where I met up with Sandra to try a vegan twist on Crema Catalana, a traditional Catalan dessert similar to crème brûlée. The story behind Crema Catalana is rooted in a bit of culinary serendipity—a group of nuns in a rush to prepare for a bishop’s visit accidentally created this now-famous dessert by improvising with burnt sugar to cover up a mistake.
The vegan version we sampled at Vegetalia was made with soy milk, cornstarch, and a pinch of turmeric for color. It was creamy, rich, and indulgent, with a hint of lemon zest and vanilla.
The Vegan Scene in Barcelona: More Than Just Burgers and Bowls
Sandra and I then headed to a quiet plaza to talk more about the vegan scene in Barcelona. She emphasized that while global trends like Buddha bowls and vegan burgers are popular, what sets Barcelona apart is the focus on traditional Spanish dishes made vegan. This approach not only satisfies the growing demand for plant-based options but also preserves the cultural heritage of the region.
Sandra encouraged visitors to explore beyond the typical vegan fare and seek out restaurants that offer veganized versions of Spanish classics. “It’s nice to explore and search for the vegan and more traditional Spanish dishes,” she said. This blend of tradition and innovation is what makes Barcelona’s vegan scene so unique and exciting.
Pötstot: Gluten-Free and Vegan Delights
Next up, I headed to Pötstot, a gluten-free restaurant with a menu that just so happens to be entirely vegan as well. Co-founder Manel explained that while the focus of the restaurant was initially on gluten-free options, it quickly became clear that a vegan menu was the way to go. Opening the restaurant during the pandemic was no easy feat, but Manel and his team persevered, and the result is a menu that is both gluten-free and full of flavor.
At Pötstot, I tried a variety of dishes, including a vegan Spanish omelette and a rich, hearty paella. Every bite was a revelation, showcasing just how satisfying vegan food can be when done right. Pötstot is a testament to the idea that you don’t need animal products to create delicious, soul-satisfying meals.
Botànic: Bursting with flavor
My final stop was Botànic, a restaurant that quickly became one of my favorites in Barcelona. Founded by Marco, an Italian chef who has been living in Barcelona since 2007, Botànic is all about creative, plant-based dishes that draw on Spanish and global culinary traditions.
Marco shared his perspective on veganism in Spain, explaining that the addition of meat and fish to traditional dishes was a relatively recent development—a way to “enrich” simple dishes. He believes that by removing these elements, you’re not taking away from the dish but rather returning it to its roots. As I tasted the dishes at Botànic, I couldn’t help but agree. The food was bursting with flavor, proving that plant-based cuisine can be just as rich and satisfying as anything else.
In Bloom: A Vegan Cooking School with a Catalan Twist
Next on my list was In Bloom, Barcelona’s first vegan cooking school, founded by Laura Bonet. Laura, who spent 10 years living in Hamburg, Germany, where she fronted the grunge rock band Tape Shapes, has always had a passion for cooking. After the pandemic, she decided to bring her dream to life in Barcelona, combining her love for cooking with a desire to teach others how to create delicious, plant-based versions of traditional Catalan dishes.
Laura explained that her goal was to replicate the recipes from her childhood in a completely plant-based way. “From paella and tapas to Catalan cuisine, you can reproduce everything with substitutes like soy, chickpeas, lentils, and soy cream,” she said. The response has been overwhelmingly positive, with both locals and tourists eager to learn how to make vegan versions of their favorite dishes.
I had the opportunity to participate in one of Laura’s cooking classes, where we prepared a Catalan vegan feast. The menu included veggie paella, a Spanish omelette, stuffed peppers with mashed cauliflower, and jackfruit pepper pie. The food was some of the most delicious and satisfying I’ve ever had, proving that vegan Catalan cuisine can be every bit as flavorful and comforting as its traditional counterpart.
A Culinary Adventure to Remember
As I wrapped up my culinary tour of Barcelona, I couldn’t help but reflect on how far the city has come in embracing veganism. From Sandra’s guided tours to Laura’s cooking school, Manel’s gluten-free restaurant, and Marco’s innovative dishes, Barcelona is a city that offers endless possibilities for plant-based eaters.
Whether you’re a longtime vegan or just curious about trying something new, Barcelona has something for everyone. The city’s vegan scene is a beautiful blend of tradition and innovation, offering a taste of Spain that is both familiar and refreshingly new.
So, the next time you find yourself in the land of jamón, don’t worry—you’ll have no trouble finding delicious, plant-based options.
