She studied Charcuterie techniques, as well as Commerce, and after marrying a grocery owner, Toni Balam in 1975, the couple opened restaurant Sant Pau in 1988.

[3] Her cuisine is based on Catalan tradition though open to world influences, and focuses on quality and seasonal products.

[citation needed] Since 2000, she has published numerous books on Mediterranean cuisine, including recipes adapted to non-professional kitchens.

Since 2009, Ruscalleda has overseen the two Michelin-starred Moments restaurant at Mandarin Oriental, Barcelona with her son, Raül Balam.

[4][2] There is a sardana called Carme Ruscalleda in the album Ballem-la (Let's dance it), played by the cobla La Flama and composed by Pere Vilà in 2001.