Valencia Food Guide | Must-Try Dishes & Dining Secrets

Hola, food lovers! Are you planning a trip to Valencia and eager to dive into its vibrant culinary scene? You’re in the right place! This comprehensive Valencia food guide will be your secret weapon, leading you to the most delicious experiences this Spanish gem has to offer. From the iconic paella that tantalizes taste buds to the refreshing horchata that will cool you down, Valencia is a feast for the senses. Get ready to discover the must-try dishes, insider dining etiquette, unique ingredients, and a few delightful surprises. Let’s begin your Valencian food adventure!

A Taste of History: The Culinary Roots of Valencia

Valencia’s cuisine is a reflection of its rich history and fertile land. Situated on the Mediterranean coast, the region has benefited from the influence of various cultures, including Roman, Moorish, and Catalan, who have all contributed to the evolution of its unique culinary identity. The surrounding fertile lands produce a bountiful harvest of fresh ingredients, which are central to Valencian cuisine. The region’s dedication to preserving local traditions and recipes also plays a crucial role in shaping its distinctive flavors, ensuring the authentic tastes are passed down through generations.

Local Specialties: Must-Try Dishes in Valencia

Prepare to tantalize your taste buds as we explore some of the most iconic and delicious dishes Valencia has to offer:

Paella Valenciana (Valencian Paella)

Description: This is the original paella! It’s a symphony of flavors featuring rice, rabbit, chicken, sometimes snails, all cooked with saffron, tomatoes, green beans, and the local garrofó bean. The rice, cooked in a shallow pan, absorbs all the rich flavors, creating a uniquely comforting dish.
Origin/History: Considered by many to be the quintessential Valencian dish, Paella Valenciana’s history is intertwined with the rice fields surrounding Valencia. Originating centuries ago, it provided sustenance for farmers using whatever ingredients were readily available. This dish, originally made with simple ingredients, has evolved over time but still remains a cornerstone of Valencian culinary heritage.
Where to Find It: Seek out a traditional arrocería (a restaurant specializing in rice dishes) or a restaurant with open fires in the countryside. For the most authentic experience, consider venturing outside the city center, although you’ll still find great versions in town!

Horchata con Fartons (Horchata with Fartons)

Description: Horchata is a truly refreshing, milky drink made from tiger nuts (chufas), water, and sugar. Fartons are long, sweet, glazed pastries that are the perfect accompaniment to horchata. This combination is a beloved local treat.
Origin/History: Horchata has a rich history in Valencia, dating back to the 13th century. The tiger nut is grown in the region of Alboraya, just outside the city. It is here that both Horchata and Fartons are still traditionally made and served. The farton was specially made as a delicious accompaniment to Horchata, in order to soak up the drink.
Where to Find It: Visit a traditional horchatería (a shop selling horchata and fartons) to experience this refreshing treat. These are everywhere in Valencia and are an essential part of the city’s food scene. Don’t forget to dip your farton in the horchata for the full experience!

Fideuà (Seafood Noodle Paella)

Description: Fideuà is a delicious dish, similar to paella but made with short, thin noodles (fideos) instead of rice. It’s typically cooked with seafood, such as prawns, squid, and monkfish, and seasoned with saffron, tomato, and garlic. This dish is often considered a paella alternative, and can be found easily throughout the region.
Origin/History: Fideuà is believed to have originated in the coastal town of Gandia, south of Valencia. It was created by sailors looking for an alternative to paella, and using noodles was an ideal solution, since they were available.
Where to Find It: Look for a restaurant in a coastal town, or in the city center, that specializes in seafood. You’ll find that many restaurants offer variations of this dish.

All i Pebre (Garlic and Pepper)

Description: This is a traditional Valencian fish stew made with eel, potatoes, paprika, garlic, and olive oil. It’s a rich, flavorful dish that is particularly popular during the cooler months.
Origin/History: All i Pebre is historically a peasant dish, that makes use of locally caught eels. It is a simple dish made with simple ingredients, and it is believed that the dish began with the fishermen of the Albufera lagoon, who used the eels they caught.
Where to Find It: Seek out a traditional restaurant, especially one located near the Albufera lagoon, where eels are traditionally fished.

Esgarraet (Shredded Cod Salad)

Description: A simple yet delicious salad made with salt cod (bacalao), roasted red peppers, olive oil, and garlic. It’s often served as a tapa (appetizer) and is a refreshing taste of the Mediterranean.
Origin/History: Esgarraet is a very easy and simple tapas. The ingredients are all readily available around the region, making it a local favorite.
Where to Find It: This is a very popular tapa that you can find in bars and restaurants around the area. It is also a common dish to prepare at home.

Arroz Negro (Black Rice)

Description: A visually striking dish, Arroz Negro is a rice dish that gets its black color from squid ink. It is also cooked with squid, shellfish, and other seafood, and is often seasoned with garlic and olive oil.
Origin/History: The rice is originally a coastal dish, it uses ingredients that are readily available around the coast, making it popular for those who live there.
Where to Find It: Seek out a restaurant in a coastal town, or in the city center, that specialises in seafood. You will find plenty of places that serve this dish.

Dining Etiquette and Cultural Norms in Valencia

Navigating the dining scene in Valencia is a pleasure. Here are a few key things to keep in mind to enhance your experience:

Tipping: Tipping is not mandatory in Spain, but it is appreciated for good service. A tip of 5-10% is common for excellent service, especially in tourist areas. For tapas, rounding up the bill is generally acceptable.
Greetings: A warm greeting is standard. It’s common to greet staff with “¡Hola!” or “¡Buenas!” when entering a restaurant. “¡Buen provecho!” (Enjoy your meal!) is a common phrase before eating.
Table Manners: Keep your elbows off the table. Bread is often served, but it’s not expected that you eat it with every course, unlike in other countries. Do not cut the bread, break it instead.
Pace of Dining: Meals are generally leisurely affairs. Don’t expect to be rushed! Relax, savor your food, and enjoy the company.
Appropriate Attire: Dress codes are generally casual, but it’s always good to look presentable. While you do not need to dress up for everyday meals, showing respect for the establishment is often appreciated.
Dining Times: Lunch is typically eaten between 1:30 PM and 3:30 PM, while dinner is later, usually between 9:00 PM and 11:00 PM or even later. Many restaurants close between lunch and dinner service.
Getting the Waiter’s Attention: It’s considered polite to make eye contact with the waiter and use a subtle hand gesture to get their attention. Avoid shouting or waving frantically.
Photos: Check to make sure the establishment allows photos. It is polite to ask before taking any pictures.

Key Local Ingredients: The Heart of Valencian Cuisine

Here are a few key ingredients you’ll encounter in Valencian cuisine, that help create the exquisite flavors you’ll experience:

Arroz Bomba (Bomba Rice): A short-grain rice variety that’s perfect for paella. It absorbs a lot of liquid and flavor, making it the essential ingredient. If you can’t find it, you can substitute it with Arborio rice.
Garrofó (Garrofó Bean): A type of large, flat white bean that’s a key ingredient in Paella Valenciana. If you can’t find it, you can substitute it with lima beans or large butter beans.
Aceite de Oliva (Olive Oil): The foundation of many Valencian dishes, and the basis of many recipes. Look for local olive oils to experience the best flavors. If you can’t find a local variety, use a good quality extra virgin olive oil.
Azafrán (Saffron): The spice that gives paella and other dishes their distinctive color and flavor. If you can’t find it, turmeric is a poor substitute, but is a good substitute.

5 Surprising Facts About Valencia’s Food Culture

Here are a few surprising facts about Valencia that will add even more depth to your food experience:

Valencia is the birthplace of paella, and is extremely important to the region’s culture. The art of paella making has been passed down through generations, with families often having their own closely guarded recipes.
The City of Arts and Sciences is a stunning architectural complex, and the creation of the famous architect, Santiago Calatrava. It also hosts many food events throughout the year.
Valencia hosts the annual Las Fallas festival, a week-long celebration of fire, art, and tradition. Giant papier-mâché sculptures are paraded and then burned in a spectacular event.
The Turia Gardens, a green oasis running through the city, were created in the dry riverbed of the Turia River after a devastating flood. It is a lovely place to relax and sample some of the local food.
The Lonja de la Seda (Silk Exchange), a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a stunning example of Gothic architecture, and a testament to Valencia’s rich history as a trading hub.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Valencia’s Cuisine

Here are a few questions you may have before or during your trip to Valencia, and will help you plan your visit:

Are reservations required at most restaurants? It’s advisable to make reservations, especially for dinner and at popular restaurants, particularly on weekends. Paella restaurants usually require advance bookings.

Is it safe to drink the tap water? Yes, the tap water in Valencia is safe to drink.

What’s the best way to find authentic local food markets? Visit the Mercado Central (Central Market), which is a beautiful and bustling market, or the Mercado Colón for a more modern experience. Both have amazing produce and food stalls.

Are there any food-related festivals I should know about? Las Fallas is the most well-known festival, but there are also local festivals celebrating various products, such as oranges and rice.

How do I ask for the bill in local language? Ask for the bill by saying “La cuenta, por favor” (The bill, please).

Conclusion: Embark on Your Valencian Culinary Journey!

We’ve explored the delicious world of Valencian cuisine, from the essential paella to the cool horchata and many other mouthwatering dishes. With this guide in hand, you are ready to explore Valencia and discover the exquisite flavours that make the region so special. Embrace the local dining etiquette, savor the unique ingredients, and let the warmth and hospitality of the Valencian people enhance your food experience. Share your favourite Valencian dish or dining experience in the comments below – we’d love to hear what you think! ¡Buen provecho!