Levantine cuisine is characterized by its great diversity, freshness, and the use of local ingredients from the eastern coast of the Iberian Peninsula, particularly from the Valencian Community and Alicante. This cuisine is a fusion of Mediterranean and Arab influences, with high-quality seafood and produce. From CHG, here’s a list of Levantine cuisine essentials:
The famous paella
The most iconic dish of Levantine cuisine, originating from the Valencian Community, is undoubtedly paella. This dish has many variations, but the most well-known in the Levante region are:
- Paella Valenciana: with rice, rabbit, chicken, green beans, garrofó (a type of bean), tomato, olive oil, saffron, and rosemary.
- Seafood paella: with fresh seafood such as shrimp, mussels, squid, clams, and fish.
- Mixed paella: a combination of meat and seafood, generally controversial but very popular.
Horchata and Fartons
Horchata is a refreshing drink of Valencian origin, made from tiger nuts (chufa), a tuber that is particularly grown in the Albufera area. It is served cold and is usually accompanied by fartons, elongated, fluffy pastries that are dipped into the horchata. This is one of the most typical combos in the snack bars of Valencia and Alicante.
‘Arroz a Banda’
A traditional dish from the Levantine coast, particularly from Alicante, where rice is cooked with fish broth (often with monkfish and squid) and served with alioli. The broth is the base of the intense flavor, and the rice is cooked separately to maintain its unique taste. This is one of the signature dishes at ‘Aura’, the flagship restaurant in Oliva Nova.
The Red Prawns from Dénia
The red prawn from Dénia (Valencia) is one of the most prized seafood delicacies in the region, renowned for its unique flavor and texture. It is served in its simplest form, grilled, to highlight its fresh and sweet taste. It can also be enjoyed in rice dishes or fideuás, and without a doubt, it is a great reason to visit Dénia.
Levantine cuisine is a true treasure. Fresh ingredients, rice, olive oil, and seafood are the foundation of many of its most iconic dishes. If you have the chance, don’t hesitate to try these must-try dishes to experience the authentic essence of Spain’s Levante.
