Top Local Dishes & Where to Try Them in Valencia, Spain

Valencia, Spain, Valencia, Food & Drink, Top Local Dishes & Where to Try Them

Top Local Dishes & Where to Try Them in Valencia, Spain

1. Paella Valenciana

Traditional Spanish rice dish made with a variety of meats and vegetables, originally from Valencia.
  • Authentic Taste: Tasting Paella Valenciana in its birthplace guarantees an authentic experience.
  • Local Ingredients: The use of fresh, locally-sourced ingredients ensures a delicious and flavorful dish.
  • Cultural Significance: Experiencing Paella Valenciana offers insights into the region's rich culinary heritage.

2. Horchata de Chufa

Cold, creamy drink made from tiger nuts and water, sweetened with sugar.
  • Refreshing Beverage: Horchata de Chufa is the perfect refreshment on hot Valencian days.
  • Local Custom: Trying this traditional beverage lets you immerse in local customs and culture.
  • Dairy-Free Option: Horchata de Chufa is a great, dairy-free alternative for those with lactose intolerance or dietary restrictions.

3. Fartons

Traditional Valencian pastry made from brioche-like dough and sugar dusted on top.
  • Morning Treat: Fartons are a popular breakfast option in Valencia, ideal for an early-morning energy boost.
  • Café con Churros or Fartons?: Deciding between Café con Churros and Fartons is a local debate you'll encounter!
  • Light Snack: Fartons are a tasty, light snack to enjoy at any time of the day.

4. Arroz Negra

Black rice dish made with cuttlefish ink, saffron, and seafood.
  • Colorful Tradition: The striking black color of Arroz Negra is sure to catch your eye.
  • Seafood Delight: Arroz Negra offers a delicious, seafood-packed dining experience.
  • Valencian Specialty: Tasting Arroz Negra is a must when exploring Valencian cuisine.

5. Coca de Algara

Traditional flatbread from Alcira, topped with aniseed or cinnamon.
  • Regional Specialty: Coca de Algara is a unique dish found only in the region of Alcira.
  • Sweet Treat: A perfect sweet treat to satisfy your cravings.
  • Historical Significance: Coca de Algara is a traditional dish with deep roots in the local history and culture.

6. Llombards

Traditional Valencian pastry filled with chocolate or cream.
  • Valencian Delight: Tasting Llombards offers a sweet treat that showcases the best of Valencian baking.
  • Variety of Filling: Both chocolate and cream-filled Llombards are popular options, catering to different tastes.
  • Café Society: Llombards are often enjoyed with a coffee in a local café, making for a delightful experience.

7. Buñuelos de San Juan

Traditional Valencian pastry made with oil, flour, and sugar, deep-fried and dusted with cinnamon.
  • Festive Tradition: Buñuelos de San Juan are traditionally eaten during the Feast of Saint John.
  • Light Snack: These sweet, crispy fritters make for a delicious, light snack.
  • Cultural Experience: Tasting Buñuelos de San Juan offers a glimpse into local festivities and traditions.

8. ArrosSEF

Modern version of Paella Valenciana made with high-quality seafood.
  • Gourmet Take on Tradition: ArrosSEF offers a contemporary twist on the classic Paella Valenciana.
  • Seafood Galore: The abundance of fresh seafood in ArrosSEF is truly impressive.
  • Upscale Dining Experience: ArrosSEF is an elegant choice for a fine-dining experience.

9. Crema Catalana

Valencian custard dessert topped with caramelized sugar.
  • Regional Variation: Crema Catalana is a variation of the traditional Spanish crema.
  • Dessert Delight: The rich, creamy texture and sweet flavor make Crema Catalana an irresistible treat.
  • Historical Roots: Crema Catalana has deep roots in the history of Valencian cuisine.

10. Fideuà

Pasta dish made with seafood and saffron broth.
  • Valencian Seafood Specialty: Fideuà showcases the region's love for seafood in a unique pasta dish.
  • Alternative to Paella: Fideuà is an exciting alternative to the more traditional Paella Valenciana.
  • Pasta Favorites: For pasta lovers, Fideuà offers a delightful dining experience.

11. Tumbet de Bacallà

Layered vegetable dish with codfish.
  • Valencian Layers: The layers of Tumbet de Bacallà create a visually stunning dish.
  • Fish-Based Option: Tumbet de Bacallà offers a fish-based option for seafood lovers.
  • Cultural Significance: Experiencing Tumbet de Bacallà provides insights into the region's traditional cooking techniques.

12. Cochifrito

Stew made with pork and various vegetables.
  • Hearty Meal: Cochifrito is a hearty, filling dish perfect for a satisfying meal.
  • Local Flavors: The rich flavors of Cochifrito reflect the essence of Valencian cuisine.
  • Winter Warmth: Cochifrito is an ideal choice for a comforting, warm meal on cold days.

13. Gazpacho Valenciano

Cold soup made from tomatoes and garlic.
  • Refreshing Summer Dish: Gazpacho Valenciano is the perfect dish to cool down on hot summer days.
  • Simple Ingredients: The simplicity of Gazpacho Valenciano highlights the natural flavors of its ingredients.
  • Traditional Twist: Gazpacho Valenciano offers a refreshing twist on the traditional Spanish gazpacho.

14. Coca de Cebolla

Flatbread topped with onions and tomatoes.
  • Regional Specialty: Coca de Cebolla is a unique dish found only in the region of Valencia.
  • Savory Snack: A tasty, savory snack to enjoy at any time of the day.
  • Historical Significance: Coca de Cebolla is a traditional dish with deep roots in the local history and culture.

15. Sopa de Ajoarriero

Garlic soup made with bread and vegetables.
  • Garlic-Packed Soup: The strong garlic flavor of Sopa de Ajoarriero is sure to catch your attention.
  • Comfort Food: Sopa de Ajoarriero offers a comforting, warming meal on cold days.
  • Local Flavors: Tasting Sopa de Ajoarriero provides insights into the essence of Valencian flavors.