Discovering the flavours of Alicante: 7 typical dishes to taste
Welcome, food lovers and foodies! In this article, we will begin a delicious gastronomic journey through the province of Alicante, discovering the authentic flavours and typical dishes of each municipality. Get ready to delight your palate with a variety of traditional dishes that will transport you to the heart of Alicante’s gastronomy. Let’s begin our feast!
1. Arroz a la banda (Alicante)
We begin our tour in the city of Alicante, where arroz a la banda is the undisputed king. This dish consists of delicious rice cooked in fish stock and served with aioli. The rice absorbs the flavours of the sea and becomes a real delight for seafood lovers. Activity: Enjoy a delicious arroz a la banda in one of Alicante’s emblematic restaurants, such as El Nou Manolín or Casa Julio.
2. Cocido con Pelotas (Elda)
In the city of Elda, you will find another traditional Alicante dish: cocido con pelotas (stew with balls). This recipe consists of a meat and vegetable stew, accompanied by delicious minced meat balls. It is a comforting dish full of flavour that will transport you to the culinary tradition of the area. Activity: Try the authentic cocido con pelotas in one of Elda’s traditional restaurants, such as Restaurante El Traga or Restaurante Los Almendros.
3. Red Prawn of Dénia (Dénia)
In the town of Dénia, you can enjoy one of the most exquisite delicacies in the province: red prawns. This fresh and tasty seafood is famous throughout the region and can be enjoyed in its simplest form, grilled, or in more complex preparations. Activity: Visit the Dénia Municipal Market and buy some fresh red prawns to cook at home or try this delicacy in one of the restaurants specialised in seafood in the area.
4. Olleta (Villena)
In Villena, you can savour the traditional olleta, a vegetable and meat stew that is simmered for hours. It is a comforting dish full of intense flavours that will make you feel at home. Activity: Try the authentic olleta in one of Villena’s traditional restaurants, such as Restaurante Casa Santi or Restaurante El Rincón de la Placeta.
5. Pericana casserole (Guardamar del Segura)
In the coastal town of Guardamar del Segura, pericana is one of the culinary gems. It is a dish made from ñora (a type of dried pepper), crumbled cod, olive oil and garlic. The result is a delicious blend of Mediterranean flavours that is not to be missed. Activity: Try the pericana casserole in one of the emblematic restaurants of Guardamar del Segura, such as Restaurante Casa Jaime or Restaurante Las Redes.
6. Pelotas de Requena (Requena)
In Requena, pelotas (balls) are the star of a typical and tasty dish. These homemade meatballs are made with minced meat, egg, breadcrumbs and spices, and are served with a delicious broth. They are a delicacy that will transport you to the culinary tradition of the area. Activity: Try the authentic Requena balls in one of the town’s traditional restaurants, such as Restaurante El Tollo or Restaurante Mesón de la Villa.
7. Almond Coca (Jijona)
Last but not least, we head to the town of Jijona, known for its delicious almond coca. This traditional dessert is made from ground almonds, sugar and egg white, and is characterised by its tender texture and sweet taste. Activity: Try the authentic almond coca at one of Jijona’s artisan confectioners, such as Confitería Xixona or Confitería Fina.
Get ready for a feast of Alicante flavours that will make you fall in love with the province’s gastronomy! From arroz a la banda to almond coca each dish represents a part of Alicante’s rich culinary tradition. Enjoy these delicacies and let yourself be carried away by the charm of the local cuisine.
“Food is the music we play for the dance of life”. – Chef Mario Batali
Chef Mario Batali remembers that every dish tells a story and immerses you in a unique experience. May your culinary journey through the province of Alicante be an opportunity to discover new flavours, delight your senses and create unforgettable memories. Enjoy your meal!
If you’ve whet your appetite for this delicious gastronomic exploration of the province of Alicante, here’s a list of web links to the recommended places so you can find out more and plan your visit.
Recommendations
- El Nou Manolín – Sitio web
- Casa Julio – Sitio web
- Restaurante El Traga – Sitio web
- Restaurante Los Almendros – Sitio web
- Mercado Municipal de Dénia – Sitio web
- Restaurante Casa Santi – Sitio web
- Restaurante El Rincón de la Placeta – Sitio web
- Restaurante Casa Jaime – Sitio web
- Restaurante Las Redes – Sitio web
- Restaurante El Tollo – Sitio web
- Restaurante Mesón de la Villa – Sitio web
- Confitería Xixona – Sitio web
- Confitería Fina – Sitio web
