the best places to enjoy tradition that is much more than a good sandwich

Let’s talk about breakfastthe Valencian gastronomic tradition that could well steal the international fame of paella itself. In Valencia they take their diet very seriously but the esmorzaret thing goes one step further. For a Valencian, lunch is not eating for the sake of eating, but rather a sacred custom that must be fulfilled. And no, it is not a simple snack between breakfast and lunch, but a social ritual deeply rooted in local culture.

He breakfast It is a ritual that has been passed down from generation to generation, from the working and peasant classes who needed to replenish their strength mid-morning, to becoming a daily event for many Valencians today. It is more than a culinary tradition: a time to disconnect, relax and enjoy good food in good company. A break to enjoy without rushing, despite the busy pace of life and a fundamental part of the Valencian identity that, if you are a visitor, you should never overlook if you really want to know the customs of this region.

He breakfast It is not just a sandwich, but a ritual that must be respected. From nine in the morning the bars welcome their diners and may be serving lunch until mid-morning. And yes, many people fulfill their breakfast daily with his co-workers, but weekend lunches are the ones chosen to calmly share the morning with family and friends.

The ritual of breakfast

For lunch, you don’t go to a bar, order a sandwich, eat it and leave. He breakfast it goes much further. Start by choosing the sandwich you will have today, perhaps it is from a menu, perhaps a suggestion from the bar or, also, you may choose the ingredients yourself that you want to put in the bread by choosing them directly in front of a display case. Once the order is in place, then you can wait with a plate of cacaos of the necklace (peanuts) and another with olives, and even in some places with a basic salad of lettuce, tomato and onion. It is what marks tradition. To drink? A beer (with or without alcohol) or a wine with soda, for example.

Then comes the sandwich, the big moment. The variety is enormous but there are some that do not fail. The chivito is one of the best known, with chicken loin or breast, fried egg, bacon, mayonnaise, lettuce, tomato and cheese. Also the brascada, with beef fillet, onion and serrano ham. Or the almussafes, with sobrasada, cheese and caramelized onion. Or why not, also those with sausage, blood sausage and tomato; the cuttlefish with mayonnaise; the one with loin, pepper, fried egg and French fries; the tortilla with countless variations or the squid with mayonnaise. Practically anything that can be put in bread, because it will always be finger-licking good.

To finish, as tradition dictates, your thing is to ask for a the cream. A black coffee with rum, lemon, sugar and cinnamon, although the liquor can be adapted according to tastes. It is normally served flambéed, even with a little flame, so that the alcohol is consumed. All of this, from when you started with peanuts at the beginning until you now end up with coffee, is the famous breakfast Valencian.

A fact that may attract attention: it is also possible to have lunch in a bar by bringing your own sandwich from home, and accompanying it there with everything else. Something much more common during the week.

10 places to enjoy a good breakfast Valencian

You are not going to go crazy looking for a place to have lunch in Valencia, because there are many bars where you can enjoy it. But of course, not all places are the same and there are always some especially recommended ones that have managed to gain a certain fame by conquering stomachs. Don’t limit yourself to Valencia capital either, because if you can also try some of the surrounding areas, even better.

If you are visiting Valencia and want to play it safe, here are ten recommendations to avoid making a mistake in your choice.

Located in the fishing neighborhood of El Cabanyal, very close to Malvarrosa beach, La Pascuala is one of the most legendary bars to enjoy a good lunch. Famous for its giant sandwiches, such as bacon, cheese and French omelet, or barrel with sobrassada, bacon and fries, this place is a reference among locals. Its family and traditional atmosphere, in addition to its proximity to the beach, makes it a must-see place for those looking for an authentic gastronomic experience.

Located near the Sierra Calderona, El Pastoret is known for its hearty, quality lunches, perfect for hikers and nature lovers. It is famous for its XXL lunches and among its most famous sandwiches the Don Otilio stands out, with pig’s ear marinated with cured cheese cream; or the Petao Petao, with Pastoret sauce, lettuce, tomato, breaded breast, Havarti cheese, lacon and bacon. The natural environment and the friendliness of the staff make this bar a special place to enjoy a good traditional lunch.

This establishment located in the small town of Alfarp stands out for its varied menu of sandwiches. Va de Bo has made a name for itself among fans of breakfast for sandwiches like the Manró, with Iberian secret, mushroom sauce, bacon and grated tomato; or the Cerveró, with breaded chicken, cheddar cheese, bacon and a honey and mustard sauce. Its cozy atmosphere and pleasant terrace are ideal for enjoying a good mid-morning lunch.

Located in Algemesí, La Mesedora is known for its traditional and generous sandwiches, with fresh and local products. Among its most popular options are the sandwich town quarter, with natural tomato, loin, melted brie cheese, bacon, homemade cheddar sauce and crispy onion. Or the Brascafuà, with entrecote, touches of foie with red wine reduction and caramelized red onion. Thanks to its quality menu it has become a reference place for lovers of breakfast

The New Oslo is a neighborhood bar that stands out for its authenticity and the quality of its lunches. In its menu you will find everything from the classic potato omelette sandwich to more elaborate combinations such as the pulled pork or the Pablico, with chopped beef with sweet chili sauce. Its cozy atmosphere and proximity to areas of tourist interest in Valencia make it a perfect stop for those who want to enjoy local cuisine.

Located in a polygon area, like many of the best bars to taste a good breakfastEl Racó de Vega is famous for offering a grand gastronomic experience when it comes to lunch, with sandwiches that exceed half a meter. Their most requested sandwiches are poor-style potatoes with truffle zest, Iberian secret and chistorra; or scrambled eggs with prawns, mushrooms and goat cheese. It is an authentic place to which countless parishioners make pilgrimages to start the day with a full stomach.

Located in the Turia Gardens, the La Pérgola Kiosk is an emblematic corner of Valencia to have an outdoor lunch. A pleasant place like few others and that offers renowned sandwiches such as bonbon, with tenderloin, cheese, mushrooms, green sauce and mayonnaise; or the full equip, composed of sausage, onion, bacon, onion, tomato, potatoes and mayonnaise. With such a display, it usually doesn’t hurt to take a walk afterwards along the old Turia bed to enjoy the feast.

This bar owes its name to the famous ‘spiced’ coffee that we have already told you about, but it also stands out for its typical lunches. His menu is broad and suggestive, but it all sounds too good to decide easily. Surely with the top musafes 3.0, with grilled sobrasada, bacon, poached onion, cured cheese and fried egg; or with Snoopy, with tenderloin, green peppers, poor potatoes and mayonnaise, you can’t go wrong. Its modern atmosphere and excellent location in the city make it a very popular choice among locals and visitors.

Mistela is a bar that is committed to the fusion of tradition and modernity. Your offer of little breakfasts It includes traditional sandwiches such as El Clot, a potato omelette with aioli, and more innovative ones, such as the pegasus, with horse meat, cheese and sesame mery. In addition, its good atmosphere and wine list make it an option for those looking for a more sophisticated experience without giving up tradition.

The Canela Inn, located in the center of Valencia, offers a variety of traditional sandwiches with a distinctly homemade flavor that its visitors love. Among the most popular are the Manolo sandwich, with two sausages, rubbed blood sausage and peppers; or the Lola, with bacon with French omelette and mayonnaise. The cozy atmosphere and fast service make it an ideal place to enjoy a breakfast typical in the El Calvari area.