In the beautiful region of Valencia, having lunch is not merely about satisfying hunger, but rather an authentic tradition deeply rooted in its culture. Unlike other regions in Spain, the Valencian lunch is a unique experience that blends flavors, camaraderie, and ancestral customs.
The Valencian lunch stands out for its distinctive format and fixed price. Generally, it takes place in the late morning (from 09:30 to 11:30) and offers a varied selection of local delights. A typical lunch includes peanuts, olives, a tasty sandwich, and a coffee. The sandwich can range from traditional cold cuts, calamari, cuttlefish, to more modern options with innovative ingredients.
What truly makes the Valencian lunch special is its spirit of togetherness. It’s a tradition shared with colleagues, friends, or family, creating a warm and festive atmosphere. Don’t be surprised, but it’s quite common to accompany lunch with beer, wine, or mixed drinks with soda. Of course, you can also pair it with non-alcoholic beverages.
During lunch, conversations flow, laughter is contagious, and bonds are strengthened. It’s a moment to relax and enjoy a well-deserved break amidst the day’s activities. It’s also a common practice during weekends, as friends, cyclists, and bikers often gather to visit towns with iconic bars to have lunch.
But that’s not all. At the end of the lunch, Valencians savor a special touch: “cremaet.” This is a coffee with a hint of liquor (usually rum) and spices (cinnamon, lemon zest, coffee beans) that is set on fire in the cup, creating a unique and comforting flavor. It’s the perfect finishing touch to an authentic Valencian lunch.
In recent years, the Valencian lunch has gained popularity in the city of Valencia and beyond. It’s not just a local tradition, but a gastronomic experience we invite you to try firsthand.
Besides being a delight for the locals, the Valencian lunch has also won the hearts of those who come from abroad to learn Spanish in Valencia. At TARONJA, our Spanish school, we love this Valencian tradition and incorporate it into our students’ experience. Regularly, we take them to have lunch at many of the classic Valencian bars mentioned earlier, so they can fully immerse themselves in the local culture and savor authentic Valencian cuisine while practicing the language with locals and international peers. The Valencian lunch becomes a special and enriching moment for all our students!
If you’re looking for the best places to try an authentic Valencian lunch, here’s a list of the top 10 places in Valencia and its surroundings:
- Bar nuevo Oslo, Carrer del Doctor Sanchis Sivera, 7, Valencia.
- La Cantina, Carrer del Literat Azorín, 13, Valencia.
- El Trocito del Medio, Carrer de Blanes, 1, Valencia.
- Bar Mistela, c/Riu Nervión, 11, Valencia.
- Marvi, Carrer dels Sants Just i Pastor, 14, Valencia.
- La Pérgola, Paseo de la Alameda, 1, Valencia.
- Cal Carrero, Camino nuevo de picaña 41, 46014, València.
- El Baret Roca, Carrer de Sant Isidre, 33, 46133 Alqueria de Roca, Valencia.
- L’Institut, Calle Primero de Mayo, 65 (Ribarroja).
- Asador El Pastoret, Pí del Salt, 10, Naquera.
Post write by Taronja school
