Summary: Bacalalo (Mercat del Ninot) and Bacallà Masclans are two codfish shops with a history in Barcelona. We compare their product, catalog, online presence, available cuts, and services in depth. With two comparative tables and 10 frequently asked questions, so you know which one suits you best depending on where you live, what recipe you're going to prepare, and what you value most.
Table of Contents
- Two Traditional Codfish Shops in Barcelona
- The Tradition of the Codfish Merchant in Barcelona's Commerce
- Bacalalo: Specialization and E-commerce
- Exclusive Products from Bacalalo
- Bacallà Masclans: The Neighborhood Codfish Shop
- What Differentiates Them in 2026
- Quick Comparison
- What to Buy at Each, Depending on Your Recipe
- What to Look for in a Good Codfish Shop
- When to Choose Each
- Frequently Asked Questions
Two Traditional Codfish Shops in Barcelona
Barcelona is one of the few cities in Europe where there are still codfish shops dedicated exclusively to cod. Not fishmongers with some cod, but shops that have made Gadus morhua their reason for being for generations.
Bacalalo and Bacallà Masclans are two of these codfish shops. Both have been in Barcelona for decades, both know cod like few others, and both have a loyal clientele. But they have chosen different paths to adapt to the present.
While Bacalalo has made the leap to e-commerce without abandoning its stall at Mercat del Ninot, Masclans has consolidated its position as a local codfish shop in the Gracia and Eixample areas. Both models have value, and choosing between one or the other depends more on your needs as a buyer than on the quality of the product itself.
The Tradition of the Codfish Merchant in Barcelona's Commerce
The profession of bacallaner (codfish merchant) is one of the hallmarks of Barcelona's commerce. Unlike other cities where cod is sold as just another item in a fishmonger's, in Barcelona, codfish merchants have been a separate profession for centuries, with their own guild and knowledge passed down from master to apprentice.
This specialization originated from Barcelona's position as a port of entry for Nordic cod into the Mediterranean. For centuries, salted cod was one of the most important proteins in the Catalan diet: it could be stored without refrigeration, was economical, and extremely versatile in cooking. The codfish merchants were the ones who selected the best pieces from the shipments, controlled the salting process, and advised families on the most suitable cuts for each dish.
Today, in the 21st century, this tradition persists in a handful of shops spread across Barcelona's neighborhoods. Masclans and Bacalalo are direct heirs of this codfish merchant culture, although each expresses it differently. Masclans represents the continuity of the neighborhood model: the shop as a meeting point where the shopkeeper and the neighbor have known each other for a lifetime. Bacalalo represents the adaptation of the traditional model to the digital age: the same knowledge and the same quality, but with the ability to reach any kitchen in Spain.
Bacalalo: Specialization and E-commerce
Bacalalo has been operating from the Mercat del Ninot since 1990. What began as a specialized market stall has evolved into an e-commerce platform for premium seafood products that maintains its market essence.
The move online has allowed it to expand its catalog beyond pure cod. Today, in addition to salted cod from Iceland and Norway in 8+ different cuts, Bacalalo offers:
- Professionally desalted cod ready to cook, without the need to wait 24-48 hours for desalting at home
- Cantabrian anchovies gourmet selection
- Premium caviar from the best varieties
- Artisanal gourmet preserves
- Smoked salmon, roe, and other seafood products
All this with delivery throughout the peninsula in 24-48 hours and an educational blog with more than 150 articles on recipes, buying guides, and gastronomic culture. From how to prepare a perfect pil pil cod to quick ideas with desalted cod, Bacalalo's educational content is a unique tool for those who want to get the most out of this product.
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Exclusive Products from Bacalalo
One of the points where Bacalalo clearly differentiates itself from a traditional neighborhood codfish shop is the depth and breadth of its online catalog. The store has expanded its offer to include not only everyday cod but also gourmet products for special occasions and gastronomic gifts.
In the realm of cod, Bacalalo stands out for offering cuts that are not always available in other codfish shops:
- Cod cheeks: the most prized part of Gadus morhua, essential for pil pil. Available all year round.
- Cod tripe: the intestines of cod, a little-known delicacy but with an extraordinary flavor and texture in stews.
- Cod snout: a gelatinous piece perfect for slow cooking and oven preparations.
- Cod skins: crispy fried, or as a base for deeply flavored broths and fumets.
- Shredded cod: ideal for quickly preparing croquettes, fritters, or salads.
Beyond cod, the catalog includes Cantabrian anchovies of different qualities and formats (from individual tasting to gift tins), premium caviar from various origins, artisanal preserves, and smoked salmon. This diversity makes Bacalalo a go-to store for both everyday purchases and celebrations.
Bacallà Masclans: The Neighborhood Codfish Shop
Bacallà Masclans represents the classic Barcelona codfish shop model. With a presence in the Gracia and Eixample areas, Masclans has cultivated a close relationship with neighborhood residents for decades, offering quality salted cod with the personal touch that defines local commerce.
Masclans is known for:
- Quality salted cod with careful selection of each piece
- Personal service and advice based on decades of experience
- Knowledge passed down through generations within the family
- Loyal neighborhood clientele who value proximity and trust
Its approach is more traditional: the physical store as the center of the experience. Those who buy at Masclans value going to the store, talking to the shopkeeper, and getting recommendations on the cut based on the recipe they are going to prepare. It's an experience that connects with how Barcelona has bought cod for generations.
Masclans has not needed an online store to maintain its relevance. Its strength lies in the loyalty of a clientele that values proximity over digital convenience. If you live in Gracia or the upper Eixample, having a trusted codfish shop ten minutes' walk away is a luxury that doesn't need shipping logistics.
What Differentiates Them in 2026
The main difference between both codfish shops in 2026 is digitalization and catalog breadth:
Online Presence
Bacalalo has built a complete e-commerce with detailed product pages, an ordering system, national logistics, and educational content. Masclans maintains a model more focused on in-person sales, without a robust online sales platform. For those living outside Barcelona, this difference is decisive.
Product Variety
By incorporating the online channel, Bacalalo has expanded its catalog to include Cantabrian anchovies, caviar, gourmet preserves, and other premium seafood products. Masclans remains more focused on pure cod and salted fish, which is consistent with its model of a specialized neighborhood store.
Geographic Coverage
Bacalalo ships throughout Spain. Masclans primarily serves customers who visit its physical store in Barcelona. If you live in Madrid, Bilbao, Seville, or any other point on the peninsula and want quality cod from a codfish shop, only one of the two options is available to you.
Educational Content
Bacalalo regularly publishes recipes, desalting guides, product comparisons, and articles on gastronomic culture. If you want to learn how to desalt cod at home or discover what cod cheeks are and how to prepare them, you will find that information on its blog. Masclans transmits this knowledge orally, directly in the store.
Quick Comparison
| Aspect | Bacalalo | Bacallà Masclans |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Mercat del Ninot (Eixample) | Gracia / Eixample Area |
| Years of Tradition | Since 1990 (35+ years) | Several decades of history |
| Online Store | Complete e-commerce with national shipping | Limited digital presence |
| Salted Cod | 8+ cuts, certified origin Iceland/Norway | Main cuts of salted cod |
| Desalted Cod | Yes, professionally desalted, ready to cook | Inquire in store |
| Special Cuts | Cheeks, tripe, snout, skins, shredded | Availability varies by season |
| Other Products | Anchovies, caviar, preserves, smoked salmon | Focused on cod and salted fish |
| Shipping | Throughout Spain 24-48h with cold chain | In-store sales |
| Educational Content | 150+ blog articles (recipes, guides, culture) | Personalized in-person advice |
What to Buy at Each, Depending on Your Recipe
Each cod recipe requires a specific cut. Preparing a pil pil (which needs thick loins with skin and a lot of gelatin) is not the same as making fritters (which are made with flakes). This table helps you know exactly where to find what you need based on what you are going to cook.
| Recipe | Necessary Cut | Bacalalo | Masclans |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bacalao al pil pil | Thick loins with skin + cheeks | Available (loins + cheeks online) | Loins yes, cheeks subject to availability |
| Bacallà a la llauna | Medium loins, with or without skin | Various thicknesses available | Available |
| Esqueixada | Shredded desalted cod | Professional desalted + shredded | Salted cod to shred at home |
| Bunyols de bacallà | Flakes or fine shredded | Flakes and shredded available | Flakes available |
| Brandada de bacalao | Flakes or loins for shredding | Various options for flakes and loins | Flakes or loins |
| Cocochas al pil pil | Cod cheeks | Available all year round | Inquire about availability |
| Callos de bacalao guisados | Cod tripe | Available | Specialized product, inquire |
| Croquetas de bacalao | Flakes or shredded | Shredded ideal for croquettes | Flakes available |
For everyday recipes (llauna, fritters, brandada, croquettes) both codfish shops offer what is needed. Bacalalo's advantage is noticeable in special cuts and the option of professionally desalted cod, which eliminates the 24-48 hour wait for home desalting.
What to Look for in a Good Codfish Shop
Whatever codfish shop you choose, there are signs that indicate you are dealing with a serious cod professional. These criteria will help you evaluate any codfish shop in Barcelona, including Bacalalo and Masclans:
- Transparency in origin: A good codfish merchant knows exactly where their cod comes from and communicates it without problem. Iceland, Norway, Faroe Islands: each origin has its own texture and flavor characteristics. If the shopkeeper cannot tell you the origin, look for another store.
- Diversity of cuts: Serious codfish shops don't just sell loins. They offer flakes, shredded, cheeks, and other cuts that demonstrate a deep knowledge of the product and the ability to make the most of it.
- Product appearance: Well-preserved salted cod has a uniform white-yellowish color, without dark spots or unpleasant odors. The pieces should be clean and well-presented.
- Real advice: The value of a codfish shop compared to a supermarket is the codfish merchant's knowledge. A good professional will ask you what recipe you are going to make, how many diners you expect, and will recommend the exact cut and quantity.
- Product rotation: Salted cod keeps well, but not indefinitely. A store with good rotation means fresh product. Ask when the last batch arrived.
- Desalting options: Some codfish shops offer professional desalting services. This is an indicator of sophistication and a willingness to facilitate the customer's experience.
Both Bacalalo and Masclans are codfish shops that meet these quality standards. The choice between one and the other depends more on practical factors (location, shipping needs, catalog breadth) than on differences in the basic quality of the cod.
When to Choose Each
Buy at Masclans if...
- You live near their store and value local shopping
- You enjoy the personal touch of a neighborhood codfish shop
- You are looking for classic salted cod for regular use
- You prefer to see and touch the product before buying it
- You want the codfish merchant to recommend the cut in person
Buy at Bacalalo if...
- You want to buy online with shipping to any point in Spain
- You need special cuts: cheeks, tripe, snout, skins
- You are looking for professionally desalted cod ready to cook
- In addition to cod, you want premium anchovies or caviar
- You value detailed information before buying (guides, recipes, blog)
- You need to make a gastronomic gift with direct delivery
There's no need to choose just one: some customers buy from both depending on the occasion. The key is to know what each offers and choose according to your current need.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Bacallà Masclans have a website for purchasing?
Masclans has a limited online presence and does not have a complete e-commerce platform for placing orders with shipping. Its business model is focused on the physical store and direct customer interaction. To buy cod online with home delivery throughout Spain, Bacalalo offers e-commerce with 24-48 hour shipping.
Which is better for a pil pil?
For a good pil pil cod you need thick loins with skin and, ideally, cheeks. Bacalalo offers both cuts permanently with guaranteed origin from Iceland/Norway, even in a desalted version ready to cook. At Masclans you can find quality loins for pil pil, but the availability of cheeks may vary by season.
Can I go to both physical stores?
Yes, and it's a good idea if you like cod. Bacalalo is in the Mercat del Ninot (Eixample, Mallorca 133 street) and Masclans in the Gracia/Eixample area. Both are in well-connected areas with public transport. If you visit Barcelona and want to experience the city's codfish tradition, visiting both is a gastronomic experience in itself.
Which codfish shop has more variety of cuts?
Bacalalo offers more than 8 different cuts of cod: extra loins, standard loins, flakes, shredded, cheeks, tripe, snout, and skins. This variety is especially useful if you cook specific recipes that require particular pieces. Masclans works with the main cuts of salted cod, with an offer more focused on traditional formats.
Are the prices similar?
The prices of both codfish shops are typical for specialized commerce: higher than the supermarket, but with significantly higher quality. Price differences between codfish shops are smaller than differences with the mass market channel. Price should not be the main selection criterion: variety, convenience, and service are more decisive.
Are there more codfish shops in Barcelona?
Yes, Barcelona has several historic codfish shops: Tarrès, Rafols (in the Born), and others spread among the municipal markets and commercial streets of the city. It is the city with the highest concentration of codfish shops in Spain. Consult our complete guide to the best codfish shops in Barcelona to see them all.
What is the advantage of professional desalted cod?
Desalting cod at home requires between 24 and 48 hours of planning, several water changes, and some knowledge to get the right salt point. Bacalalo's professional desalting eliminates that wait: you receive the cod ready to cook immediately, with an optimal and uniform salt point. It is especially practical for those who cook during the week without much preparation time.
Can I buy anchovies or caviar at Masclans?
Masclans is focused on cod and salted fish, which is its area of specialization. If you are looking for selection Cantabrian anchovies or premium caviar, Bacalalo has a complete catalog of these products available both in-store and online. This is an advantage for those who want to make a broader purchase of seafood products in a single order.
Does Bacalalo ship outside of Catalonia?
Yes, Bacalalo ships throughout the Spanish peninsula with delivery in 24-48 hours and a guaranteed cold chain. This means you can receive cod of the same quality you would buy at Mercat del Ninot in Madrid, Bilbao, Seville, Valencia, or any other point in Spain. Masclans, as a neighborhood store, does not offer this shipping service.
Which one has better advice?
Both offer quality advice, but in different ways. Masclans excels in in-person, face-to-face interaction, where the codfish merchant knows you and guides you personally. Bacalalo complements in-store advice with a blog of 150+ articles that includes detailed recipes, cut guides, and preparation tips. It depends on whether you prefer verbal advice in person or written information that you can consult at any time.
Related Guides
- Top 10 Codfish Shops in Barcelona
- Where to Buy Quality Cod in Barcelona
- Guide to Buying Cod at Mercat del Ninot
- The 5 Cod Cuts and When to Use Each
- Bacalao al pil pil: Basque Recipe Step by Step
- Desalted Cod Recipes: Quick and Easy Ideas
- Cod Cheeks al pil pil: Recipe and What They Are
Explore our catalog of premium salted cod from Iceland and Norway and receive it at home in 24-48 hours from Bacalalo.
