Spain is famous for its delicious jamón (cured ham). Did you know that at Barcelona Airport, the home of this culinary delight, there’s a “jamón vending machine” where you can easily purchase cured ham? In this article, I’ll thoroughly explain what products are sold in this unique vending machine, how they taste, and how much they cost. If you’re looking to enjoy Spanish flavors conveniently during a layover or trip to Barcelona, this guide is for you.
About Barcelona Airport
Barcelona-El Prat Airport, the gateway to Barcelona, is a major airport visited by many tourists from within Spain and abroad. Terminal 1, which handles many international flights, is lined with various shops and restaurants, offering plenty of facilities to enjoy during transit. Among these, the “jamón vending machine” is particularly noteworthy. This vending machine has become popular as a convenient spot for travelers to purchase jamón, a representative Spanish delicacy.
The Jamón Vending Machine Near Gate E in Terminal 1
While utilizing my transit time at Barcelona Airport and walking around, I discovered the jamón vending machine in the Gate E area of Terminal 1.
A stylish designed vending machine catches your eye. Unlike regular vending machines, it’s lined with premium-looking packages that are irresistible to tourists and food enthusiasts. During late-night layovers, most restaurants are closed, creating a rather empty space, but the jamón vending machine operates reassuringly 24 hours a day, illuminating the ghost town-like airport interior.
Wide Selection from Simple Ham Products to Authentic Jamón
The products available for purchase from the vending machine are diverse. First, there are items perfect as light meals, such as sandwiches containing jamón and canned jamón with olives. Furthermore, chorizo, a Spanish staple, is also available. What catches the eye is the premium Jamón Ibérico priced at €25. It’s considerably more expensive than what you might find at specialty food stores in your home country. These products are not just snacks or light meals but offer a chance to enjoy authentic Spanish flavors.
I was curious about the €25 jamón… but couldn’t quite bring myself to splurge on it.
Purchasing Jamón Ibérico Chips and Smoked Dry Beef
I would have liked to try the premium Jamón Ibérico (100%), but frankly, I hesitated at the €25 price tag. Therefore, this time I chose the more accessible “Jamón Ibérico Chips” and “Smoked Dry Beef.” Both are unique and perfect as a light snack or an in-flight meal.
Unlike the picture on the package, the contents are potato chips with jamón flavor
I first tried the Jamón Ibérico Chips. Priced at €2.5, this is a budget-friendly item. While they look like ordinary potato chips, the difference is immediately apparent when you taste them. The rich umami characteristic of Ibérico pork is thoroughly infused, making it taste like “super premium potato chips.” The salty flavor also penetrates through your tired body. They’re perfect for eating during your journey, and once you start, the deliciousness makes it hard to stop.
Due to budget constraints, I purchased beef jamón instead of pork
Next, I tried the Smoked Dry Beef. This was priced at €9.8, making it a relatively affordable option among the jamón products. It was unexpectedly delicious, especially notable for the way the marbling is distributed. It had a soft, juicy texture similar to sukiyaki, and the slightly bloody smell actually served as a good accent. This unique richness and flavor transcends a mere snack, offering a genuine gourmet experience. The deliciousness was so captivating that I finished it all in no time.
The marbling pattern is distinctively beef-like, different from pork. It might not be the standard choice, but it’s highly recommended!
How to Use the Jamón Vending Machine
You can purchase using the payment system on the right side of the machine
By the way, the jamón vending machine accepts credit cards or Euro coins. It also supports contactless payments, so if you have a compatible card, you can make purchases more smoothly. It might be worth using leftover money from your Spanish trip to buy jamón as a final memento (note that meat products like jamón cannot be brought into many countries without permission, so please be careful!).
Final Thoughts
The jamón vending machine at Barcelona Airport is a wonderful option for enjoying Spanish flavors conveniently during transit or waiting times. The experience of easily purchasing jamón and traditional Spanish ingredients from a vending machine is unique and not commonly found at other airports. The next time you visit Barcelona, definitely try this vending machine and enjoy Spanish gourmet food.