What to eat Castellón
Castellón's cuisine is a delicious reflection of its geography: a gastronomy that combines the excellence of the sea with the traditions of the mountains. Visiting Castellón is like taking a culinary journey that prioritises fresh, authentic products with Designation of Origin.
A Cuisine of Contrasts
Castellón's coastal strip combines the flavors of the Costa del Azahar, making it a true paradise for seafood lovers thanks to the fresh products from the Mediterranean.
Among the region's standout products, not to be missed are the Vinarós prawns. They are known for their large size and have an unmistakable flavor, along with fresh fish offered at the fish markets.
Inland Castellón offers a hearty cuisine designed to withstand the cold of the mountains. One of the area's most prized ingredients is the black truffle, which elevates even the simplest dishes into true delicacies.
Mountain dishes include robust meat stews, legumes, and vegetables, as well as small game dishes, grilled lamb, and flavorful artisanal sausages and cheeses.
Typical Dishes From Castellón
- Paella from Castellón: Similar to the Valencian paella, Castellón's version has its own identity and sometimes includes local ingredients such as artichokes, ribs, broad beans, or snails.
- Vinarós Prawns: One of the province's star products, these prawns are known for their size and delicious taste, typically served grilled with coarse salt on top.
- Arroz a Banda: A quintessential fisherman’s dish, prepared with a rich broth made from rockfish to capture the full flavor of the sea.
- Arrossejat: This humble dish, similar in appearance to paella, includes a special step: the rice is first toasted in oil before being cooked in the broth.
- Suquet de Peix: This traditional fisherman's stew served as a comforting, hearty dish, made with rockfish, potatoes, garlic, paprika, and broth. Variations can be found along the coast.
- Olla de la Plana: A robust winter stew, ideal for warming up. Its main ingredients, cooked over a low heat, include beans, cardoons, turnips, potatoes, black pudding, and chorizo.
- Tombet del Maestrat: A slow-cooked meat stew (lamb or rabbit) prepared in a clay pot, usually served with potatoes and seasonal vegetables.
- Benicarló Artichokes: The crown jewel of Castellón's orchards, prized for their tender texture and delicate flavor. They are prepared in various ways, especially during the famous “Artichoke Festival.”
- Flaons de Morella: This delicious dessert with centuries of history is a type of pastry filled with cottage cheese and almonds, flavored with cinnamon and a hint of brandy.
- Coca de Castellón: Made with potatoes, sugar, almonds, and eggs, this delicious dessert is usually covered with powdered sugar.
- Pastissets: Small sweet pastries filled with angel hair pumpkin, sweet potato, or almonds.