... Appetizers

There is no doubt that Castellón has an abundance and variety of products that create an excellent local cuisine.

The freshness of its gardens and the authenticity of its dry land, in addition to what the Mediterranean has to offer, make a cuisine with its own identity, rich in flavors and forms, based on excellent products and with a clear main character: virgin olive oil.

Ensalada de tomate y anchoas del grao
Coca de cebolla (torta de cebolla)
Tortilla de habas

... Mare Nostrum

When all is said and done, Castellón’s cuisine is also the cuisine of the Mediterranean, from the sea and from the sailors.

Visitors can get an idea of the Mediterranean’s importance in the local cuisine by merely passing through the emblematic Mercado Central (Central Market) or the harbor's fish market.

Each morning, fish, mollusks, and crustaceans of indisputable quality crowd the counters in order to supply the kitchens of restaurants and individuals alike, and are thus transformed into small gastronomic treasures.

Boquerones en vinagre
Sardinas en escabeche
Pulpo con judías blancas y ajo-aceite
Suquet de raya
Merluza con ajo y pimentón dulce
Pulpo con aceite de oliva
Cazuela de patatas con morralla
Galeras sofritas con ajos y guindillas y tomates de colgar

...Pots and Stews

Although nowadays Paella and other rice dishes in general occupy the throne of Valencian Cuisine, less than a century ago it was the “Olla" or the "Puchero" (Stewpot) that reigned in the majority of stoves. It became a versatile dish that was used to feed rural families daily, as well as being served on Sundays or at large celebrations, depending on how rich in meat they were.

In any case, these “pucheros” consist of a variety of legumes, vegetables and meat that are added to a pot with water, in a determined rhythm and ceremony, and are cooked over low heat until all the ingredients are cooked to perfection.

Perhaps, the most peculiar variation of this dish throughout the Comunidad Valenciana (Valencian Community) is the Olla de la Plana, or the Stew of Castellón de la Plana.

Olla de la plana
Olla de recapte

...Rice Dishes

It is clear that in few places in the world, like the Comunidad Valenciana (Valencian Community) and Castellón in particular, rice deserves so many compliments and recognitions; and this excellence, is due to, once again, the quality of the local products, like the olive oil, fish and shellfish, vegetables and meats that here, unlike many place places, accompany and enrich rice dishes, be it dry, creamy or wet rice.

In addition, this variety of products, gives rise to other rich and different rice dishes such as "Arroz a banda" (rice and seafood), "L' engravá de l' horta of Castelló" (rice with cod, chard, and white beans) or the "Paella amb pilotes" (paella with meatballs), dishes that, in and of themselves, justify a visit Castellón in order to taste and enjoy them as they deserve.

Paella amb pilotes
Arroz a banda
Fideuà con galeras y mejillones
Arroz al horno
Lèngrava de L´horta de castelló

...Meat

Although meat is not the the main character in Castellón’s cuisine, the capital of La Plana receives excellent meat from its inland regions, particularly lamb, kid, rabbit, poultry and pork. These meats give rise to dishes as tasty as "Tombet"(stew made in clay pot), "Ternasco"(lamb dish), or "Conejo con ajo-aceite" (rabbit with garlic mayonnaise) that should be mandatory tastings for Castellón’s visitors.

Conejo con ajo-aceite
Tombet

...Sweets and Desserts

We cannot say that we have experienced Castellón de la Plana’s traditional festival of La Magdalena (Mary Magdalene) if we have not tried some of its exquisite "figues albardaes" (fried figs) accompanied by a small glass of “mistela” or muscatel; and the fact is that, as in so many other places, the traditional sweets are synonymous with festivities.

The cultivation of almond and fruit trees along the whole province, harvesting honey, and inheriting some Moorish culture, are all factors that give rise to an extensive cookbook of desserts and traditional sweets throughout the province of Castellón, and of course, in their capital.

So if you visit Castellón, don’t forget to taste the "cocas" (cakes), the "Pastissets" (pastries), the "Almendrados"(almond macaroons) or the "figues albardades" (fried figs); you will not regret it.

Figues albardades
Coca mal feta