Bombas is a traditional tapas dish that originated in the neighborhood of Barceloneta, located on the Western coast of Barcelona. Specifically, the dish was created by María Pla Segura, co-owner of the restaurant, La Cova Fumada. This dish was a huge hit and has now become common in almost every bar in Barcelona. According to the legend, they are called Bombas because the first person who ate one in 1955 said they were “the bomb.” Bombas are balls of fried mashed potatoes filled with spicy beef. María wanted a spice that was perfect for the dish, and received a gift of cayenne pepper from Kenya, which became the official spice of the dish. The sauce used on top is an “all I oli” and a spicy sauce that gives it the spice customers crave. If you are ever at a bar and in dire need of a snack, bombas are the perfect pick.

Sources Used:

https://salirporbarcelona.com/en/la-cova-fumada-the-barcelona-bar-where-the-bomb-was-invented/

https://essenciabarceloneta.cat/en/cova-fumada-the-bomb-was-born-here/