El Quim de la Boqueria


La Boqueria market on Les Ramblas is a mecca for any foodie visiting Barcelona. One of its hidden gems is El Quim. In truth, it is just a tiny kitchen surrounded by a counter with a small row of stools. Quim, the owner, has been running this bar since 1987 and is proud to serve the freshest food in the market. His specialty is eggs, particularly fried eggs with baby calamari. If the eggs don’t appeal, then try the fried baby fish or mushrooms topped with foie gras. Quim sources his food directly from the market, so it is always seasonal and fresh. With this as the base for the raw ingredients, Quim works the rest of the magic with a couple of burners and pans. Quim (nickname for Joachim) is famous for having taken fried eggs to the level of delicacy. Locals agree the best are those with baby calamari. A combination you’d never expect, but one that fills your mouth with pleasure.