What are the must-try foods in Valencia? What about the best beverages? I went on a quest to try as much local foods as possible and I was amazed by the flavours the third biggest Spanish city has to offer.
Local oranges
The fresh oranges and mandarins sold everywhere in Valencia are probably my favourite local food! They are full of fresh flavour and extremely juicy. Speaking of that – their juice is bright yellow, almost green colour, which you don’t get with oranges from your standard UK supermarket. The sunny weather and the mild winters help produce very sweet fruits.
Orange juice
Most places I have seen offer freshly-squeezed orange juice – refreshing and packed with vitamins (and obviously – sugar, so be mindful).
Horchata (y farton)
Made from the local tiger nut, Horchata is Valencia’s most iconic drink. There is a place just outside Mercat Central that serves it. You can order it accompanied by a farton – a long soft pastry made specially to dip into Horchata.
Olives
Olives in all shapes and sized can be found in Valencia – you can even buy them as a snack on the go. Valencia is the home of quite a few olive varieties, so you can experiment with types of olives you have never tried before.
Paella Valenciana
Valencia is actually the homeland of the Paella, so this dish is definitely a must if you are visiting the third largest city in Spain. The original Paella is actually made with chicken and rabbit meat, not with seafood. If you are on a budget, head over to Mercat Central and buy some Paella Valenciana from there – the price is great and the taste is not going to disappoint you!
Jamón Ibérico
This ham comes from Iberian pigs, raised mainly in western Spain. While you can buy it on its own, it’s also a very popular sandwich filling.
Manchego
Manchego is Spain’s most famous cheese. It is made from sheep’s milk in the La Mancha region. It has firm structure and buttery flavour. While I didn’t try it during my time in Valencia, this cheese is at the top of my gastronomy list for my next visit.
Agua de Valencia
This is an alcohol cocktail that was invented in Valencia in the 1950s, comprising of orange juice, vodka, gin, Spanish sparkling wine and sugar. It’s sold in bars, but also in tins you can buy from the market.
What other foods or beverages would you add to the list?
