The Best jamón to Try in Barcelona

Spain is famed for its delectable cured meats, and the jamón, or ham, varieties are particularly revered. As such, I always try to include jamón in some form on my Barcelona food tours. Not only is it a must-try food in Barcelona, but it’s also an incredibly diverse one, seamlessly pairing with a wide array of ingredients.

When it comes to trying jamón in Barcelona, it can be difficult to know when to begin, as there are numerous cuts and variations. However, after reading this practical guide, you’ll know all about buying, tasting, storing, and serving this delectable ham like a local.

Types and Quality of Jamón

Jamón comes in a range of styles, so it’s best to familiarize yourself with the main varieties to ensure you make time to sample them all!

Factors like the specific breed of pig, their diet, and the curing process will all determine the taste and texture of the meat, as seen in the most famous types of jamón.

The area the jamón comes from is also worth considering. For instance, there are only four Denominations of Origin (D.O.) for jamón Ibérico, including D.O. Guijuelo and D.O. Huelva, meaning only ham from these areas will have the meat’s distinct flavor and consistency.

Jamón Serrano: Despite being one of the most affordable jamóns in Barcelona, serrano ham, also known as jamón del país, is packed with subtle salty flavors and boasts a firm texture. It’s made from the hind legs of white pigs and is typically aged for upwards of six months.
Jamón Ibérico de Bellota: Juicy, nutty, and well-marbled, this ham is the most sought-after, expensive type of jamón Ibérico and is made by curing the meat from the hind legs of acorn-fed Iberian pigs. In most cases, it’s aged for more than 36 months.
Jamón Ibérico de Cebo: Similar to jamón Ibérico de Bellotta, this version comes from Iberian pigs primarily fed on cereals or legumes and is aged for around 24 months, resulting in a milder savory flavor.

How to Buy and Store Jamón

I’ve learned a lot about buying and storing jamón in Barcelona over the years, and so I’ve added all of my top tips below!

Buying:

Stick to specialized ham shops, called jamónerías, delis, or butchers, to secure the finest quality jamóns.
Consider the duration of the curing process. Although the type of jamón usually goes hand-in-hand with the curing time, it’s not always the case. For example, ‘bodega‘ refers to around 12-month curing periods, ‘reserva‘ is aged for approximately 14 months, and ‘gran reserva‘ is given to jamóns cured for 18 months or longer.
If you want to purchase the relevant tools, look out for jamón knives, called ‘cuchillos,’ and stands, known as ‘jamóneros.’

Storing:

When storing a leg of jamón, keep it in a cool, dry place, away from heat and sunlight.
Should you prefer to buy your jamón pre-sliced, it’s best to refrigerate the entire packet, even if it’s been vacuum sealed.
If unopened, jamón can last for up to nine months. Once it’s been unsealed, the meat will last for roughly six to eight weeks.

Jamón Brands and Producers

With so many jamón producers on the market, deciding which brands to try can be somewhat overwhelming. Personally, I like to mix well-known manufacturers with small-scale suppliers, as both bring something different to the table.

Renowned brands like Joselito, Arturo Sánche, and Cinco Jotas are great options to start with, especially if you’re trying jamón in Barcelona for the first time. Once you’ve gotten a little more familiar with the various styles and flavors, check out lesser-known, artisanal brands like 7 Bellotas or Señorío de Montanera.

Combining jamón with Other Catalan Flavors

Though I could happily eat jamón on its own, it’s even better when combined with other Catalan favorites. In my experience, the best way to learn about suitable pairings is to sign up for a jamón tasting session or workshop.

Reserva Ibèrica Pernil Ibèrica is a ham shop that offers exactly that, and I could have spent hours here sampling the dizzying range of jamóns. Some of the other spots that I think are definitely worth checking out for similar experiences include La Encina Selección Ibéricos and Enrique Tomás.

Jamón in Local Cuisine and Culture

Jamón is deeply ingrained in Barcelona’s culture and has made its way into a slew of dishes for its distinctive flavor profiles. The type of jamón generally determines which foods it will team well with, but some classic dishes to look out for include:

Jamón and cheese croquetas
Broken eggs, or huevos rotos
Pan con tomate with jamón serrano
Flamenquín
Artichokes with jamón

Where to Buy Jamón in Barcelona

With so many places to purchase jamón in Barcelona, you likely won’t have to look far to secure some quality varieties.

Vibrant marketplaces like Mercat de la Boqueria and Mercat de Sant Antoni are home to some fantastic jamón vendors. However, if you have a little more time to visit more authentic ham shops, I suggest stopping by gourmet spots like Jamónarium in Gràcia or El Cot in Eixample.

Final Thoughts: Savoring jamón in Barcelona

There’s no shortage of superb places to enjoy jamón in Barcelona, whether you’re hoping to kick back in a bar or restaurant or stock up in a local deli or ham shop. No matter what your preferences, you’re sure to find a jamón that tickles your fancy.

Sources:

Eating Europe. (n.d.). Barcelona food tours. Eating Europe. Retrieved May 8, 2025, from https://www.eatingeurope.com/barcelona/

Eating Europe. (n.d.). Barcelona food guide: What & where to eat in Barcelona. Eating Europe. Retrieved May 8, 2025, from https://www.eatingeurope.com/blog/barcelona-food/

Reserva Ibérica. (n.d.). Reserva Ibérica Rambla Barcelona. Retrieved May 8, 2025, from https://rambla.reservaiberica.com/en/

La Encina Selección. (n.d.). La Encina Selección (@laencinaseleccion) [Instagram profile]. Instagram. Retrieved May 8, 2025, from https://www.instagram.com/laencinaseleccion/

Enrique Tomás. (n.d.). Enrique Tomás – Online ham store. Retrieved May 8, 2025, from https://enriquetomas.com/en-eu

Mercat de la Boqueria. (n.d.). Mercat de la Boqueria. Retrieved May 8, 2025, from https://www.boqueria.barcelona/home

Mercat de Sant Antoni. (n.d.). Mercat de Sant Antoni – Barcelona. Retrieved May 8, 2025, from https://www.mercatdesantantoni.com/

jamónarium. (n.d.). Buy jamón Ibérico online – jamónarium. Retrieved May 8, 2025, from https://www.jamónarium.com/en/?utm_source=mybusiness&utm_medium=jamónarium&utm_campaign=linkweb

El Cot Gourmet. (n.d.). El Cot Gourmet – Gourmet products online. Retrieved May 8, 2025, from https://www.elcotgourmet.com/