Paella trail in Valencia, Spain
Valencia Central Market, Spain
Monday, 27, Oct 2008 09:29
Situated in the centre of the Mediterranean coastline, Valencia is home to the quintessentially Spanish dish of Paella.
One of the most international Spanish dishes, there are in fact hundreds of different kinds of paella and rice dishes - all of which can be explored in this fascinating part of Europe.
Guests are invited to learn about the traditions and ritual of cooking paella as well as top tips for a perfect dish, with travelbite.co.uk here suggesting an itinerary taking in some of the best places to learn more about the dish and its different specialities.
Buy the best ingredients
A visit to Valencia's central market is a must for all paella connoisseurs.
Open daily between Monday and Saturday between 07:00 and 14:00, 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.
Over 1000 stalls conjure up the smells and tastes of Spain, but visitors need not head straight to the fish counter, as a traditional Valencian paella has green and broad beans, chicken, rabbit and sometimes snails as its main ingredients (beside rice), but no seafood.
The market also offers a real snap-shot of Valencian city life, unchanged over the centuries - and is well worth an extended visit to get a flavour of the city.
Learn from master chefs at El Palmar
Half an hour south of Valencia is the peaceful haven of the Albufera lake and nature reserve.
Here visitors to the Valencia region can 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 - and you are also likely to receive a demonstration!
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.
Situated on the banks of the river Albaida, on the southern slopes of the Monte Bernisa the town also offers some spectacular panoramic views of the whole region.
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'. The dish is oven baked with potatoes, chickpeas, tomatoes, black pudding and pork ribs.
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.
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.
Visitors will have the chance to 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.
Getting to Valencia
Situated in the east of the country, Valencia City sits at the heart of the Valencia region of Spain. The region is bordered by Alicante, Albacete, Cuenca, Teruel, Castellón, and the Mediterranean.
To reach the area visitors can fly from a host of UK airports, with no-frill carriers including easyJet and Jet2 both operating routes.
Chris O'Toole