The Far-East in Barcelona

Finding the Far East in Barcelona is easy and very exciting for all those who love to get to know different cultures. Barcelona, in fact, is a city that welcomes many foreign communities such as Indian, Pakistani, Japanese and Southeast Asian. The opportunities for cultural encounters are numerous: from the food and books, to the cultural festivals. 

Oriental food in Barcelona

Once you try the sushi, the real thing, you never give up and you'll want to eat the traditional Japanese raw fish at least once a week. In Barcelona there are many Japanese restaurants that offer sushi, for example, we suggest trying Toyo, located in Carrer Torrent d'Olla 10. This restaurant in Gracia offers an all-you-can-eat format with a fusion menu, that is, an "à la carte" menu; the quality-price ratio is excellent and the service is very swift.

If you don't like to follow trends and want to try traditional Japanese cuisine, you definitely have to take a trip to Yatai at Carrer Comte Urgell 112. In this modern place the welcome is first class and the quality of the dishes is exquisite: miso soup, "Japanese pizza", second courses with pork... Every dish is a must try! The children will find a fabulous "Doraemon Menu" designed for them, and as a dessert you can't help but try a fabulous stuffed Dorayaki just the way you like it.

Vietnamese cuisine is another delicious discovery that can be made in Barcelona, specifically in the Bunbo restaurants, which are located on the Raval in the Gothic Quarter. Here all the ingredients are of the highest quality and the dishes are cooked according to tradition. They are accompanied by aromatic herbs that you can add as you like and without sacrificing the alternative suggestions that attract the attention of diners. For example, the Vietnamese coffee experience with coconut ice cream and Oreo cookies.  

Japan IN BARCELONA: The Matsuri Festival

One of the most interesting events celebrating oriental culture is clearly the Matsuri Festival, which normally takes place in the Plaza del Mar in Barceloneta, in the first weeks of June. At this event, it will be possible to taste original Japanese street food by choosing from one of the inviting delicacies offered at one of the gastronomic stands decorated for the occasion. Don't worry, there will be large explanatory images. You can also attend the show offered by representatives of Japanese culture, dress in traditional costumes, and you can accept their invitation to participate in their dances, in a festive atmosphere. Furthermore, food will also be present at various stands where Japanese craftsmen offer their products, clothing and accessories, including the curious objects associated with the world of manga and animé. 

Japanese bookstore in Gràcia

In the lively neighbourhood of Vila de Gràcia you can find a really amazing Japanese bookstore. Its name is Haiku and it is located at Carrer de Monseny 7. Origami books, manga, novels, games and other things that come only from Japanese culture. This bookstore is much more than this and what you would expect from a bookstore in Barcelona. You can visit it every day except Sunday from 10am to 2pm and from 4:30pm to 8:30pm.