Valencia Foods: Exploring the Local Food Scene With 15 Must-Try Traditional Dishes

With its prime beach location on the eastern coast, Valencia has become a top destination for millions of tourists each year. But it’s not just the sunshine and city that attract visitors; it’s the mouthwatering local food, too.

While Valencia is famous for its delicious paella, there’s so much more to enjoy, from fresh seafood to tasty desserts.

Read on to find out what our recommended 15 must-try Valencia foods are.

a bowl of cooked shrimp on a white wooden table

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1. Paella Valenciana

paella on a large black pan on a black background

Paella Valenciana is the most iconic dish of Valencia. Originating from the region’s rice-growing fields, this dish traditionally includes a combination of rabbit, chicken, green beans, and sometimes snails.

Cooked in a wide, shallow pan, the rice absorbs the flavours of the broth and saffron, creating a rich, aromatic meal.

Related: Best Paella In Valencia City

2. Fideuà

fiedeua noodles topped with shrimp and mussels on a pan with a serving spoon on top of a table

Fideuà is a delightful variation of paella, substituting rice with noodles. It’s typically prepared with seafood such as shrimp, squid, and cuttlefish.

This dish is cooked in a similar way to paella, allowing the noodles to soak up the flavours of the seafood and broth, offering a different but equally delicious experience.

3. Coca

closeup of some pieces of coca de tomato, a savory flat pie made of tomate and tuna which is one of the Valencian Foods

Coca is a versatile savoury pastry akin to a flatbread or pizza. It comes with various toppings, ranging from vegetables and meats to sweet fruits.

The base is thin and crispy, making it a popular snack or light meal throughout Valencia.

4. Arròs a banda

valencian meal on a pan made with rice and seafood like paella topped with a spoon and lemon slices

Arròs a banda is a traditional rice dish cooked in a rich fish stock, usually served with a variety of seafood like shrimp, squid, and mussels.

The dish is known for its depth of flavour, achieved by cooking rice separately from the seafood and then combining them on the plate.

5. Esgarraet

red pepper and cod dish on a wooden plate on a white wood table

Esgarraet is a simple yet flavorful Valencian salad. It is made with strips of roasted red pepper and salted cod marinated in olive oil and garlic.

This dish is often enjoyed as a tapa and is a testament to the region’s love for fresh, Mediterranean flavours.

6. Clóchinas

mussels on a white bowl on a black background

Clóchinas are a mussel native to Valencia, smaller and sweeter than the typical blue mussel.

They are usually steamed and served with a squeeze of lemon, often enjoyed as a refreshing and light tapa, especially in summer.

7. Bullit

Bullit is a traditional Valencian fish stew. It typically includes a variety of local fish and potatoes boiled together and served with a side of aioli, a garlic mayonnaise sauce.

This dish is a staple in coastal areas and reflects Valencia’s rich seafood culture. It’s one of the best Valencia foods to enjoy.

8. Horchata y Fartons

tigernuts on the side with a white drink made of tigernuts and sugar and long thin buns topped with sugar

Horchata, made from tiger nuts, is a sweet, milky, and refreshing drink unique to Valencia.

It is traditionally served with Fartons, an elongated, sweet pastry perfect for dipping into the horchata. This combination is a beloved summer treat.

9. Flan de Calabaza

pumpkin flan on a white plate with pumpkin decorations on a background

Flan de Calabaza or pumpkin flan is recommended if you want Valencian foods for dessert. This puts a Valencian twist on the classic Spanish custard dessert.

Made with fresh pumpkin, this dessert is creamy, lightly spiced, and offers a distinct flavour that sets it apart from the traditional flan.

10. Arroz al horno

arroz al horno rice with sea food like mussels on top in a clay pot on a blue wooden background with a wooden sppoon and spatula

Arroz al horno, or oven-baked rice, is a robust comfort food dish. It’s prepared with a variety of ingredients, such as pork ribs, sausage, chickpeas, and vegetables.

The ingredients are all baked together in a clay pot. This method gives the rice a unique texture and rich flavour.

11. Arroz negro

black rice on a white plate topped with an octopus

Arroz negro, or black rice, gets its distinctive colour and flavour from squid ink.

It’s usually cooked with squid or cuttlefish and a variety of seafood, offering a rich, savoury taste that’s a favourite among seafood enthusiasts.

12. Agua de Valencia

on white backround table with curtain, on a cocktail a mix of cava, orance juice, vodka and gin topped with leaf

Agua de Valencia is a popular local cocktail. A mix of cava (Spanish sparkling wine), orange juice, vodka, and gin.

It’s a refreshing and potent drink, often enjoyed in social settings.

13. All I Pebre

on white background crock pot; foreground seven pieces of eel in red broth in the crock pot, soup anguilla

One of the most interesting Valencia Foods is All i Pebre. It is a traditional eel and potato stew flavoured with garlic and paprika.

This dish has a unique taste and texture, combining the earthiness of the potatoes with the distinct flavour of eel.

14. Turron

closeup of a tray with different Turron, Polvorones and Mantecados, Typical Christmas Confections for Valencian Foods

Turron is a sweet nougat made from almonds, honey, sugar, and egg whites.

Originating from the Moorish influence in Spain, it has become a traditional Christmas treat but is enjoyed year-round in various forms.

15. Churros with Chocolate

Traditional Spanish dessert churros dipped with chocolate

Churros, long, fried dough pastries, are a beloved snack in Valencia. Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.

They are often served with a cup of thick hot chocolate for dipping, making them an indulgent treat at any time of the day. It’s one of the best Valencia foods to try.

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