Follow Valencia’s Paella trail for a true taste Spain

Paella is, without doubt, one of the most international Spanish dishes, but to find the best you must head to the Region of Valencia, where it originates. There, you will not only find out that there are in fact hundreds of different kinds of paella and rice dishes, but also learn about the traditions and ritual of cooking paella as well as top tips for a perfect dish.

To help visitors who want to become “paella connoisseurs”, the Valencia Region Tourist Board is suggesting an itinerary that takes in some of the best places to learn more about this dish and try different specialities.

To follow the Paella Trail:

1. Buy the best ingredients at Valencia’s Central Market.
The Mercado Central in Valencia’s old town is Europe’s largest indoor market and a magnificent example of Modernist architecture. It is also the best place to buy both the paella (that’s the name of the pan) and all the ingredients. But don’t head straight to the fish counter… a traditional Valencian paella has green and broad beans, chicken, rabbit and sometimes snails as its main ingredients (beside rice), but no seafood!

2. Learn from the paella master chefs at El Palmar
Half an hour south of Valencia is the peaceful haven of the Albufera lake and nature reserve. Here you’ll find the vast paddy fields where paella rice is grown, and the “paella village” of El Palmar, packed with restaurants serving traditional paella and other rice dishes. Don’t hesitate to ask any of the chefs for some tips on how to cook the perfect Valencian paella – he may even give you a demonstration!

3. Warm up with a hearty rice dish in Xativa
About half an hour inland from the Albufera lies the historic town of Xativa, home to Europe’s first paper mill (where paper was made from rice) back in the 11th century. Climb up to the town’s impressive hilltop castle and then regain your energy with the rice dish typical of this area: “arroz al horno”, an oven baked dish with potatoes, chickpeas, tomatoes, black pudding and pork ribs.

4. Swap rice for pasta in Gandia
Back on the coast from Xativa is the resort of Gandia, very popular with Spanish holidaymakers for its long, sandy beaches. The old town of Gandia, a few minutes inland, is also well worth a visit for its rich cultural heritage and medieval palaces and churches. Gandia’s speciality is “fideua”, a different kind of paella where pasta is used instead of rice, alongside fish and squid.

5. Fish & rice in Benidorm
The province of Alicante (including Benidorm and all the other popular Costa Blanca resorts) is famous for its “arroz a banda”, a tasty rice dish cooked in fish stock. Try it for lunch at one of the many seafront restaurants in Benidorm with a glass of Alicante white wine, and then simply stumble across to the beach for a well deserved siesta…

For more information on the Region of Valencia or to download a gastronomy brochure go to Comunitatvalenciana.com.