Spain, like most countries in Europe, offers a diverse and tasty selection when it comes to food. But, sometimes when you visit a certain country, there are just some things you crave more than others. Nothing wrong with that, though! After all, sometimes we only need one reason to visit a new city or country. And, sometimes, that one reason is nothing more than delicious food.
So, when a couple set out for the best paella in Spain, needless to say, there were a lot of suggestions. And, when “best paella” really meant “the cheapest, but still really delicious paella,” those suggestions suddenly got simmered down to nothing. But, the couple wasn’t going to stop looking. As far as they were concerned, they weren’t going to rest until they found that seven-euro-or-so paella.
Barcelona is a crowded and fast-paced city, that for some reason, makes you want to eat every chance you get. Unfortunately, when you’re busy hanging around the popular areas, the prices are going to be that much more expensive. No, Las Ramblas did not have cheap paella. Neither did El Born or the Gothic Quarter. This paella would have to be found elsewhere.
The couple started to ask around. At first, they avoided asking the locals or the tour guides. They presumed these people may be paid off to suggest a certain place, and didn’t want to fall under their scam. But, when they couldn’t take it anymore, they saw a group of backpackers listening to a tour guide. And, he was wearing a t-shirt that said “Free Walking Tours Barcelona.” Free?! Well, these people definitely knew what’s up, so maybe that would have tips about where to find the cheapest, most delicious paella. The couple was about to approach the guide, when someone in the group raised their hand.
“Where can we go for a cheap lunch today?” asked one of the tour-goers.
“It depends what you mean by cheap. But, sometimes the ethnic restaurants are an unbelievably safe bet.”
“I though ethnic restaurants are always more expensive.”
“You’re in Barcelona. Things are different here. Give it a try!”
“Hmm…” mumbled the couple after observing the encounter. Have they been looking in the wrong restaurants this whole time? There was no way they were going to find cheap AND delicious paella in a Spanish restaurant. They were going to have to get creative.
After eating lots of baguettes to hold them over, they decided to take a break from their paella hunting tour and head on the funicular up to the Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya. While they were there, they got excited listening to two American girls exchanging details from their juicy night out. The couple snickered, and admired the view of the city below while they sipped on expensive coffee.
When they were ready to go, instead of taking the funicular back down, they decided to walk down the stairs descending from the museum. It was a steep way down, but not bad. When they got back into the center, they really didn’t know where they were in relation to the city. But, they did see a sign offering beer for one euro. They had to stop. Getting lost sometimes paid off…literally.
After downing three beers between the two of them, the couple had a good feeling about the area they were in and continued to walk the streets to see what they could explore. Maybe, just maybe, they would find the cheapest and best paella.
Just around the corner, they saw it. What they had been dreaming of.
A restaurant with a chalkboard outside, listing paella for seven-euro a person with sangria.
It was NOT a Spanish restaurant. It wasn’t even a European restaurant. It was a Chinese restaurant.
The couple walked inside to see that that tour guide’s advice had been absolutely right. Here was a Chinese restaurant with an all Chinese staff, serving up this amazing paella deal. The couple ordered the paella without even looking at the menu. Sure, they had to wait a little while for the food. And, when it came out, it wasn’t in a traditional pan. It was just thrown on the plate. But, it was cheap AND delicious, as was the sangria.
That night, the couple knew just where to go to get cheap paella; the Pakistani restaurant right near their hotel.
Going on a tour of a city can save you time, money, and teach you some tricks about the city you’re in. Search for your tour now!
