José Andrés Really Wants You To Visit This Barcelona Food Market

José Andrés, the Spanish chef and restaurateur credited with introducing Americans to tapas-style dining, knows a thing or two about Barcelona food markets. With almost 40 bustling markets to choose from, you really can't go wrong. But there's one that stands out above the rest, and it happens to be one of the best food markets in the world.

La Boqueria is the epitome of hustle and bustle. Shoulder-to-shoulder crowds, over 200 stalls, including vibrant produce stands, bar after bar, restaurant after restaurant — it's a food lover's paradise and José Andrés' top pick for first-time visitors. Yeah, some parts are straight-up touristy. Expect a few overpriced juices and people filming more than eating. But if you know what to look for (and show up early), there's a ton of appealing and reasonably priced items tucked between the noise.

In its modern form, La Boqueria's been around since 1840, but food's been sold here way longer — like, medieval era long. It's the biggest market in the city, and a bunch of the stalls have stayed in the same families for generations. You've got people making the same stuff their grandparents did, right in front of you. "Here, you can see the amazing foods of Spain — it is like looking through a window into the history and stories of Spanish ingredients in cooking," José Andrés said in an interview with Today. 

There's a lot going on. You've got meats hanging, fruits stacked high, fresh-picked mushrooms, fish on ice, people yelling orders, pans clanking. And the smells are wild. It's a sensory overload in the best way. "Start early in the morning," says José Andrés, which is great advice if you're trying to beat the crowd and make the most of the market. "If you can, grab a seat at El Quim," he adds. "Ask for the day's special or order one of my favorites, fried eggs with baby squid." El Quim opens at 9:00 a.m. Tuesday through Friday, and 8:00 on Saturdays. With only 18 stools, it fills up fast. There are no reservations or waiting lists. You just have to be there. 

So what do you order at this iconic, elbow-to-elbow counter? You'll find a rotating selection of fresh, seasonal tapas made with ingredients from the market. Besides Andrés' go-to, try pan con tomate — a Spanish staple. If you're lucky, keep an eye out for fresh anchovies with vinegar and olive oil. And if oxtail risotto's on the board, get it.

El Quim should be just one stop of many. Walk around. See what people are eating. If something smells amazing, follow it. Grab a slice of jamón ibérico, maybe a juice — there are tons of options, from pineapple-orange to papaya-coconut. If you see oysters getting shucked or paella getting dished out hot, stop what you're doing and get in line. This place doesn't mess around.