Did you know that paella, Spain’s most famous dish, was born in Valencia and remains one of the most sought-after delicacies by travellers from all over the world?
If you’re thinking of visiting this beautiful city, get ready for a culinary adventure that goes far beyond this iconic rice dish.
So, what else can’t you miss? The answer is as vast as it is delicious. From the refreshing esgarraet to the sweet and addictive coca de llanda accompanied by horchata, every bite connects you to the history and essence of Valencia.
And yes, paella is just the beginning. Every corner of the city offers an opportunity to discover new flavours that, once tasted, will stay with you forever.
If you want to learn more about these delicious gastronomic treasures and not miss a thing on your next visit to Valencia, keep reading. Your taste buds will thank you!
Typical dishes you must try in Valencia
If you’re in Valencia, don’t miss these exquisite local dishes that will make you fall in love with its cuisine. From main courses to desserts, here’s a varied list to make the most of your culinary experience:
- Paella Valenciana. Let’s start with the most emblematic dish of the region and probably all of Spain. The authentic version is made with ingredients such as chicken, rabbit, green beans, garrofón (a type of large bean), tomato, olive oil, water, saffron, and salt. It’s much more than rice—it’s perfect for enjoying an outdoor meal with friends.
- All i pebre. This traditional eel stew is made with garlic, red pepper, potatoes, and paprika. Originating from the fishing communities of the Albufera, it offers an intense and unique flavour that will connect you directly with the deep roots of Valencian cuisine.
- Fideuà. Born in Gandía, this delicious alternative to paella swaps rice for thin noodles and is cooked with seafood like prawns, squid, and cuttlefish. It’s all flavoured with a rich fish broth that enhances the taste of the sea.
- Esgarraet. This simple yet delicious starter is a must on any Valencian table. It’s a salad made with roasted red peppers, flaked salt cod, and olive oil.
Sometimes chopped garlic and black olives are added, giving it an extra burst of flavour. It’s light, fresh, and perfect to accompany a meal or enjoy with a good slice of bread.
- Arroz a banda. Unlike paella, this rice dish is cooked separately from the fish and seafood broth.
The traditional recipe includes cuttlefish, prawns, and squid, along with a hint of garlic and paprika. This dish is a tribute to the flavours of the sea and a delight for food lovers.
- Horchata and Fartons. You can’t say you’ve been to Valencia without trying horchata, a refreshing drink made from chufa (tiger nuts), which are grown in the region.
It’s usually served chilled and accompanied by fartons, soft, elongated buns perfect for dipping into the horchata. This combination is ideal for an afternoon snack or to recharge after a morning of exploring the city.
- Coca de llanda. This traditional Valencian sponge cake is known for its softness and sweet flavour. Made with simple ingredients like eggs, sugar, flour, and olive oil, it’s often flavoured with cinnamon and lemon.
It’s perfect to enjoy with a coffee or tea, and once you try it, you’ll find it hard to resist having more.
- Bunyols de Carabassa. These small pumpkin fritters are a typical treat during the Fallas festival, but they’re enjoyed year-round.
Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, they’re sprinkled with sugar and often dipped in hot chocolate. They’re a true delight that will help you understand why Valencians are so attached to their culinary traditions.
- Arnadí. This dessert is made from pumpkin or sweet potato, mixed with almonds, sugar, and cinnamon. Its smooth texture and sweet flavour make it the perfect way to end a meal with an authentic and unique touch.
- Clóchinas. A smaller, more flavourful type of mussel compared to the usual varieties, they’re in season from May to August, so if you visit during this time, don’t miss the chance to try them. They’re usually steamed and served with a squeeze of lemon and garlic to enhance their natural flavour.
- Arroz al horno. Also known as “arròs al forn,” this dish is made with ingredients like pork ribs, chickpeas, blood sausage, potatoes, and tomatoes, all baked together in a clay pot.
- Faves Bullides. This simple yet delicious dish is often served as a tapa or side. The broad beans are boiled and then seasoned with salt, olive oil, and sometimes a bit of garlic.
- Titineta de Sepia. This dish features cuttlefish cooked in its own ink, along with onion, garlic, paprika, and a splash of wine. The result is a dark, richly flavoured stew served with white rice. It’s one of those specialities that captures the essence of the Mediterranean in every bite.
- Olla Valenciana. A traditional stew that reflects the region’s rural character. It’s made with a variety of meats (pork, beef, chicken) and vegetables (carrots, turnips, potatoes, chickpeas), all slow-cooked in a large pot.
Due to its hearty and nutritious nature, it’s ideal for replenishing energy after a busy day. Every family has their own version, making it a dish with endless variations.
- Sang amb Ceba. Known locally as “sang amb ceba”, this is a more daring option but equally delicious. It consists of pork blood cooked with onions and spices. It’s a highly appreciated tapa in the region, and though it may seem unusual, the flavour is delicate and tasty.
- Blanco y Negro. A very typical tapa in Valencia, this dish consists of a white sausage (butifarra) and a black pudding (morcilla) grilled to perfection.
It’s served with a side of green peppers and bread, creating an intense and satisfying combination of flavours. It’s perfect to enjoy with a cold beer in one of the many traditional bars around the city.
- Coca de Recapte. This is a type of open savoury pie found in various Mediterranean regions, but in Valencia, it has its own special twist.
The base is topped with ingredients like roasted peppers, aubergines, onions, and sometimes tuna, sardines, or cold meats. It’s versatile because it can be eaten hot or cold, and it’s ideal for a casual meal or on the go.
- Turrón de Jijona and Turrón de Alicante. The first is soft, made with ground almonds, while the Turrón de Alicante is hard, made with whole almonds and honey.
Both are authentic delights that allow you to savour a bit of Spanish Christmas tradition any time of the year.
- Pastissets de Boniato. These are small pastries filled with a smooth sweet potato purée, wrapped in shortcrust pastry and dusted with icing sugar. Although they are typically enjoyed during the Christmas season, you can find them in many bakeries year-round.
- Suquet de Peix. This is a traditional fish stew from the Valencian coast. It’s made with a variety of fresh seafood cooked with potatoes, tomatoes, garlic, parsley, and a touch of paprika. It’s a true homage to the sea’s bounty and is perfect for those who love intense, authentic flavours.
- Clafoutis de cerezas. Though originally from France, this dish has found a special place in Valencian cuisine. It’s a simple and delicious dessert made with fresh cherries covered by a light, flan-like batter. It’s the perfect way to round off a summer meal.
Enjoy Every Valencian Dish with Nest Hostels Valencia
Valencia is much more than sun and beaches—it’s a destination where gastronomy awakens all your senses.
At Nest Hostels Valencia, you’ll not only have a comfortable and modern place to stay, but you’ll also be at the heart of the gastronomic scene, surrounded by the best flavours this region has to offer.
From local markets where you can taste traditional delights, to restaurants and tapas bars that reinvent classic flavours, our prime location allows you to enjoy all this just steps away from your room.
Imagine ending a day of remote work or sightseeing with a meal shared with fellow travellers, enjoying dishes like all i pebre, paella, or succulent arroz al horno. Every bite is a celebration of Valencian tradition, with local ingredients that connect you to the land and sea of this vibrant region.
Book your stay now and get ready to experience a culinary adventure you’ll never forget!
