Looking for traditional paella or maybe crispy churros? Don’t worry Valencia has it all! You find great restaurants, tapas bars or bakeries everywhere in this city. But what to choose? In this list we recommend all those amazing Spanish Food and Drinks you need to try.
1. Paella
Valencia is the birthplace of paella. This rice dish is cooked with saffron and a variety of fresh ingredients, such as chicken, rabbit, or seafood. The flavors go together beautifully, creating an aromatic meal that will leave you wanting more. Head to a traditional restaurant to get the authentic taste of Valencia’s paella.
Paella is famous, that is why many touristy restaurants serve it too. Before making a decision, it’s important to check restaurant reviews to ensure you are getting the best option available🥘.
2. Agua de Valencia
Agua de Valencia, a classic refreshing cocktail made with gin, cava, orange juice, and vodka. It’s a popular drink in the city and is often enjoyed on sunny terraces. Don’t miss the chance to sip on this delightful beverage!
4. Horchata
Horchata is a traditional drink made from ground tiger nuts with added water, sugar, and sometimes cinnamon. This milky beverage is refreshing and slightly sweet, perfect if you are thirsty on a hot day. You can find Hortchata in many cafés and horchaterias throughout the city.
5. Tapas
Valencia is famous for its tapas culture. From Patatas bravas (fried potatoes with spicy sauce), Jamón ibérico (cured ham) to traditional Tortilla (Spanish omelets) Tapas is just a wide variety of small, flavorful bites you can try. If you like to know more about the history of tapas culture? Then join a Tapas tour with a local guide; there are some great tours offered on GetYourGuide.
6. Gazpacho
Gazpacho needs to be on the must try Spanish Food and Drinks list. It is a refreshing Spanish soup made with tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, garlic, and olive oil. This soup is perfect for a hot summer day as it is cold! It is often served as an appetizer or a light meal enjoyed with sides like bread and salad.
7. Churros
Valencia is one of the best places to go for real churros. Delicious crispy and golden brown pastries made of dough that is piped through a star-shaped nozzle and deep-fried. They are often dusted with cinnamon sugar and can be enjoyed with a chocolate dip.
Churros are very filling, so be careful. Eating just 3 sticks may be enough, making this sweet snack perfect for sharing with friends or family if you buy a whole bag 😉
7. Gilda
Gilda is the kind of small bite that hits you with flavour in one go. On a little skewer you get a salty anchovy, a briny green olive and a spicy pickled pepper, all in one mouthful. It is classic bar food from northern Spain, but you will spot it in good tapas and wine bars in Valencia too. Order one with a cold beer or a glass of vermut and you will see why locals love it as a quick, punchy snack at the bar.
8. Tostada | Breakfast
Tostada con tomate is Spain’s favourite no-fuss breakfast, and you will see it on almost every café menu in Valencia. It is just toasted bread rubbed with ripe tomato, a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of salt, but it tastes like sunshine on a plate. You can eat it plain, or add jamón, cheese or a bit of garlic if you like more flavour. Pair it with a café cortado and you have the perfect light start before a morning of exploring the city.
9. Empanadilla
Empanadas are your perfect grab-and-go snack when you are wandering around Valencia. Think golden, baked pastry pockets filled with all kinds of savoury goodness. You will see them stuffed with minced meat, tuna and tomato, spinach and cheese, or mixed vegetables, often sold warm at bakeries and market stalls. They are cheap, filling and easy to eat with one hand while you keep exploring, which makes them ideal for a quick bite between sights or to pack for the beach.
