Spanish Cuisine – What You Must Try

Paella – queen of the region

Paella originates from Valencia, and Costa Blanca is its natural territory. Rice with saffron, chicken, rabbit, vegetables – classic paella valenciana. By the sea – paella de marisco (seafood) or paella mixta. Order for at least 2 people, best in a restaurant with sea views. Avoid tourist paella on plastic plates.

Tapas – small portions, big pleasure

Tortilla española (potato omelette), jamón serrano, patatas bravas, gazpacho and salmorejo (cold soups), boquerones (marinated anchovies), croquetas. Ideal for dinner – several tapas instead of one main. In Alicante try turrón (nougat) – local speciality.

Seafood and fish

Fresh fish from the daily catch – sea bream, sea bass, sardines. Gambas al ajillo (garlic prawns), calamares, pulpo a la gallega. In Villajoyosa – bacalao (cod). In many restaurants you choose fish by weight – ask the price before ordering.

Drinks

Horchata (tiger nut drink) – refreshing, sweet. Sangria – a classic, but locals often drink tinto de verano (wine with lemonade). Wine – the region produces good wines, e.g. from Jumilla. Café con leche – mandatory breakfast.

Desserts

Flan (caramel custard), arroz con leche (rice pudding), turrón (hard or soft nougat), helado (ice cream). In summer – fresh fruit: melon, watermelon, peaches.