All cities have their traditions, emblematic places and charming corners, but some end up surprising you with the most curious details. Catalan gastronomy is full of traditional dishes that you will lick your fingers and few can resist a bread with tomato and a piece of fuet. However, walking through its streets you will see that the tradition of frankfurts in barcelona and other cities in Catalonia has become a common pattern in the area.  

The Catalans made a 'match' with the Frankfurts years ago, and today, it has become a common food in Catalan cities, especially in the most tourist areas and shopping centers. There is no city that does not have an open Frankfurt and in them you will find a selection of products ranging from the classic Hot Dog to other types of bar sandwiches. For many, it is the perfect equivalent to having a few beers or the beloved tapas that we find in the bars in Madrid. 

Hot dog stands have become perfect places to hang out with friends or watch a football match. Furthermore, Its offer has evolved over the years to suit even the most sybaritic palates. Of course, rest assured that you are going to get dirty and there is nothing better than your hands to enjoy a good frankfurter with its emblematic bread and a ketchup and mustard dressing. Just thinking about it makes you hungry, right? 

The origin of the Frankfurt tradition in Barcelona

Surely when you see these frankfurt establishments through the streets of Catalonia, You might wonder about the origin of this tradition. The truth is, we have to go back to the last century to find the moment when this food became popular. It was the perfect complement to a meal for children, teenagers, and adults alike. 

One of the great precursors of this fashion in Catalonia are the Frankfurt houses that could be found in the cities during the 1920s. The classic hot dog gained importance among the gastronomic offerings offered by the cities, being in competition with the more classic bars and taverns of the moment. These Frankfurt locations were evolving and developing the image that we now know.

Surely if you think of a place where they sell frankfurts in Catalonia, you will see a sign with Frankfurt in gothic letters accompanied by lions and they have become a symbol of this offer in Catalan cities. This is because Frankfurt establishments became popular in the 1960s thanks to Isidre Vallès, which created the concept that now spreads significantly throughout Catalonia. 

What's more, if we look at the cities where there is the greatest presence of local Frankfurters, we see that Terrassa stands out, a city in Barcelona. It is the hometown of Isidre Vallès and there he began to promote the image that we know today of the Frankfurts in Catalonia. In this city, there is a great supply of these establishments, which are also popular in other tourist areas of Barcelona and Maresme. Furthermore, it is common to find Frankfurt premises in shopping centers or large stores, competing against large chains such as Taco Bell or Burger King. 

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Why they became popular in Catalonia

The Frankfurts: A social meeting point

The gastronomic offer of the autonomous community has nothing to envy of other areas, however, the Frankfurts became popular for everything that accompanied this snack. Go eat a frankfurter It became a moment of disconnection, the great Friday night plan to which it was impossible to say no. As with the bar culture in other cities in Spain, the Frankfurts They became the ideal place to have a German beer and a sausage with potatoes to accompany. 

It's a centuries-old tradition, and many tourists are still surprised by the sheer number of these establishments in Catalonia. In contrast, in other parts of Spain, their presence is minimal, the exception rather than the rule. But since their rise in popularity in the 1960s, they have become an essential feature of Catalan towns and cities. It's rare not to come across one if you venture out for a stroll through the streets. 

These establishments and their offer have evolved over the years and They have adapted to the trends of the moment. Even so, the consumption of these foods has been declining, and a wider range of culinary options has emerged. This may have worked against these establishments and their menus, but what is clear is that for many, there's nothing like enjoying a hot dog after a good game, to celebrate a birthday, or to spend time with friends. So we have no doubt in stating that the Frankfurts tradition in Barcelona is real and still has a long way to go.