'Original and delicious': The Barcelona bar revered for its patatas bravas
Patatas bravas are the star tapa, an essential part of most Spanish bars. Their simplicity doesn't make them boring, because with a little creativity they can be transformed into something innovative for the palate without losing their essence.
Located at number 136 on Calàbria Street, this small and cozy spot is decorated like a Parisian café. Although from the outside it looks like a pastry shop—and they do make delicious pastries—Le Petit serves some of the tastiest and most unique patatas bravas in the Catalan capital.
The "Bárbaras" potatoes (€6 per serving) arose from the desire to innovate of Rafael de Abreu, the owner of Le Petit, and his team: "After working in other places and having tried several patatas bravas, we found them a bit boring because they always used the same sauce," explains Rafael. So, when he opened his business, he decided to create his own recipe in which "it was very important that the sauce be homemade." After several attempts, they found the sauce they were looking for: "Not too spicy and with a touch of sweetness."
Secret sauce
Some of the sauce's ingredients are a secret, though Rafael offers some clues: “For the spicy kick, we use kimchi. We also add sun-dried tomatoes and honey.” This already delicious sauce is complemented by chistorra sausage, crispy onions, and Parmesan cheese. That's where the tapa gets its name, because that combination, as Rafael says, “seemed absolutely fantastic to us.”
The potatoes, the base of the tapa, are “simply spectacular: crispy on the outside and soft on the inside,” according to Víctor D., a customer who reviewed the dish on Google. Other users say that “the patatas bravas are very original, different, delicious... some of the best in Barcelona,” that “they have a touch that sets them apart from others,” and that they are “exquisite.”
To complement the patatas Bárbaras, Le Petit serves other savory dishes worth trying, such as Burgos black pudding—with goat cheese and honey on crystal bread—salmon tartare, or croquettes. And to drink, their excellent vermouth is a must.
