Food Tales: Casa Gispert

My favourite movie growing up was Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory (1971)—the Gene Wilder version of course. The nostalgic feelings it evokes are the same that I experience each time I visit Casa Gispert, hidden in the small streets of the Born.

Inside, this is a place where tradition, history and love are the main ingredients. Colmados (meaning ‘full of things’) were historically important shops for locals, although sadly they’re now a dying breed. Specialising in overseas products and, historically, food from the Spanish colonies, this museum-esque store is crammed full of all things tasty and interesting. Glass jars line the shelves, filled with intriguing looking nuts, sweets, herbs and spices, chocolates, coffee and anything else you could possibly need.

Casa Gispert has been roasting nuts with oak wood since 1851, making it the oldest nut roaster in Europe. The long, narrow space is reminiscent of the Cave of Wonders, where you can pick up ingredients that are generally hard to source, from saffron to tigernuts. Sticking firmly to its roots, the current owners ensure it’s still run exactly how it was when it first opened its doors. Stepping into the shop is like travelling back in time, with its beautiful rustic interior and woven wicker baskets, there to be filled with whatever you fancy. My favourite product? Catànies. A sweet delicacy, typical in Catalunya, made from marcono almonds. The nuts are candied, covered in white chocolate and dusted in cocoa.

Casa Gispert, Sombrerers 23

Tues-Fri 9.30am-2pm, 4pm-8.30pm; Sat 10am-2pm, 5pm-8.30pm; Closed Sun-Mon