Paella ~ National Dish of Spain!

This popular dish originates from Albufera just a short journey from the center of Valencia.  This is where the rice fields of Valencia are located and where many  traditional restaurants are located.

The restaurants which line the beach of Valencia City are famous for serving some of the best paella in town.

Spanish families often cook this dish on Sundays when the family are together.

It’s also cooked for special occasions and is rarely eaten for dinner.

In Valencia it’s customary to use orange and pine branches for the fuel and as Valencia is famous for its vast orange groves,  there is always plenty of fuel.

In present day Valencia ingredients for this famous dish include chicken, rabbit, butter beans, runner beans, tomatoes, garlic and saffron which gives it that very special taste.

There are a variety of dishes which always include an ample supply of seafood which come form the coastal towns and villages in Spain. One of the most popular ingredients still used today are eels,  which the Albufera in Valencia is famous for.

Arroz a la Marinera

This is a popular dish from Valencia made with crustaceans and shellfish.

¡Buen Provecho!

Sueca Paella Festival

Famous since the early 60s the festival takes place in the town of Sueca in the South of Valencia during the first fortnight in September ~ (See Valencia Monthly Events).

Spanish festivals wouldn’t be complete without marching bands, fireworks and the traditional dish of Spain which everyone enjoys.