The best rice and fish dishes

Gastronomy is one of the greatest attraction of the Costa Blanca . Jávea/Xàbia is no exception, good proof of which exists in the numerous restaurants where one can enjoy typical dishes of the Mediterranean made up of fish, shellfish and rice, as well as international cuisine. The rich culinary tradition is totally preserved within the family home, although it can also he sampled in the form of “tapas” in certain bars, especially in the old town and the port.

Among the rice dishes, as well as the traditional paella, one can choose from “a handa”, a Ia marinera, con costra, al horno, or with “fesols y naps” (beans and turnips). Fish allows for the preparation of tasty dishes such as “suc roig”, “cruet de peix” (fish stews) and fried dishes. Also to he found are the popular salted fish dishes such as boguerones (anchovies), tuna, and the tasty “borreta de melva”, all typical of the Alicante coast.

In Jávea/Xàbia traditional dishes include “coques” (mini-pizzas with peppers, onion and tomato), stews such as “putxero amb penques i pilotes” or “caragols amh bull i ceba” (snails). Among the desserts should he mentioned those made from typical products of the area such as almonds, oranges, raisins, figs and pomegranates. Cakes include “pastissets de moniato”, almond cakes, “mona de pasgua” (Easter hread), pumpkin fritters, almond tarts, and more. They can all he accompanied hy the traditional drink from the fields of Xàbia, “mistela” (sweet wine) or refreshments such as “agua-limon” (lemon water) or horchata. Also well appreciated are sausages such as “botifarra” (black pudding) or “sobrasada” (spicy pork sausage) made in the area.