When in Valencia, Spain!

What happens when you put a foodie in food heaven? Well... here it goes!

Quick tips

1) Most restaurants in Valencia expect you to order one dish per person. You cannot occupy a table and order only alcohol.

2) If your server is not attending you, have patience. You will be duly served.

3) Olives in Valencia are to die for! Try them.

4) Feel free to see the menu at the entrance and check if the restaurant fits your budget.

Valencia is that neighbour of Barcelona and Madrid where natural, man-made and cultural elements merge together to form the third largest city of Spain. You can simply stroll the Old Town streets, enjoy the breathtaking view of the Mediterranean waters or get mesmerised with the magnificent view of orange trees, which line so many of the city centre’s avenues. Valencia literally has it all. I went with no expectations and so should you.

I was pleasantly surprised when I realised that Valencia has more to offer than this. This place is a foodie's Mecca. I immediately knew that I am going back home with memories and lot of holiday weight.

Here are the top 5 things you most definitely should gorge on in Valencia.

1) Agua de Valencia

One of the most famous drinks in Valencia is Agua de Valencia. This is a traditional drink made from a base of cava or champagne, orange juice, vodka, and gin. Agua de Valencia is mostly sold in pitchers. The price of which ranges from 8 euros to 15 euros for one litre. One of the most famous places to drink is Café de las Horas. This café serves the best Agua de Valencia which one can enjoy with its eccentric décor. Try this drink, and you wouldn’t want anything else ever!

2) Paella

Born in the city of Valencia, Paella is the quintessential rice dish which is made with a base of tomato, garlic, and onion. The most traditional Paella in Valencia has chicken, prawns, mussels, snails, and even lobster. People here prefer having Paella for lunch. Most of the restaurants in the city serve this and the cost varies from 18 to 28 euros. Paella is served in humongous plates. Enjoy this dish at tiny restaurants with a jug of Agua de Valencia.

3) Padrón peppers

A saving grace for vegetarians, Padrón peppers is a great appetizer to enjoy with your drink. Most of these peppers are fairly mild, but it is said that 1 in every 10 pepper is hot! This makes it fun to eat as you never know when and if you will get that hot one! The preparation is quite simple; blistered and salted with some olive oil. You can enjoy a big bowl of Padrón peppers for as less as 7 euros.

4) Patatas Bravas

This dish is served as tapas at most restaurants in Valencia. For 6 euros they are delicious and filling at the same time. The name “bravas” means “fierce,” and it comes from the spicy spirit of this dish. The best part about this dish… it will always taste different in different restaurants and you will not get enough of it.

5) Esgarrat

This dish is not for the faint-hearted! If you do not enjoy experimenting with your food, I suggest you don’t try this. Esgarrat is nothing but Cod Fish With Red Pepper. This dish is usually eaten with bread. It takes time to cultivate a taste for cod fish, but once you do, I am sure you would want more of this. A plate of Esgarrat would cost you anywhere between 8 to 12 euros.

I spent 4 days in Valencia eating, drinking, and being merry! Even today they are my fondest memories of this place.

Which dish are you most excited to try? Let me know in the comments.

Enjoy!