Valencian treats and tastes guided tour
Paella may be the dish that Valencia is most famed for, but if you’re only eating rice when you’re in town, you’re seriously missing out. That’s why we’re taking you deeper into the city’s culinary traditions on this flavour-packed food tour.
Your gastronomic adventure will kick off in the Exiample district, at Mercado de Colón, a gem largely frequented by locals, and a market unlike the others in town. Once you finish gawking at its magnificent avantgarde structure, we’ll have our first sampling of an organic horchata — the most traditional summer drink of Valencia. Horchata’s main ingredient is tigernut. (“Tiger-whaaa???” you say? Sorry, no spoilers. You’ll just have to join us to find out!)
After this thirst-quenching round, the next stop on your Valencia tour will be Mercado Central, where a visit is always sensory overload but well worth the adventure! We’ll guide you through the buzzing and chaotic stalls filled with fresh meats and local produce. Amid the towering bags of diverse spices, you’ll learn which ones are needed to make authentic paella. This is also where we’ll stop for a yummy jamón tasting, and crack the mystery between jamón ibérico and serrano.
Once we leave the chaos behind, our next stop will bring us to a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it little artisan chocolate shop (of course we’ll taste a sample). Handmade truffles, bombones, and Cubanitos are among the treats that you’ll find only in this shop — the real dilemma is where to start!
After we attempt to drag the chocolate lovers outta there, our next stop will involve some sampling of great locally produced olive oil, washed down with a good Valencian wine.
Our last stop brings us to one of the oldest restaurants in the Ruzafa area. Housed in a 200-year-old building and passed down from generations, it’s a local favourite for authentic Valencian cuisine. This is where we’ll finish our tour over some delicious tapas and wine.
If you can still fit any more food in, you’ll have the option to stay for a leisurely lunch at this fine establishment, or we’ll be more than happy to provide you with other recommendations!
