Top 10 culinary specialities in Valencia

A trip to Valencia also means embarking on an incredible culinary journey. This Spanish city has a great culinary heritage that is a must if you’re planning to spend a holiday here. Paella isn’t the only must-try dish in the region – no, it’s not! It’s true that many of Valencia’s specialities contain rice, but there are many other lesser-known specialities that are just as tasty as they are delicious. Most of the great classics of Valencian gastronomy use meat or fish. But the interesting thing is that you can always be surprised by the different flavours.

What to eat in Valencia Our selection of 10 Valencia specialities

1.paella valenciana

How could we not start with Spain’s flagship dish? Paella is world-famous, and for many people it’s a family meal made up of several ingredients. And what about traditional Paella Valenciana? It’s made with chicken and rabbit meat, white beans, olive oil, saffron, rosemary and, of course, rice! In Valencia, paella is eaten particularly at lunchtime, because it takes so long to digest. It is also a festive dish for many Valencian families.

2.fideuà

As you will have noticed, the similarities between fideuà and paella are striking, but the two dishes are quite different. Fideuà is prepared in the same round pan as paella, but using noodles instead of rice. It’s a bit like a pasta paella, in fact! A favourite with children, the dish is obviously accompanied by seafood and fish such as prawns, langoustines and monkfish, a white fish known for being both tasty and fragrant.

3.tomato coke

If you’re a fan of pizza, you’ll love this dish. Known as “Spanish pie with peppers and tomatoes”, and more commonly known as coca de tomate, it resembles a pizza, with a tomato base. The dough is baked in the oven and fresh vegetables are added. This dish is mainly served as an aperitif and is generally a hit with everyone who tries it. The thin pastry crumbles gently under your teeth, letting the various ingredients escape while still hot… A real treat!

4.olla valenciana

If you stay in Valencia during the winter, sooner or later you’ll be tempted to try Olla Valencia. This Valencian stew is a dish similar to a “cassoulet”. To make this speciality, you need a variety of meats such as blood sausage, chorizo, veal, chicken and pork. You’ll also need to add various vegetables such as potatoes, celery, cardoons and turnips. Containing a wide variety of ingredients, this meal is an explosion of flavours on the palate… and whoever can resist it is not yet born!

5 All-i-pebre

If you’re travelling to Valencia, it’s a good idea to have some knowledge of gastronomy. In the Valencian Community, All i pebre means “garlic and paprika”. In fact, the recipe uses garlic and ‘pimentón’. Pimentón is a type of paprika, or rather dried red pepper powder. You may not know it, but this powder is what gives chorizo its distinctive colour and smoky flavour. The main ingredients are potatoes, water, olive oil, chilli pepper and eel. Culinary finesse at its best!

6 Buñuelos de Calabaza

Here’s a rather original speciality: pumpkin fritters! These are very tender dishes, with a unique blend of flavours. This dessert is particularly popular in autumn and during the Fallas. It’s a festive sweet! What’s more, the people of Valencia are in the habit of dipping them in thick hot chocolate (a bit like churros), for even more flavour. Do the same, and you’ll be amazed by all the sweetness!

7 Arròs amb fesol i naps

Let’s not forget that rice is Spain’s star ingredient. That’s why there are some quite original dishes combining vegetables, broth and rice. We’re talking, of course, about the mythical Arròs amb fesol i naps or ‘rice with fennel and turnip’, whose yellow colour catches the eye and arouses curiosity. This dish is based on rice cooked in a cauldron with a broth of white beans, turnips and pork. Succulent, it’s one of the most popular meals with visitors, who are happy to enjoy it after a long day sightseeing.

8.cod croquettes

In Valencia, you just can’t get enough of them! Cod croquettes are a great way to start an aperitif. This speciality is also known as Mandonguilles de abadejo: little appetisers that are perfect for spending a convivial moment with family or friends. Especially if accompanied by a good homemade aioli, an absolutely exquisite Provençal sauce. And why not add a fresh, crunchy salad to complement the softness of the croquettes?

9 Valencian stew

Valencian stew is also called “puchero” in the Valencia region. This dish is very common in this Spanish city and can be enjoyed in several stages. It begins with a soup, followed by tender meat with chickpeas, and then vegetables served as a side dish. This meal is similar to the famous French pot-au-feu. With its unique texture and flavour, it’s a hearty, hot meal that’s perfect for lovers of good meat.

10 Esgarraet

Finally, let’s talk about a speciality that comes straight from the Valencian soil. Esgarraet is a salad made from dried cod, cut into strips and garnished with peppers. Sometimes aubergine and black olives are added. It’s easy to find this starter in the city’s restaurants, and the locals are crazy about this absolutely delicious little morsel of food. It is one of the most authentic and easy-to-make dishes in Valencia.