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What to eat in Catalonia? Top 100 Catalan Foods

Last update: Thu Mar 27 2025
Top 100 Catalan Foods
TABLE OF CONTENTS

Best Catalan Foods

01

Custard

CATALONIA, Spain
4.2
Crema Catalana
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Crema Catalana is a popular Spanish dessert made by baking a custard consisting of milk, cornstarch, and eggs in an oven. After baking and cooling, the dessert is sprinkled with sugar and broiled or burnt with a torch to create a crispy, burnt caramel top layer.


Sometimes, crema Catalana may be flavored with cinnamon, lemon, or orange zest. The dessert is also known as Crema de Sant Josep, since it is traditionally prepared on March 19, celebrating the saint. It is also the oldest European custard dessert, dating back to the 14th century. 

MOST ICONIC Crema Catalana

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02

Sauce

TARRAGONA, Spain
4.2
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Romesco is a savory Spanish sauce consisting of red peppers, tomatoes, onions, and a variety of roasted or raw nuts such as pine nuts, hazelnuts, and almonds. The sauce is extremely versatile, so it can be served with fish, seafood, salads, vegetables, and meat dishes, although it can also be used in stews, giving them a savory richness.


Romesco is also traditionally consumed as a dipping sauce for grilled spring onions, which is another Catalan delicacy.

03

Breakfast

CATALONIA, Spain
4.2
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The classic Catalan invention known as pa amb tomàquet consists of toasted slices of bread that are sprinkled with salt, rubbed with tomatoes, and drizzled with olive oil (purists insist on rubbing both sides of the bread with tomatoes).


The first recipe for this dish dates back to 1884, when stale bread was rubbed with tomatoes in order to soften it. It is recommended to use a rustic sourdough called pa de pagès and tomatoes on the vine, since they have a unique, intense flavor.


The dish is usually consumed for breakfast or served before a big meal, as a tapa, or for merienda

MOST ICONIC Pa amb tomàquet

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04
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Fricandó amb moixernons is a classic Catalan dish of casseroled veal. There are as many variations on this dish as there are cooks. Dating back to the beginning of the 18th century, the dish is prepared with small, flattened slices of veal (rump, shank, round, flank), onions, carrots, tomatoes, almonds, garlic, flour, white wine, carquinyoli biscuits, and moixernons (fairy ring mushrooms).


Optional ingredients include bacon and a bit of dark chocolate. The meat is covered with the sauce and a picada consisting of parsley, chopped garlic, and carquinyoli biscuits. Fricandó amb moixernons is usually left to stand for a few hours or even a few days before serving so that the flavors become even better. 
05

Cheese

CATALONIA, Spain
4.2
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Garrotxa is a traditional Catalan goat cheese originating from the Garrotxa area in Catalonia.


The cheese is made from the milk of Murciana goats and is aged in caves for about 1 to 2 months, which helps to develop its mold and enhance the flavor. It is characterized by a powdery gray or grayish-blue rind, an ivory-colored interior, and a semi-soft texture. 
06

Cheese Dessert

CATALONIA, Spain
4.2
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In its basic form, this traditional Catalan dessert is a simple combination of honey and mató (also known as brossat or brull)—a subtly sweet fresh cheese that is made from goat, sheep, or cow milk. The dish is assembled by placing a piece of mató and then generously drizzling it with honey.


A common homemade dessert as well as a regular restaurant dish, mel i mató is easily modified with the addition of nuts, jams, and dry or fresh fruit.

07

Rice Dish

CATALONIA, Spain and  one more region
4.1
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Arròs negre is a Spanish dish originating from Valencia and Catalonia, and it is the most popular in Castellon and Tarragona. It is made with white rice, squid or cuttlefish, and squid ink, which gives the dish its characteristical black color.


The dish is often enriched with the addition of garlic, onions, fish stock, cubanelle peppers, olive oil, and sweet paprika, and many cooks like to add other types of seafood into the paella pan, such as shrimp and crab.

MOST ICONIC Arròs negre

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08

Vegetable Dish

CATALONIA, Spain
4.0
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Escalivada is one of the most famous dishes from the Catalonia region of Spain, but it is also one of the simplest. The main ingredients include eggplants, bell peppers, and sometimes onions and tomatoes, typically grilled whole over hot embers.


The vegetables are then peeled, seeded, seasoned, and served as appetizers or side dishes, accompanying numerous roasted or grilled meat dishes and complementing each other. The name of the dish is derived from the word escalivar, meaning to roast over embers, to grill, or to roast in ashes.


It is believed that the first escalivada was prepared by farmers from the Pyrenees mountains, who would prepare the meal while the cattle was out on the pastures. 

MOST ICONIC Escalivada

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09
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Escudella i carn d'olla is a popular, traditional Catalan soup filled with pasta, meat such as chicken or lamb, prosciutto pieces, ground pork, and botiffara sausage, with the addition of vegetables such as carrots, potatoes, and Swiss chard.


The soup is traditionally flavored with garlic, parsley, thyme, saffron, salt, and pepper. It is often made during the colder months or around Christmas, as its bold, rustic flavors are known to warm up anyone who consumes it. Escudella is consumed in two stages – first comes the broth with pasta, then the meat and vegetables.

MOST ICONIC Escudella i carn d'olla

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10

Cooked Sausage

CATALONIA, Spain
3.9
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Botifarra is a Catalan specialty, a white sausage made almost in the same way as the morcilla blood sausage, but without blood. There is also a blood sausage variety of the sausage, called butifarra negra Catalana. The sausage is based on ancient Roman recipes and consists of pork meat and numerous spices and seasoning, as well as additional ingredients that may vary.


Some varieties of botifarra are made with unusual ingredients such as truffles, eggs, boiled rice, and tripe in the mixture. Although botifarra is usually not cooked, it can be boiled when prepared in the dish known as escudella i carn d'olla, a traditional Catalan dish with boiled vegetables, meat, and beans.

MOST ICONIC Botifarra

1
2
3
4
11
12
Salami
PLAIN OF VIC, Spain
3.9
13
14
Cookie
CATALONIA, Spain
3.8
15
Dessert
CATALONIA, Spain
3.8
16
Salad
CATALONIA, Spain
3.8
17
18
Vegetable Dish
CATALONIA, Spain  and  one more country
3.7
19
Cake
CATALONIA, Spain
3.6
20
Vegetable Dish
CATALONIA, Spain
3.5
21
Sweet Pastry
PROVINCE OF GIRONA, Spain
3.5
22
Cheese
CATALONIA, Spain
3.4
23
24
Snail Dish
CATALONIA, Spain
3.2
25
Cookie
CATALONIA, Spain
3.2
26
27
Stew
CATALONIA, Spain  and  one more region
3.0
28
Stew
CATALONIA, Spain
2.6
29
Snail Dish
CATALONIA, Spain  and  one more region
n/a
30
Stew
LLEIDA, Spain
n/a
31
32
33
34
Cheese
CATALONIA, Spain
3.9
35
Stew
CATALONIA, Spain
3.8
36
Snail Dish
PROVINCE OF LLEIDA, Spain
3.6
37
38
39
Sausage
CATALONIA, Spain
3.4
40
41
Salad
CATALONIA, Spain
3.2
42
43
44
Stew
CATALONIA, Spain
n/a
45
Salad
CATALONIA, Spain
n/a
46
47
Sweet Pastry
CATALONIA, Spain  and  one more country
n/a
48
49
Stew
CATALONIA, Spain  and  one more region
n/a
50
Salad
CATALONIA, Spain
n/a
51
52
Egg Dish
CATALONIA, Spain
n/a
53
54
Cheese
BORREDÀ, Spain
n/a
55
Cheese
FORNELLS DE LA SELVA, Spain
n/a
56
Cheese
VILASSAR DE DALT, Spain
n/a
TABLE OF CONTENTS

Best Catalan Food Producers

01
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Casa Riera Ordeix is a family-owned company from Vic (Barcelona) dedicated to the traditional production of premium sausages since 1852. Their Llonganissa de Vic has held Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) status since 2002, guaranteeing its exceptional quality and authenticity.


Over six generations, the company has remained committed to artisanal craftsmanship, using the finest ingredients and traditional curing methods, resulting in the distinctive flavor of their products. In addition to the classic Salchichón de Vic, their range includes Truffle Salchichón, Rustic Salchichón, and Vic Fuet, all renowned worldwide for their aroma, texture, and taste. 
BEST Casa Riera Ordeix Meat Products
02

Spirit

VILAFRANCA DEL PENEDÈS, Spain
4.7
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Torres Brandy is a renowned Spanish producer of high-quality brandies and spirits, based in Vilafranca del Penedès, Barcelona. The brand is part of the Torres family legacy, which has been dedicated to winemaking and distillation for generations since 1928.


They are recognized for blending tradition with innovation, producing premium spirits crafted from select white wines and aged meticulously in oak barrels. Their product portfolio includes various expressions of brandy, such as Torres 10, Torres 15, Torres 20, and Jaime I, each representing distinct levels of aging and complexity. 
AWARDS

SFWSC - San Francisco World Spirits Competition - Double Gold

2024, 2023

ISC-International Spirits Challenge - Double Gold

2019

IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Spirit Gold

2024, 2023

03

Wine

VILAFRANCA DEL PENEDÈS, Spain
4.7
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Familia Torres is a prominent Spanish winery founded in 1870 by the Torres family in the Penedès region of Catalonia. Renowned for its commitment to quality and innovation, the winery produces a wide range of wines, including red, white, rosé, and sparkling wines, primarily using native grape varieties such as Tempranillo, Garnacha, and Parellada.


The Torres family emphasizes sustainable vineyard practices and has been a pioneer in organic and biodynamic farming. Their vineyards are located in various regions of Spain, including Penedès, Priorat, and Ribera del Duero, allowing them to craft wines that reflect the distinct terroir of each area.
AWARDS

Decanter World Wine Awards - Platinum

2022, 2021, 2019, 2017

Decanter World Wine Awards - Best in Show

2021, 2020, 2019, 2016

International Wine Challenge - International Cabernet Sauvignon Trophy

2017

04
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Agrícola Sant Isidre i S. C. de Juncosa SCCL is an olive oil producer located in Lleida, Spain. The cooperative is known for producing high-quality olive oil using traditional and sustainable agricultural practices. It operates with a focus on the cultivation and harvesting of olives from the Juncosa region.


The cooperative also engages in various community activities to support local farmers and promote the region's agricultural heritage.
AWARDS

ATHENA IOOC - Double Gold

2020

NYIOOC - Gold

2023

London IOOC - Gold

2023

BEST Agrícola Sant Isidre I S.c. De Juncosa Sccl Olive Oils
05

Olive Oil

TARRAGONA, Spain
4.7
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Mas Montseny is an olive oil producer based in Tarragona, Spain. The company produces extra virgin olive oil. Their products often feature local varieties such as Arbequina olives. Mas Montseny follows traditional cultivation and harvesting techniques, ensuring the authenticity of their oil.


The company also emphasizes sustainable farming practices.
AWARDS

Olive Japan - Gold

2018

Terraolivo IOOC - Prestige Gold

2017

EVOOLEUM - Top 100

2024, 2023

BEST Mas Montseny Olive Oils
06

Seafood

BARCELONA, Spain
4.7
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Rooftop Smokehouse is a culinary venture that specializes in traditional smoking methods to produce a variety of smoked seafood products. The company operates from a rooftop setting where they sustainably source and handcraft their offerings, emphasizing quality and artisanal techniques.


The smokehouse is also known for its commitment to using natural ingredients without artificial preservatives. Additionally, they offer workshops and events to educate consumers about the smoking process and the intricacies of seafood preparation.
AWARDS

Great Taste Awards - 2 stars

2024

Great Taste Awards - 3 stars

2023

BEST Rooftop Smokehouse Seafoods
07

Wine

TORROJA DEL PRIORAT, Spain
4.7
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Terroir al Límit is a renowned winery located in the Priorat region of Catalonia, Spain. Established in 2001 by Dominik Huber and the late South African winemaker Eben Sadie, the winery quickly gained international acclaim for its innovative approach to winemaking and its commitment to expressing the unique terroir of Priorat.
AWARDS

Falstaff - 100

Falstaff - 99

08

Cheese

PROVINCE OF BARCELONA, Spain
4.7
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Formatgeria Cal Music is a cheese producer based in Catalonia, Spain. They specialize in artisanal cheeses made from locally sourced milk. The company produces a variety of cheeses, including traditional Catalan varieties. Their production methods combine both historical techniques and modern technology to maintain quality and flavor.
AWARDS

World Cheese Awards - Super Gold

2021

BEST Formatgeria Cal Music Cheeses
09

Beer

SÚRIA, Spain
4.7
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La Pirata Brewing is a well-known Spanish craft brewery based in the Catalonia region, specifically in the town of Vilanova i la Geltrú, near Barcelona. The brewery has gained recognition for its passion for innovative and high-quality beers, with a focus on brewing with the best ingredients and a handcrafted approach.


Founded in 2011, La Pirata Brewing quickly made a name for itself in the Spanish craft beer scene and beyond. Their range of beers includes various styles, from IPAs (India Pale Ales) to traditional English styles like stouts and porters, as well as seasonal and limited edition brews that showcase their creativity.
AWARDS

Barcelona Beer Challenge - Gold

2024, 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020

BEST La Pirata Brewing Beers
10

Chocolate

BARCELONA, Spain
4.7
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Joan Baixas is a chocolate producer based in Barcelona. The company focuses on artisanal chocolate-making techniques. They use high-quality ingredients to craft their products. Joan Baixas emphasizes traditional Catalonian chocolate recipes.
AWARDS

International Chocolate Awards - Gold

2020

BEST Joan Baixas Chocolates
11
Wine
CATALONIA, Spain
4.7
12
13
Spirit
TARRAGONA, Spain
4.7
14
15
Wine
CATALONIA, Spain
4.7
16
Cheese
SANT QUIRZE DEL VALLÈS, Spain
4.7
17
Olive Oil
GIRONA, Spain
4.7
18
Wine
SANT PAU D'ORDAL, Spain
4.7
19
20
Wine
CATALONIA, Spain
4.7
21
Wine
CATALONIA, Spain
4.7
22
23
Wine
FALSET, Spain
4.7
24
25
Wine
CATALONIA, Spain
4.7
26
Beer
BARCELONA, Spain
4.7
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
Olive Oil
TERRASSA, Spain
4.7
35
36
37
Wine
CATALONIA, Spain
4.7
38
Wine
CATALONIA, Spain
4.7
39
40
41
42
Wine
CATALONIA, Spain
4.7
43
44
45
46
47
Wine
BARCELONA, Spain
4.7
48
Wine
CATALONIA, Spain
4.7
49
50
Wine
CATALONIA, Spain
4.7
51
Wine
BARCELONA, Spain
4.7
52
53
Beer
CATALONIA, Spain
4.7
54
Beer
CATALONIA, Spain
4.7
55
56
Beer
CATALONIA, Spain
4.7
57
Beer
BARCELONA, Spain
4.7
58
Beer
CATALONIA, Spain
4.7
59
Beer
CATALONIA, Spain
4.7
60
Beer
CAMBRILS, Spain
4.7
61
Beer
GIRONA, Spain
4.7
62
Beer
BARCELONA, Spain
4.7
63
Beer
CASTELLFOLLIT DE LA ROCA, Spain
4.7
64
65
Beer
CATALONIA, Spain
4.7
66
Beer
BARCELONA, Spain
4.7
67
68
Beer
CASTELLFOLLIT DE LA ROCA, Spain
4.7
69
Beer
SITGES, Spain
4.7
70
Beer
CATALONIA, Spain
4.7
71
72
Cheese
OLOST, Spain
4.6
73
74
Olive Oil
LLEIDA, Spain
4.6
75
76
77
78
Beer
MATARO, Spain
4.6
79
Cheese
SANT SALVADOR DE GUARDIOLA, Spain
4.6
80
81
82
83
84
85
Olive Oil
TARRAGONA, Spain
4.6
86
87
Olive Oil
TARRAGONA, Spain
4.6
88
Olive Oil
TARRAGONA, Spain
4.6
89
Olive Oil
TARRAGONA, Spain
4.6
90
91
Wine
CATALONIA, Spain
4.5
92
Wine
CATALONIA, Spain
4.5
93
Wine
CATALONIA, Spain
4.5
94
95
Wine
SANT SADURNÍ D'ANOIA, Spain
4.5
96
97
98
99
Wine
TARRAGONA, Spain
4.5
100
Wine
BARCELONA, Spain
4.5
TABLE OF CONTENTS

Best Catalan Food Products

01
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Finca La Gramanosa Arbequina is an extra-virgin olive oil produced by Finca La Gramanosa, a company known for its high-quality, artisanal olive oils. This particular olive oil is made exclusively from Arbequina olives, which are renowned for their mild, fruity flavor and low bitterness.


The oil boasts a well-balanced profile with hints of almond, green apple, and freshly cut grass, making it a versatile choice for both cooking and finishing dishes. The olives are harvested and processed with great care to maintain their delicate flavor and nutritional properties, embodying the company's commitment to quality and authenticity.
AWARDS

Olive Japan - Gold

2021, 2017, 2016

London IOOC - Gold

2021

Terraolivo IOOC - Grand Prestige Gold

2021, 2018

02

Spirit

VILAFRANCA DEL PENEDÈS, Spain
5.0
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Torres 20 Hors d'Age is a premium Spanish brandy, renowned for its exceptional quality and craftsmanship. It is aged using the solera method, with oak barrels contributing to its rich complexity. The brandy features a velvety texture and flavors of dried fruits, vanilla, spices, and toasted wood.


Its aroma is elegant, offering notes of caramel, nuts, and subtle oak. This luxurious spirit is ideal for special occasions or as a thoughtful gift for brandy connoisseurs.
AWARDS

SFWSC - San Francisco World Spirits Competition - Double Gold

2024, 2023

IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Spirit Gold Outstanding

2024, 2023

IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Brandy Gold Trophy

2023

03
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Zumo Finca La Gramanosa Picual is an extra virgin olive oil produced by Finca La Gramanosa. This high-quality olive oil is derived from the Picual variety of olives, which are known for their robust and fruity flavor, with a hint of bitterness and spiciness.


The production process ensures that the olives are harvested at their optimal ripeness and cold-pressed to preserve their natural characteristics and health benefits.
AWARDS

Olive Japan - Gold

2020, 2018, 2017

Terraolivo IOOC - Grand Prestige Gold

2018

Terraolivo IOOC - Gran Prestige Gold

2017

04
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AWARDS

ATHENA IOOC - Double Gold

2022, 2021, 2017

ATHENA IOOC - Gold

2020, 2018

EVO IOOC - Gold Medal

2017

05
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AWARDS

ATHENA IOOC - Double Gold

2020

NYIOOC - Gold

2023

London IOOC - Gold

2023

06

Wine

VILAFRANCA DEL PENEDÈS, Spain
5.0
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Grans Muralles is characterized by its deep ruby color and aromatic bouquet of dark fruits, spices, and floral notes. On the palate, it offers a harmonious balance of fruitiness, acidity, and smooth tannins, making it a versatile wine that pairs well with various dishes, especially red meats, game, and aged cheeses.
AWARDS

Decanter World Wine Awards - Best in Show

2021, 2020, 2019

07
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Henri Mor Reserva Privada is a premium extra virgin olive oil crafted from carefully selected olives to ensure exceptional quality and flavor. Cold-pressed to preserve its rich aroma and nutritional value, it offers a well-balanced profile with fruity notes, hints of green almonds, and a smooth yet slightly peppery finish.


Ideal for enhancing salads, grilled vegetables, and gourmet dishes, this exclusive oil embodies the excellence and tradition of Henri Mor.
AWARDS

Olive Japan - Gold

2021

Terraolivo IOOC - Prestige Gold

2021

OLIVINUS - Gran Prestigio Oro

2021

08
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AWARDS

EVOOLEUM - Top 100

2024, 2023

09
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Formatge Ecològic De Vaca Betara is an organic cow's milk cheese produced by Betara S. L., a company known for its high-quality, artisanal cheeses. This cheese is crafted following traditional methods and is made from certified organic milk, ensuring no synthetic pesticides or fertilizers are used in the production process.


The cheese offers a rich and creamy flavor, indicative of the pure, natural ingredients utilized. This dedication to organic practices aligns with Betara S. L.'s commitment to sustainability and environmentally-friendly farming techniques.
AWARDS

World Cheese Awards - Super Gold

2022

10
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AWARDS

World Cheese Awards - Super Gold

2021

11
Spirit
VILAFRANCA DEL PENEDÈS, Spain
5.0
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
Spirit
VILAFRANCA DEL PENEDÈS, Spain
5.0
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
51
52
53
54
55
56
57
58
59
60
61
62
63
64
65
66
67
68
69
70
71
72
73
74
75
76
77
78
79
Beer
EL PRAT DE LLOBREGAT, Spain
5.0
80
81
82
83
84
85
86
Beer
CATALONIA, Spain
5.0
87
88
Beer
BARCELONA, Spain
5.0
89
90
91
92
93
94
95
Beer
CASTELLFOLLIT DE LA ROCA, Spain
5.0
96
97
98
99
100

TasteAtlas food rankings are based on the ratings of the TasteAtlas audience, with a series of mechanisms that recognize real users and that ignore bot, nationalist or local patriotic ratings, and give additional value to the ratings of users that the system recognizes as knowledgeable. For the “Top 100 Catalan Foods” list until March 27, 2025, 1,875 ratings were recorded, of which 1,473 were recognized by the system as legitimate. TasteAtlas Rankings should not be seen as the final global conclusion about food. Their purpose is to promote excellent local foods, instill pride in traditional dishes, and arouse curiosity about dishes you haven’t tried.

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