It seems like it was just yesterday that we embarked on a journey of no return – at least in our minds and our palate – for the much-cherished Southeast Asia. This great unknown, territory or emperors, smiles, empires fallen and not so fallen, ancient legends and authentic street bites.
Barcelona doesn’t stop growing in a gastronomic section that has touches of Asia here and there. A white canvas for Asian snacks, dressing of an international cuisine that surged after a wave filled Barcelona’s streets with new Oriental temples.
Our downfall lies on the bottom of a succulent Ramen, in the dough of a delicate gyoza or between two chopsticks at the base of a vegetable wok. Asian delicacies in every one of our favourite Oriental restaurants.
Tucked away on Minerva Street, amidst the crowds of an area famous for the heyday of businesses and entrepreneurs, we found this little passageway to the heart of Seoul. A real discovery for passionates like us, illustrious pedestrians of an extensive gastronomic world that runs through a cuisine as precious as the Korean.
A kitchen that is governed by a conductive thread, that Korean glad supports in the form of bibimbap. Insignia of their kitchen, we always as for veal. A backpacking exodus for Korea.
MODU, a harmonious refuge that supports the foundations of an ancestral Korean cuisine under a peaceful motto: all together!
Photo: Kathrin Behrens
A “succulent” gastronomic concept basad on the cornerstone of all Japanese cuisine: ramen. There are already three locals who run this group of friends. Mark and Ross, two Irish boys, along with Robert, Stockholm’s original and expert cook. Encouraged by their passion for Japanese cuisine, they created more than 3 years ago what has since become their small culinary temple.
Its name, worship to the Samurai culture, refers to the amount of rice that was offered to these ancient warriors to survive a year. We visited the basement of the Koku Kitchen. Here they have a large central kitchen from which they supply the customers a great variety of ramen.
Our favourite hideaway to saver some of the best ramen in Barcelona.
Photo: Anel González
Fabiola Lairet, executive chef and partner, opened, along with her husband, this gastronomic temple in the center of Barcelona. A crowded place that combines tradition with influence perfectly. In its dishes we can see the marked Japanese history along with touches of their native Caracas.
Robata is without a doubt one of the most exclusive restaurants in the city in which you can enjoy a gastronomic trip to Japan without leaving the table. Its delicate style, well-maintained décor and impeccable service help make the experience great.
As the name suggests, Robata specialises in grilled cooking. We let ourselves be surprised by one of the many interpretations. We tried our favourite mixed roll that combines the Unicorn and the Frisky. Half sweet and half hot.
Without a doubt, a gastronomic trip worth experiencing. Sushi? Robata.
Photo: Anel González
The owner Gilles Brown – or Jazz as everyone calls him – is a great fan of Asia, and wanted Mosquito to bring the people of Barcelona flavours from Vietnam, China and Korea. This well-known restaurant specialising in Asian tapas creates addiction for everyone who goes.
We couldn’t write about Asian food and not include this temple cult to gastronomy everywhere. A combination of flavours, textures and dishes that take us by the hand in Southeast Asia with delicacies as typical as their dumplings or their Vietnamese noodle soup, Pho. A broth made from meat, onion, coriander leaves, lime, mint and soy sprouts. A real delight capable of curing all evils.
Hidden between Majorca and Provence, at 204 Calabria Street, we find a most peculiar Japanese tavern. Unique to its kind, Melrose Dumpling House combines Oriental and Western cuisine in a single space.
The quiet atmosphere is a characteristic of this small hideaway, its precious cuisine and the proximity of Masa – owner and cook – makes it one of our favourite Asian places in Barcelona. A unique space where you will enjoy a good range of gyozas, the specialty of Melrose Dumpling.
Photo: Ricard Raventos
Text: Alejandro Moneva
Cover Photo: MODU – Kathrin Behrens
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