There is evidence to suggest that the bikini has been around for a few millennia. Even the Romans embraced it. But, of course, the bikini in question here is the women’s bathing suit.
But if you’re more interested in sandwiches than swimming, the origins of the bikini—that is, the tasty sandwich found in and around Barcelona—we have to only go back a handful of decades.
What is a bikini?
But first, what exactly is a bikini—the sandwich, not the swimsuit? It is a pressed and toasted sandwich, usually stuffed with ham and cheese between two slices of bread. It sounds simple—and it is—but it’s also very delicious.
If you have traveled and eaten in France, and this all sounds a bit familiar, then you won’t be surprised by the origins of the bikini sandwich in Barcelona.
Where does the bikini come from?
Let’s go back to 1953. That’s when Belgian restaurateur Jean Paul Heinz opened up a nightclub in Barcelona called La Sala Bikini—essentially the Bikini Room. Heinz loved the French sandwich croque monsieur—a pressed and toasted sandwich that is stuffed with French jambon (or ham) and Gruyere cheese and drizzled with mornay sauce.
The rub, though, is that this is 1950s Spain and a guy named Francisco Franco was running the place with an iron first. The dictator, who would rule Spain until his death in 1975, had a very strict policy that languages other than Spanish were prohibited to be used. That even meant menu items.
So, Heinz decided to just call it the “bocadillo de la casa,” or “house sandwich” instead of what it really was: a Gallic sandwich called croque monsieur. The menu item quickly became a big hit. Word spread and people started coming to the club just to try the sandwich. Eventually, people started referring to it as the “bikini bocadillo” and eventually just “bikini.”
And the bikini was born!
Where to eat a bikini sandwich in Barcelona?
These days one can find a bikini at various bars and restaurants all over Barcelona and Catalonia.
Since its founding, the sandwich has taken on a more Spanish accent, ditching the French ham for jamon Serrano or jamon Iberico and replacing the Gruyere cheese with Manchego.
La Sala Bikini
Over 70 years after it first flicked on its lights, La Sala Bikini is still around and hosting bands for live music and DJs to spin tunes.
The club is more popular today for its entertainment value than its culinary legend.
Taps 24
One of the most lauded versions of the bikini is at Tapas 24. Even Catalonia-raised superchef Jose Andres is a fan. Tapas 24 chef Carles Abellon’s version takes San Simon cheese, jamon Iberico, and a sprinkling of black truffles and presses it to perfection.
Chef Abellon’s haute version came about when he was working at ElBulli, the extremely lauded restaurant from chef Fernan Adria in northern Catalonia.
Gresca
At Gresca in Barcelona, chef Rafa Peña makes a bikini for his loyal followers who devour his take on the classic bocadillo.
Peña’s version has jamon Iberico and comté cheese and it’s addictive.
Bar Pietro
In the Gràcia neighborhood, Bar Pietro takes the bikini to new heights, offering versions of the sandwich with zucchini, brie, and ham, as well as a version with brie and honey.
La Bikineria
And, of course, there are places in Barcelona that are solely dedicated to the bikini. One such spot is La Bikineria, which has a few locations sprinkled around the Catalan metropolis.
Here you can get versions of the bikini that have bacon, pastrami, bologna/mortadella, roast chicken, and sobrasada, paired with cheeses gouda, cheddar, and Manchego. And bikini purists have no fear: the restaurant also offers a classic version too.
Want to taste the history behind Barcelona’s most iconic bites? Join us on our Barcelona Tapas Tour through the Gothic Quarter and discover how local food and centuries of history are deliciously intertwined. From century-old bars to timeless tapas, this tour uncovers the stories behind every bite!
