If you’re looking for some cheap and authentic food in Barcelona, one place that both locals and travelers recommend is heading to the La Boqueria or Mercado de La Boqueria.
Located in the Ciudad Vieja district of Barcelona, La Boqueriaone serves as a one-stop-shop for visitors to taste the best of Barcelona.
But there are some places in Barcelona that aren’t on tourists’ radars that you don’t want to miss.
Foni Bar and African Restaurant is one of those hidden gems.
Located in the heart of Barcelona’s El Raval neighborhood, between the Rambla of Barcelona and the Avenida Parallel, Foni is an amazing Gambian and Senegalese restaurant that’s not only an amazing place to eat but a great place to hang out if you want a low-key evening with good music.
It’s one of few Black-owned restaurants in Barcelona where you can enjoy African juices, such as Bisap, baobab juice or freshly squeezed ginger juice, and traditional African dishes such as Gambian domoda (peanut soup), chep bu Yapp (fried rice with meat or fish), mafe (white rice with peanut sauce), or super kanja (okra soup).
The best part? All of these dishes will cost you less than 7€!
Keep in mind that you will be served a large portion of food. If you’re not that hungry or you’re traveling solo, you can ask for half of the portion size.
In addition to the good food and fresh juices, Foni offers cocktails and beer at insanely cheap prices. For example, mojitos and piña coladas can be purchased for 5 €.
The last thing worth mentioning is that the service you will receive from the staff at Foni will make you feel that you’re stepping foot in West Africa. The staff is welcoming and will make you feel right at home.