Meat-Free in the Mediterranean: Navigating being a Vegetarian in Barcelona

I wouldn’t typically think of my diet as something that would influence one of the biggest decisions of my college career, but it quietly governed a large part of my study abroad journey. Food is who we are, and it’s one of the ways we feel grounded and fulfilled. 

As an Indian American, I grew up eating food based mostly on lentils, vegetables, and rice. No meat. When I came to college, maintaining a balanced vegetarian diet was sometimes challenging, so I was intentional about choosing a study abroad location where I could support myself fully. Fortunately, Barcelona proved to be an ideal fit. The city offers an impressive range of vegetarian and vegan options, and at no point did I feel excluded from the experience of enjoying food because of my dietary choices.

Much to my surprise, many restaurants offer dedicated vegetarian or vegan menus. I remember on my first night, my roommate and I went to UDON, a popular Asian restaurant in the city, where I found an abundance of plant-based protein dishes. Meals that are traditionally meat-based were thoughtfully adapted, allowing me to fully participate in the dining experience. One of my personal favorite places to eat was Honest Greens, the European version of Sweetgreen but at a much more affordable price. Their falafel, herb-crusted tofu, and halloumi pair perfectly with their customizable bowls, making it a reliable and satisfying option.  Honest Greens is extremely close to the IES Abroad Center and was a frequent lunch spot for myself and other students. Bo do Be is a sandwich shop that absolutely loads its bread with a vibrant assortment of vegetables and protein. For vegetarians, they offer a delicious falafel and avocado option that feels both hearty and fresh. At just 6 euros, it felt like an incredible deal, I genuinely felt like I was getting every nutrient imaginable packed into one sandwich. I highly, highly recommend Bo do Be for anyone looking for an affordable and nourishing vegetarian option. Another sandwich shop I really enjoyed was Marmot near the Sagrada Familia. They have a 14 euro lunch combo that comes with a sandwich, drink, and yogurt. Their Super Eggplant sandwich is a delightful combination of tomato, pesto, and of course, eggplant.

Even traditional Spanish dining felt accessible. If you’re worried about being limited to patatas bravas when ordering tapas, there’s no need. Restaurants like La Pepita and Sensi/Petit Tapas offer a wide variety of vegetarian tapas like mushroom croquettes , glazed carrots, and truffle ravioli. Many places also offer some sort of vegetarian paella option, usually consisting of mixed vegetables rather than seafood. 

Studying abroad taught me that maintaining my diet wasn’t a barrier, it was a way of staying connected to myself while embracing a new culture. It encouraged me to be proactive, curious, and open-minded.

I think it’s incredibly important that no matter where you go, you take the time to ensure that you can nourish yourself in a way that aligns with your values, culture, and body. Research the local cuisine. Look up markets, grocery stores, and restaurants. Join forums or blogs where people with similar dietary restrictions share their tips. Reach out to students who have been there before you. And most importantly, trust that your lifestyle is not a limitation, it is just something to plan for.