21 Traditional Valencia Foods To Try in 2024
You can’t visit Spain’s third-largest city without experiencing the Valencia food scene. Chances are, you’re already familiar with the city’s beautiful beaches, stunning Gothic cathedrals and impressive architecture. But which Valencia dishes are worth trying?
From the iconic paella to the city’s special mussels, there’s something for everyone. While most Valencia dishes are rice-based, you’ll find a ton of noodles, sausages and even sweet treats. Best of all, each dish tells a story and is influenced by various cultures that have passed through. Read on to discover the best traditional Valencia foods that you absolutely can’t miss.
Jump to Section
Learn to Cook Traditional Valencia Dishes
There’s no arguing that Valencia is one of the best foodie cities in the world. While you could certainly enjoy the finest restaurants that the city has to offer, there’s nothing quite like cooking Valencia food yourself. With cooking classes in Valencia, you can immerse yourself in the local culinary traditions and learn the techniques that make the city’s cuisine exceptional.
21 Best Foods in Valencia, Spain
1. Tiger Nut Horchata
Tiger nut horchata is one of Spain’s most popular non-alcoholic drinks. The main ingredient, the tiger nut, is a small plant that has been cultivated near Valencia since ancient times. In fact, Valencia happens to be the world’s largest producer of tiger nuts, contributing to 90% of the global supply.
This drink pairs perfectly with many Valencia foods, like fartons. These are long, sugar-coated pastries that are perfect for dipping into your horchata. For the best horchatas, stop by Horchatería Santa Catalina in the Old Town's Plaza de Santa Catalina.
2. Turron
Turron is a classic Spanish treat made from honey, egg whites and sugar mixed with toasted almonds. It's customary to serve turrón as part of holiday gatherings, paired with a cup of coffee or a glass of sweet wine.
Turrons can also be incorporated into pastries and cakes or used creatively as a topping for ice cream. It's available year-round and is commonly served as a dessert in many Valencia food establishments.
3. Fideuà
You can’t talk about the top Valencia food without including fideuà. It’s similar to paella, but instead of rice, it uses noodles. Traditionally, it’s made with thin vermicelli noodles, but it’s the seafood that steals the show. This Velancia dish is usually prepared with seafood such as monkfish, crayfish, squid and shrimp. It's then enhanced with saffron, tomatoes and a touch of Spanish sweet paprika for that perfect finish.
You can enjoy it with a glass of white wine or as a hearty, comforting meal on its own. If you're looking to try some of the best fideuà in Valencia, Casa Carmela is the perfect spot.
4. Esgarraet
Esgarraet is deeply woven into the cultural fabric of Valencia’s food scene. This refreshing cold salad is made from salt cod, roasted red peppers and sometimes black olives. Plus, it’s all dressed with olive oil and minced garlic.
Traditionally, esgarraet is served with plenty of crusty bread to soak up the flavorful juices, but it can also be enjoyed as a starter or a light salad. You’ll find esgarraet at most tapas bars or restaurants specializing in traditional Valencia food. If you're going to La Pepica for paella, be sure to try esgarraet as a starter.
5. Escalivada
If you love esgarraet, then you’ll definitely want to try escalivada. This dish features a medley of red peppers, eggplant, tomatoes, onions and garlic, all slow-roasted to bring out the natural flavors. Unlike esgarraet, which includes cod, escalivada focuses solely on the rich, smoky taste of the roasted vegetables.
Escalivada is a versatile dish that can be paired with your favorite Valencia food or enjoyed on its own as a tapa. It’s also delicious as a topping for Catalan flatbread.
6. Coca
Coca, a traditional Spanish pastry, has its origins in Catalonia. This flatbread-like pastry is found in Valencia food places like bakeries and pastry shops. It comes in a few different forms, from sweet cakes to savory pizzas.
As a dessert, coca resembles a sponge cake with flavors like lemon zest, cinnamon or apple. On the savory side, coca takes on a more pizza-like appearance. It’s topped with lots of different ingredients like tomatoes, peppers, pancetta and even salted sardines.
7. Buñuelos
Buñuelos are deep-fried pumpkin fritters, particularly popular during the Fallas festival. These doughnut-shaped desserts are made from a mixture of pumpkin, yeast and flour before being fried to perfection.
The bottom line is that you can't talk about Valencia food without mentioning buñuelos. One of the most famous places to enjoy buñuelos is El Contraste, located in the Ruzafa neighborhood. Be sure to arrive early since the lines can get long.
8. All i Pebre
All i pebre, which translates to "garlic and pepper," is a traditional type of Valencia food originating in the Albufera wetlands just outside the city.
This hearty stew features eel paired with potatoes and simmered in a sauce made from olive oil, garlic and paprika. The stew has a garlicky and spicy flavor, which complements the rest of the dish.
Generally, all i pebre is served piping hot, with fresh bread on the side to soak up the sauce. It’s easily one of the best-kept secrets among Valencia foods and a must-try during the winter months.
9. Sobrasada
Sobrasada is a soft cured sausage made with premium pork meat and seasoned with red peppers, salts and paprika. As a cornerstone in Valencia food, sobrasada is enjoyed spread on crusty bread or to enhance the taste of stew.
Sobrasada originates from the Balearic Islands, particularly Mallorca. Its history dates back to the Roman period when the technique of preserving meat with spices and salt was common. While it’s most famously linked to the nearby Balearic Islands, this rich, spreadable sausage has also become a breakfast favorite in Valencian food culture.
10. Bollit
Bollit is a Valencian stew featuring a hearty mix of boiled vegetables, including green beans, onions, carrots and potatoes. Occasionally, you might come across more elaborate additions like cauliflower, chard and artichokes.
While Bollit won’t win any awards for the most gourmet Valencia food, it’s a satisfying choice, especially after braving the cold weather. It’s especially popular among vegetarians since seafood and sausages tend to dominate Valencian menus.
11. Clóchinas
Clóchinas are seasonal mussels and are only available from May to September. Traditionally, clóchinas are steamed in their own juices with just a touch of lemon, garlic and olive oil. This preparation enhances the mussels' natural flavors and creates a delicate broth perfect for dipping bread.
For a truly authentic Valencia food experience, head to La Pilareta, also known as "La Casa de las Clóchinas," located in the El Carmen neighborhood of Valencia.
12. Calamares a la Romana
Calamares a la Romana are fresh squid rings lightly battered and deep-fried, resulting in a crispy exterior with a tender squid inside. The origins of Valencia food like calamares a la Romana are rooted in Spain's rich maritime tradition.
Traditionally, this dish is served hot with a side of garlicky aioli for dipping or simply with a squeeze of lemon. It’s also popular in sandwich form, known as "bocadillo de calamares," especially during street festivals.
13. Wine
When it comes to exploring local Valencia food, you simply can’t overlook the wines. You'll find a variety of wines that cater to all tastes and complement most Valencia food. Robust reds made from grapes like cabernet sauvignon, merlot and tempranillo offer deep, rich flavors perfect for pairing with big meals. For something lighter, the region's dry whites, grown in the cooler altitudes outside the city, provide a refreshing taste.
Aragon 58 is one of the best wine restaurants since it uses fresh and traditional ingredients. The restaurant offers an array of sweet wines that perfectly complement its seafood dishes.
14. Agua de Valencia
Agua de Valencia is a sweet cocktail from Valencia, made from a blend of freshly squeezed orange juice, cava (sparkling wine), vodka and gin. It’s common to serve the cocktail in large pitchers to share with groups.
Despite its fruity taste, this cocktail packs a punch with its mix of two spirits and sparkling wine, so it's best to sip with care on a hot afternoon. Agua de Valencia pairs exceptionally well with many Valencia foods, complementing dishes like paella and tapas with its refreshing qualities. Each bar in Valencia has its own unique recipe, making it worth exploring different versions across the city.
15. Green Beans
Green beans are a classic ingredient used in many Valencia foods. The Spanish garlic green beans, also called judías verdes al ajillo are commonly eaten as a tapas appetizer or side dish for any meal.
The beans are cooked until they are tender yet still have a slight crunch, and then they’re tossed with freshly minced garlic. The dish pairs beautifully with grilled meats, seafood and other vegetable dishes.
The origin of green beans in Valencia food culture is deeply tied to the Mediterranean climate, which is ideal for growing this staple crop.
16. Flan de Calabaza
Flan de calabaza, or pumpkin flan, is a classic Spanish dessert made with pumpkin, eggs, cinnamon and evaporated milk. The custard is baked atop a layer of caramel and then served with the sweet sauce cascading over the top.
Pumpkins take center stage in many traditional Valencia foods, more so than anywhere else in Spain. This creamy custard is perfect for celebrating special occasions or holiday meals.
17. Paella
Paella is perhaps the most iconic dish associated with Valencia food. This rice-based dish is cooked in a wide, shallow pan, known as a paellera, over an open flame.
Today, paella comes in many variations. Seafood paella is made with a variety of fresh seafood like mussels, shrimp, clams and sometimes squid. However, the classic Valencian dish known as paella Valenciana remains the most authentic. It’s traditionally made with chicken, rabbit and sometimes snails, along with local beans and saffron.
For a taste of authentic Valencia food, especially paella, try Casa Roberto located in the Ruzafa area or La Pepica on the beachfront.
18. Arròs al Horno
Arròs al Horno, or oven-baked rice, is a beloved dish from Valencia that often flies under the radar compared to its famous cousin, paella. This classic Valencia food features a combination of short-grain rice, morcilla, pork ribs, tomatoes, potatoes and fresh bacon, all seasoned with garlic and spices.
Unlike paella, which is cooked over an open flame, arròs al horno is baked in the oven, which gives the rice a unique, tender texture. It’s often served with a dollop of aioli on the side, which adds a creamy, garlicky contrast to the rich, robust flavors of the dish.
19. Morcilla
Morcilla is a type of blood sausage commonly found in Spain. Made primarily from pork blood, fat and various seasonings, it often includes additional ingredients like rice, onions and spices.
In Valencia food culture, morcilla is commonly enjoyed in a couple of traditional ways. One popular method is serving it as a bocadillo — a sandwich — often with scrambled eggs and pickled onions.
Morcilla is an essential part of Valencia food, specifically in oven-baked rice dishes like arroz al forn. This rice recipe includes pork ribs, chickpeas, tomatoes, onions, garlic, potatoes and, of course, morcilla sausages. The origins of morcilla trace back to the traditional Spanish practice of la matanza, or the annual pig slaughter, where every part of the hog is used.
20. Arròs a banda
Arròs a Banda, translating to “rice on the side,” is a quintessential dish from the coastal region of Alicante in Valencia. Traditionally, arròs a banda is enjoyed in two stages: first, the fish is served on its own, often with a squeeze of lemon and a sprinkle of parsley. After savoring the fish, the rice is brought to the table as a second course, often topped with aioli, which perfectly complements the saffron-infused rice.
21. Oranges
Oranges hold a special place in Valencian food culture, and for good reason. They’re some of the best in the world. Grown in orchards across the region and even within the city itself, these plump, juicy fruits are a mainstay Valencia food.
You’ll find Valencian oranges in many forms, from freshly squeezed juice at breakfast to flavorful desserts like ice cream and flan. Oranges also add a citrus touch to dishes, such as the traditional ensalada de naranjas con granadas — a refreshing salad made with pomegranates and oranges.
Join 200,000+ Culinary Enthusiasts
Located on the eastern coast of Spain, Valencia food is celebrated for its fresh ingredients and timeless recipes. From the world-famous paella that embodies the heart of Valencian tradition to the sweet delights of horchata and coca, every dish tells a story of a place deeply rooted in culinary excellence.
For even more ways to explore Valencia and beyond, check out other experiences happening on Cozymeal.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT?
Join the conversation.