FOOD & DRINK Restaurants

Eels For Meals? What To Eat And Drink In Valencia And Where To Find It

August 14, 2021
Eugene Costello
34 Comments
What To Eat And Drink In Valencia?

Spain has a rich and diverse landscape, from the Picos de Europa mountain range in the north to the Tabernas desert in the south. The surrounding seas are abundant with life, so it is little wonder Spanish cuisine has become so popular globally, says Chris Cooper in this mini guide to what to eat and drink in Valencia.

The Mediterranean diet is one of the healthiest in the world and in Valencia we are able to enjoy it to the fullest. Some places are famed for certain foods and here are a few highlights of Valencian food and drink – and, more importantly, where to find it:

Clóchinas – Valencia

Mussels in Spanish is mejillones. Clóchinas are VERY similar. Never, ever make the mistake of referring to clóchinas as mejillones in front of a local. It just isn’t worth the time. Accept that they are different and enjoy the rest of the day. 

Clóchinas are specific to Valencia and caught in the sea on the Valencian coast. Preparation is simple and the results are generally very tasty. Cooked in their own juice with a little garlic, lemon and sometimes paprika and bay leaves, it is a very popular dish in Valencian restaurants. 

Clóchinas are in season from the end of April to the end of August.

2. Bobal grapes – Requena/Utiel

Over an hour inland from Valencia you will find the vineyards of Requena/Utiel. Some 80% of the grapes used are a red grape called bobal. The wine is generally quite low in alcohol at around 11% and has a pleasing, fruity taste. You can buy wines throughout the region and prices for a bottle range from a couple of euros to over twenty. Hu-ha is a great inexpensive bobal wine at €3-4 per bottle. You can find found in Consum, and Lo Necesario is a lovely mid-priced to expensive drop at around €13 per bottle. The Murviedro winery offers a tour of their old cellars and explains the wine-making process before offering some wine-tasting. They even throw in a bottle of red and a nice wine glass. The cellars are in Plaza de Albornoz in Requena, and entry is €7 per person.

3. Sausages – Requena

As well as good quality wines, Requena is famed for its sausages. Sausages such as chorizo and morcilla (black pudding) are produced here but it is particularly renowned for longaniza.

Similar to chorizo, though longaniza swaps paprika for black pepper. It is widely available in supermarkets and is a fine addition to any barbecue. 

Each February, Requena celebrates the Muestra del Embutido Artesano y de Calidad”, the artisan and high-quality sausage show, where thousands of kilos of sausages are eaten. It is a good idea to have a glass or two of bobal to calm the nerves before attending one of the largest sausage fests in Spain.

4. King Prawns – Vinaròs

Prawns come from the sea. I know, astonishing, right? But the famed Vinaròs king prawns come from the sea around Vinaròs. Located in the far north of Castellon, Vinaròs is the last coastal town before Cataluña and the Ebro Delta. The king prawns get their high quality as a result of the town’s location. The Ebro lowers the salinity of the sea. Add the mild Mediterranean climate to this and the resulting prawns are large, meaty and tasty.

August is the best time to visit Vinaròs as the beaches don’t get too crowded and the clear sea takes on some remarkable blue and green hues. It’s also when the Fiesta del Langostino is held. 

Tasting stalls are set up along the sea-front and in the recently renovated market. 

There are regular daily trains to Vinaròs and the trip takes from an hour and twenty minutes to two and a half hours, depending on which service you use.

What To Eat And Drink In Valencia
What To Eat And Drink In Valencia?

5. Artichokes – Benicarló

Located between Vinaròs and Peñiscola, Benicarló is a small agricultural town on the coast. The main crop is the artichoke.

Artichokes from Benicarló have held the Denominación de Origen Protegida, signifying high quality produce, since 1998.

The season for these delicious, nutrient packed vegetables is from mid-November to late May or early June. The Benicarló/Peñiscola train station is just one stop from Vinaròs.

6. Rice – The Albufera

Paella is Valencia’s, if not Spain’s, most famous dish. There are many arguments as to where paella originated but it is widely believed to have been in the village of El Palmar in the 15th century. Nowadays, it is hard to find a local restaurant which does not feature paella on its menu. Add to this a host of other rice-based dishes such as arroz al horno (baked rice) and arroz a banda (seafood rice) and it becomes abundantly clear that rice is in high demand.

The train from Valencia to Gandia runs through the paddy fields of the Albufera and it is a pleasure to look at the clouds reflected in the watery fields as you whizz by.

There are dozens of excellent restaurants serving paella in Valencia. Casa Carmela, by Malvarrosa beach and the Alquería del Pou in La Punta are two to be particularly savoured.

7. All i Pebre – The Albufera

The Albufera natural park and lake is one of the most popular attractions in Valencia. Just 15km south of the city, the lake is easy to reach by car, bus or bike, thanks to a bike lane running down the coast. The area is protected in a bid to conserve its natural beauty. Romantic boat rides to watch the sunset are common in summer. In the past, eels were fished here and a popular Valencian dish, all i pebre (garlic and pepper) originated in the town of Catarroja, on the shores of the Albufera.

Eels, jellied or otherwise, may not appeal to everyone but the most popular way to prepare them in Valencia is in the all i pebre sauce.

Most restaurants in Catarroja and El Palmar serve all i pebre but it is also widely available in the city, should you wish to try it.

What To Eat And Drink In Valencia?

8. Turrón – Alicante and Jijona

First brought to Spain by the Moors, turrón is a nuggety sweet primarily made up of almonds and honey. There are two principal types of turron: blando (soft) and duro (hard). The soft turrón has an almost powdery texture and was first made in the town of Jijona in the province of Alicante. The hard version’s fame comes from Alicante city and is sticky and crunchy. No Valencian Christmas lunch is complete without at least a couple of bars of each to break open with the family around the table.

9. Horchata and Fartons – Alboraya

Famous throughout Spain and the Americas, horchata is tiger nut milk, manufactured in Alboraya and the northern farmlands of Valencia. It is a refreshing drink and, more often than not, comes accompanied by sugared finger buns known as fartons. The idea is to dunk the cartons in the horchata to enhance the experience.

Horchateria Santa Catalina in the city centre of Valencia is a famous place to give it a try.

10. Oranges – Comunidad Valenciana

Valencia is situated on the Costa Azahar of Spain, which literally translates as “the orange blossom coast”. Oranges are grown all over the three provinces and are Valencia’s top export of any food or drink. The climate and the type of earth found in the region is why oranges grow so well here, and it is not uncommon to receive gifts of enough oranges for three lifetimes from proud Valencian friends.

Spain has a history of fine wines and food, each region having its own specialities, and Valencia is no exception. So get out there and fill your boots – and your stomachs…

By Chris Cooper

34 thoughts on “Eels For Meals? What To Eat And Drink In Valencia And Where To Find It”

  1. I am just commenting to make you understand what a notable encounter our child had checking the blog. She realized a lot of things, which include what it’s like to have a marvelous helping style to have certain people without difficulty learn a variety of multifaceted subject matter. You truly surpassed my desires. Many thanks for offering those insightful, trusted, informative and even cool tips on your topic to Julie.

  3. This design is spectacular! You definitely know how to keep a reader amused. Between your wit and your videos, I was almost moved to start my own blog (well, almost…HaHa!) Wonderful job. I really loved what you had to say, and more than that, how you presented it. Too cool!

  4. When I originally commented I clicked the -Notify me when new comments are added- checkbox and now every time a remark is added I get four emails with the same comment. Is there any way you can take away me from that service? Thanks!

  6. That is a great tip especially to those new to the blogosphere. Simple but very precise information… Many thanks for sharing this one. A must read article!|

  18. Hey! I could have sworn I’ve been to this website before but after reading through some of the post I realized it’s new to me. Nonetheless, I’m definitely happy I found it and I’ll be book-marking and checking back frequently!

  20. Ex-NFL star Lyle Alzado also believed performance-enhancing medication (including HGH)
    have been the cause of the mind lymphoma he suffered, sadly resulting in his death in 1992.
    We haven’t discovered HGH to trigger a come-down impact upon cycle cessation, not like steroids, so
    post-cycle therapy is not required. In our testing, we see HGH stimulate collagen synthesis, notably inflicting huge anti-aging results.

    Usually, HGH’s results in phrases of decreased adipose tissue outweigh the anabolic results of HGH, significantly leaning an individual out
    and growing muscle definition.
    If you purchase steroids online, it’s important to understand how to use them properly.
    Injectable steroids HGH on the market are used for both medical and non-medical purposes, however here,
    we’ll concentrate on bodybuilding. When used for bodybuilding, injectable HGH
    for men is usually cycled, that means it is used for a period adopted by a relaxation period.
    The dosage and frequency of treatment rely upon the individual’s
    objectives and expertise stage. It’s essential to consult a healthcare skilled when utilizing injectable HGH for sale as it can have potential side effects and work
    together with different drugs. It Is estimated that about 6 million folks
    illegally use anabolic steroids or human progress hormone (HGH) every year.
    In recent years, skilled athletes have been underneath plenty of scrutiny for the usage of illegal steroids, despite the fact that convictions of excessive profile athletes have been few and much between.
    And also if therapeutic is the only advantage you
    want (really important) since it’s not as “aesthetic” as mass as well as strength
    some find yourself being pissed off as properly rapidly.

    For those in search of rapid action and highly effective results, our injectable steroids
    in Canada are the go-to alternative. In Style
    choices like Testosterone Enanthate and Trenbolone Acetate are favored by athletes and bodybuilders for
    his or her potency and effectiveness. Many of the side effects attributable to HGH are momentary, such as water
    retention or carpal tunnel syndrome. On the other hand,
    steroids can cause long-term issues with libido, zits, and
    hair loss.
    When utilized alone the primary benefit is anti-aging
    and most athletes are looking out for a lot further.
    This is an anabolic hormone, however not in style for selling considerable
    development. Nonetheless, when mixed with anabolic steroids the results may be unbelievable.
    Somatropin as properly as anabolic steroids seem to work
    very nicely with each other. You can take a steroid alone and after that take it with
    Somatropin in the same dosage and also the cycle that included Somatropin will at
    all times generate premium outcomes. Anabolic steroids are controlled substances in Canada and are legal only with a prescription for medical use.
    Purchasing for efficiency enhancement isn’t legal, but shopping for
    them online remains in style.
    HGH is legally obtainable in case you have an HGH prescription and is used as a therapy for situations similar to GHD.
    On the other hand, steroids may be administered as pills, injections, and gels alike.
    A massive a part of the confusion could also be due to the reality
    that athletes commonly use (and abuse) each
    kinds of supplements. Many organizations such as the World Anti-Doping Company frequently
    check athletes for illicit use. Still, some folks get HGH
    photographs from doctors who prescribe them for off-label purposes (uses for which the FDA did not approve them) and thru Web pharmacies,
    anti-aging clinics, and web sites.
    But, they should not be injected intravenously due to a danger of embolism.
    As A Substitute, it’s made from 191 amino acids certain in a single chain which forms
    a “peptide structure”. Subsequently, all hormones produced from
    quick chains of amino acids, similar to HGH are called “peptide hormones” and never steroids.

    Winstrol is one instance of steroids that work efficiently in cutting—powerful steroids like this one pace up fats metabolism
    with out causing bloating or water retention in your physique.
    Bodybuilders are the most important beneficiaries of steroids on this regard as a outcome of
    typically all they want is the power to activate their muscles.
    Powerful steroids work by growing nitrogen provide
    to the muscular tissues while weaker ones solely enhance it to a lesser quantity.

    By working to tell readers of the choices out there to them, he hopes to
    improve their health and quality of life. One Other popular
    technique bodybuilders use to create highly-defined muscles or “shredding” is water manipulation.
    However, this muscle-peaking method can cause dehydration, mess with the
    stability of salts within the body, and make Palumboism look worse by making
    the gut stand out more. You’ll want to separate your every
    day dosage of HGH in two injections.
    One Other important tip is utilizing HGH in low dosages to achieve better results.
    Nevertheless, earlier than jumping in and get yourself handled with, you first
    need to consult with your physician. By conducting a series of tests, the doctor will be ready to decide and suggest a
    remedy program designed for you and administer and supervise the remedy.

    Etymologically, the words anabolic and androgenic have come from the
    Greek – the word anabolic which means to construct up and the word androgenic
    that means Andros i.e., man + genes, i.e. masculinizing. Thus,
    anabolic steroids have many androgenic and anabolic properties.
    It is liable for libido, energy, immune perform, and protection in opposition to osteoporosis.

    Many imagine that one of the primary advantages of
    HGH use is lowering physique fats and lean muscle mass. It appears that HGH can improve metabolic price, which means you burn more calories all
    through the day and lose weight. The HGH is launched by our body after we sleep,
    so it’s attainable to increase the production of HGH by sleeping extra.

    HGH is a pure human growth hormone that the pituitary
    gland can produce in periods of sleep. When you are taking HGH,
    you could sleep much less and not have enough pure HGH, leading to muscle loss or atrophy.
    Progress hormone (GH) therapy is commonly sought after for its potential to decelerate the growing older course of, scale back
    fats, improve energy, and build muscle. Nonetheless, the
    complete extent of its results are nonetheless being studied, and
    essentially the most distinguished outcomes are seen in those that have a
    GH deficiency.
    Yes, it will get very expensive, however that’s why I always say
    growth hormone is just for THE most critical of
    users. When comparing HGH and steroids, it’s important to suppose about elements corresponding to effectiveness in muscle building, health risks, and
    legal issues. Whereas HGH offers more gradual outcomes with doubtlessly fewer side effects, steroids provide rapid muscle positive
    aspects however come with the next threat of great well being issues.

    A conviction for a steroid or human growth hormone crime can completely alter your life, and you need the advice
    of an skilled criminal defense attorney everytime you’re dealing with legal expenses.
    Ernst Peibst is an professional in anabolic steroids and PEDs with
    over 3,000 hours of research. He’s been educating people for 7 years by way of his articles,
    written after learning science papers, professional books and consulting high docs in the subject.

    The influence of performance-enhancing substance use extends past particular person health consequences and considerably
    affects the broader community. One major concern is that the utilization of
    these substances promotes a culture of cheating and unfair competitors, eroding
    belief in sports activities and other competitive arenas.
    When people use performance-enhancing substances to gain an unfair advantage, it
    undermines the integrity of the competitors. It diminishes the achievements of athletes who have worked onerous without utilizing such substances [57].

    References:

    JBHNews

  22. Your style is very unique compared to other people I have read stuff from. Thanks for posting when you’ve got the opportunity, Guess I’ll just bookmark this blog.

  28. It is a fantastic post. Men often like to spend quality time with attractive girls in cozy places, away from the eyes of everyone and alone. This is why clients are ready to connect with our sexy and seductive Call Girls every day. Our agency has connections with many people in Lahore, which provides the client with an atmosphere of privacy and security. As a reputed agency, we are ready to arrange the best Call Girls Service in Lahore 24/7. All the services we provide will follow the client’s expectations. Our independent Lahore Call Girls take care of the basic needs and desires of the gentleman client. Similarly, we leave no stone unturned to provide the best quality services and to provide the smallest details to the client.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *