Spanish cuisine is very diverse and has been historically influenced by its varied geography, that features many different climates and environments, from the warm coastline of the south to the cold mountain areas of the Pyrenees. This diversity has favored the development of a variety of local cuisines, each connected and directly influenced by the local resources, economy and history.  

Over time however the different type of cuisine have influenced each other creating a set of common elements that form the backbone of Spanish cuisine. Many of these elements and ingredients, such as the constant presence of olive oil and breads, are typical of Mediterranean cuisine, while others have been imported from the former Spanish colonies in Latin America.

Along the coast the local cuisine is dominated by seafood and fish, often mixed with locally grown vegetables and occasionally with meat, while inland the relationship is reversed with a dominance of meat and local crops and only the occasional appearance of seafood.

Some dishes and ingredients however, are popular throughout the peninsula. The most symbolic and important of these foods is certainly the Spanish ham or jamon that is present everywhere and forms an almost essential part of many Spanish meals.

Eating habits

Spaniards usually eat three meals per day, breakfast lunch and dinner, with lunch usually being the most important one. However these tree fundamental meals are often complemented with two additional meals consumed in mid morning “almuerzo” and another one being consumed in mid afternoon and known as “merienda”.

Eating hours are also a differential factor when compared with the rest of Europe, with lunch being consumed between 2pm and 3pm and dinner often consumed around 10 pm. Furthermore, in many parts of Spain is customary to take a nap or rest after lunch in the so called “siesta”.

Meals, especially in the late afternoon and evening also acquire a social dimension and at night it is common to visit several bars and restaurants to eat the traditional tapas and pintxos with friends. Tapas and pintxos are one of the most typical Spanish foods, and are composed of a small amount of food, often served on a piece of bread and accompanied by wine or other alcoholic beverages. If you are invited to go for tapas, remember that they are not starters. You will be probably visiting several bars in order to try different types of them and you will see how filling they can be. The origin of this tradition is unsure with several theories existing. One of them dates back to the times when the King Alfonso the 10^th the Wise had to eat small portions of food with wine between meals because of an illness. Apparently, this helped him recover in a short time and the King, amazed by the efficiency of the cure ,decreed that from that time no alcohol beverage was to be served without a bite of food. Another possible explanation of the origin of tapas is the meaning of the word derived from the verb “tapar”(to cover) and suggesting that the small portions of food where used to cover the wineglass in order to prevent impurities from getting into it or to preserve the fine taste of the drink.  

Valencian gastronomy

Valencian cooking is dominated by several local ingredients among which the most important is rice, a crop widely cultivated in the plains surrounding Valencia and used in several local recipes. Rice, together with saffron is also the key ingredient to the most famous of Valencian dishes, the paella, a dish composed mainly of rice cooked on a wide, shallow, frying pan and mixed with vegetables and sometimes with either meat (for example rabbit) or seafood. Another typical dish is fidea which is similar to paella but the rice is here substituted by noodles.

The large plains that surround Valencia as well as producing the rice and vegetables used for paella, are also one of the few places in the world where tiger nuts are grown. This vegetable is used to make a very popular and typical beverage, the horchata, that is served cold and consumed with fartons, a local pastry similar to long iced buns.

Places to eat in Valencia

The city offers a wide range of restaurants, pubs and bars of all kinds. There are small traditional restaurants offering local dishes such as the paella, sophisticated up-market restaurants with incredible interiors, international restaurants, various buffet locals, and countless “cervecerias”. 

As for students, who tend to seek affordable prices in locals where they can enjoy a drink with a group of friends and at the same time eat something tasty, there are plenty of options.

Let’s start in the center taking a stroll down the narrow streets of the quarter of Carmen where during the day you can enjoy a drink or a meal in one of the numerous locals with terraces. You could, for instance, have a drink in La Bolseria, which you will surely get to know for the Erasmus parties that are held there. In turn, at night the whole area undergoes a transformation into a nightlife spot with music playing all night long.

Lying to the northwest of El Carme  another good spot to make for is the area around the University of Valencia. It might not be as picturesque as the centric area, but there is a plenty of places around the Plaza Xuquer and the Avenida Blasco Ibanez where students can find a tasty bite and an affordable drink.

Anyway, if you are busy and just look for something quick to eat as you go, there are many fast food eateries such as kebabs or pizza places. For example, Benimaclet, another students’ district is full of this kind of establishments.  

Also, very popular among students population is the cerveceria “100 montaditos”, where it is possible to get a full pitcher of beer for as little as one euro and try the montaditos, another type of small meal/appetizer that consist of  freshly-baked bread filled with…actually, with whatever you fancy, as there are endless options for the filling to choose from. Wednesday is the busiest day due to the fact that each item of food or drink on this day costs only one euro what, even for students’ pockets, is a great deal.

When you got tired of beer and snacks and wish to try  something more solid and hearty you should go to one of the restaurants that offer local dishes specializing in rice. The two options for a great full meal that you will remember as a part of your Erasmus experience are La Canela near the Quart Towers and Casa de Roberto. Both restaurants offer delicious Valencian specialties with fresh and  high quality products for reasonable prices.  You can choose from variety of rices, meats, fish, fine wines and finish off your meal with homemade desserts.

For savoring the traditional beverage, la horchata, try one of the locals that are specialized in this type of drink that are appropriately called horchaterias. The one in the Plaza Santa Catalina is the most emblematic of the capital of Valencian Region. Founded in 1836, it still offers the original taste of horchata which you can accompany with many types of freshly-baked pastry. The horchateria is easy to find and surprises with its beautiful interior.  When the weather is good, the streets are filled with special stands where local women sell the drink appropriately cooled. However, there is another place most famous for its best quality horchata. The small town of Alboraya located just outside the city of Valencia is the place known for its best horchata. So, you should just get on the underground (line 3) and head to Alboraya to check it yourself.

Though not as typical of Valencia as the horchata with fartons, the churros with chocolate are a must for you to try during your stay in Spain. These are fried-dough pastries that are served hot and usually eaten dipped in thick hot chocolate. There is also another variety of them, that is longer and thicker, called the porras. In March, during the Fallas Festival the city is full of street stands selling them in different forms so there is no need to look for them. However, in other periods the churros are not so visible in Valencia and the place where you’ll find them undoubtedly is la chocolateria “Valor” in the Plaza de la Reina. Be prepared to stay in  line as the delicious taste attracts lots of people- tourists and locals alike. The churros are a great thing for those with sweet tooth and taste even better in winter.