Why Valencia is specia

Valencia is the home of the Paella, Spain's culinary symbol.

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Insights on the 
cuisine of Valencia

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Middle Eastern heritage

Valencia's historic Middle Eastern culinary heritage is evident in its use of rice and citrus fruits (both culinary concepts were imported by the Phoenicians and Arabs who used Valencia as a trading outpost).

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Rice

This province is a land of rice eaters (most of the rest of Spain prefer long crusty bread loaves).

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Valencia's internationally
famous preparation

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Paella

It is Valencia's best known dish - and has has endless variations, changing from town to town. To compound the confusion, a dish of saffron rice, chicken, sausage, seafood, peas, and peppers, cooked in a large round pan with a flat bottom and two handles, is called Paella a la Valenciana outside Spain.

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The Paella that
Valencianos love most

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Arroz con Pollo

This is a more austere but splendid version of the Paella - and is known locally simply as arroz con pollo ("rice with chicken").

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The essence of the dish

Saffron flavored and colored rice is mixed, often with chicken but without sausages and pimientos.

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Paella recipe

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Major culinary city

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The city of Valencia is the top all around food city in the Valencia region. Criteria include cooking, food markets, cooking ingredients, cooking schools, beverages, dining and restaurants. Alicante in southern Valencia region is the runner-up.

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Test yourself

How many of these major
world cuisines do you know well?

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©2010 HQP / Hillman Quality Publications