Gandía’s cuisine, shaped by the Valencian region, is a delicious blend of sea and farmland. Its food reflects Mediterranean traditions with Arab and Valencian influences that have lasted for centuries.
In this article, I introduce 10 typical dishes from Gandía that you should try during your visit to this coastal city.
1. Fideuà
Fideuà is Gandía’s most emblematic dish, and for good reason: it was created here. This seafood dish was born as a variation of paella, replacing rice with noodles.
How is it prepared?
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Thin noodles are used, although it can also be made with thicker noodles.
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Seafood such as squid, prawns and mussels is sautéed.
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It is cooked with fish stock, plus a sofrito of tomato, garlic, pepper and saffron.
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Finally, it is cooked in a paella pan until the noodles are just right.
The result is a flavourful dish where the noodles absorb the taste of the sea. You can find fideuà in most restaurants in Gandía, especially near the beach.
2. Arròs al forn
Arròs al forn, or baked rice, is a traditional dish from the Valencian region, but Gandía has its own version that is worth trying.
What makes it special?
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It is cooked in an earthenware casserole, which gives it a distinctive flavour.
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It includes ingredients such as pork belly, pork ribs, black pudding, chickpeas, potatoes and tomato.
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The rice cooks in a broth made with meat juices, giving it a deep flavour.
This hearty, comforting dish is perfect for cooler days and is often served at family lunches on Sundays.
3. Espencat
Espencat is a typical salad from Gandía, ideal for hot days. It is simple but full of flavour, reflecting the richness of Valencian farmland.
What does it include?
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Roasted red peppers.
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Roasted aubergines.
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Ripe tomatoes.
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Garlic and onion.
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Everything is dressed with extra virgin olive oil and salt.
The ingredients are served warm or cold, with good bread. It is perfect as a starter or as a side dish with grilled meat.
4. All i pebre de anguila
All i pebre with eel is one of the most traditional dishes from the Albufera area, but it is also very popular in Gandía thanks to its proximity and fishing tradition.
How is it made?
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It is prepared with fresh eel, a strongly flavoured fish.
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A sofrito is made with garlic, paprika, chilli and potatoes.
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Everything is cooked together in a casserole until the eel is tender and the potatoes are cooked.
This dish has a strong, spicy flavour, ideal for lovers of traditional Valencian cooking.
5. Paella de marisco
Although paella originated in Valencia, in Gandía it is prepared with a special touch that highlights the freshness of its ingredients.
What makes it unique?
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A very concentrated fish stock is used as the base.
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It includes fresh seafood such as prawns, langoustines, squid and mussels.
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A touch of ñora, a dried pepper with a distinctive flavour, is often added.
This paella is a must-try by the sea, at one of the many restaurants on Gandía Beach.
6. Esgarraet
Esgarraet is a classic tapa found in many bars in Gandía. It is a perfect example of how a few ingredients can create a delicious dish.
What does it include?
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Roasted red peppers.
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Flaked, desalted cod.
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Chopped garlic.
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Extra virgin olive oil.
It is served cold, and its name comes from the Valencian verb “esgarrar”, meaning to tear, referring to how the ingredients are shredded by hand.
7. Coques de dacsa
Coques de dacsa are small corn-flour flatbreads typical of the region. They can be eaten on their own or filled with different ingredients.
How are they prepared?
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Corn flour is mixed with water and salt, then kneaded into a soft dough.
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Small flatbreads are shaped and cooked on a griddle.
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They can be filled with cured meats, tuna, tomato or even chocolate.
They are perfect for a quick lunch or snack.
8. Arnadí
Arnadí is a traditional sweet from the Valencian region that is also eaten in Gandía, especially during Easter and other festivities.
What does it include?
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Pumpkin or sweet potato as the base.
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Sugar, almonds and cinnamon.
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It is decorated with pine nuts.
This dessert has a soft texture and a sweet flavour with a light spiced note. It is a dish that evokes the region’s Arab heritage.
9. Coca de llanda
Coca de llanda is a traditional Valencian sponge cake, very popular in Gandía with coffee or horchata.
How is it made?
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It is made with simple ingredients such as flour, sugar, eggs, milk, oil and baking powder.
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It is flavoured with lemon or orange zest, and sometimes a touch of cinnamon.
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It is baked in a tray, called a “llanda”, which gives the cake its name.
This sponge cake is fluffy and delicious, perfect for breakfast or an afternoon snack.
10. Fartons con horchata
Although fartons come from Alboraya, they are also very popular in Gandía, especially with the famous tiger-nut horchata.
What are fartons?
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They are long, light and fluffy pastries.
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They are traditionally served with horchata and dipped into the drink.
Tiger-nut horchata is a refreshing drink made with tiger nuts, sugar and water. It is perfect for hot summer days in Gandía.
In conclusion, Gandía’s cuisine is a wonderful mix of flavours from the sea and the farmland. From hearty dishes such as fideuà and arròs al forn to traditional sweets such as arnadí and coca de llanda, Gandía’s food has something for every taste.
These ten dishes are only a sample of everything this beautiful city has to offer on the culinary side.
