This past weekend was my second visit to Barcelona this year and my… well I’ve lost track how many times I’ve visited this phenomenal place in my lifetime. I’m at a point where I know it too well to engage in touristy activities, so the only fixed thing on my list was a visit to Caramba, which is fast becoming my favourite tapas place in the city.

Last November, I stumbled across Caramba in order to avoid the everlasting rain (the only bad weather I’ve ever experienced in Barcelona). In retrospect, I am eternally grateful for the storm, as we opted to wait for a table rather than venture back out into the darkness. And when the pear mojitos arrived to sweeten our palates as we waited, we soaked in the surprisingly quiet atmosphere and smiled contentedly.

When we sat down, we ordered a variety of tapas and a jug of white wine sangria. Service came with a smile, and the vibe felt playful, partly because of the cartoons playing on a few screens around the restaurant. One by one, our plates arrived, and with each one, our happiness amplified.

 The chorizo al vino was bursting with flavour and piping hot. The huevos rotos had the perfect ratio of fried egg to French fries to sausage. The shrimp was sufficiently garlicky. The alitas de pollo (chicken wings) were drenched with sauce and came with an extra plate for bones. The white wine sangria was divine, and the cocktails were some of the best I’ve ever had. After we paid the bill, the waitress brought us each a chupito (shot) on the house. It consisted of coffee and crema catalana liquors… mmmhhhh.

It took me a year to come back, but I plan to make it a feature of every future visit, and so should anyone else who is visiting Barcelona. This city has too many tourist traps and overpriced bars, and Caramba deserves a medal for offering their outstanding cuisine at unbeatably low prices. Three people eating ample tapas and drinking ample cocktails ended up paying under 15 Euros each – an absolute bargain.

Make sure you order a cocktail. Actually, they’re only 5 Euros… so just get two. Oh, and ask for the huevos rotos with chorizo, not jamon. Despite the menu stating otherwise, they’ll happily accommodate any desires you have!

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