Costa Blanca Rice Dishes
The Birthplace of Some of Spain’s Most Delicious Rice Dishes
Costa Blanca is more than beaches and blue skies—it’s a vibrant lifestyle and tourism hotspot, especially for food lovers. While Valencia is famous for paella, Costa Blanca boasts unique seafood-based rice dishes that are local culinary legends.
Whether you’re visiting or planning to relocate, exploring Costa Blanca’s regional dishes is a delicious way to connect with its rich traditions, welcoming people, and vibrant Mediterranean lifestyle.
The secret lies in three key ingredients:
- Fresh Mediterranean seafood,
- High-quality locally grown rice,
- And deeply rooted culinary traditions passed down over generations.
The result is a collection of rice dishes that are rich in flavor and deeply tied to the region’s coastal heritage.
Must-Try Rice Dishes of the Costa Blanca
1. Arroz a Banda
Literally translated as “rice on the side,” this dish originated from the fishing communities along the Alicante coast. It’s made by cooking rice in a rich fish broth, then serving the fish separately. It’s simple, savory, and unmistakably local.
You can find Arroz a Banda in traditional restaurants in Dénia, Calpe, Torrevieja, and Altea.
2. Caldero
Originally from the Tabarca Island area, Caldero is a hearty fishermen’s dish made with rockfish, garlic, ñora peppers, and rice cooked in the leftover broth. It’s usually served in two parts: the fish first, then the rice.
Some of the best versions are served in Santa Pola and Alicante’s El Barrio district.
3. Arroz del Senyoret
This Alicante favorite features peeled seafood (prawns, squid, clams) in a saffron-infused broth, making it easier to eat without removing shells—hence the nickname “the gentleman’s rice.”
It’s a refined twist on traditional seafaring fare, often enjoyed with a glass of crisp white wine and a view of the Mediterranean
In Costa Blanca, food is more than just fuel—it’s a vibrant social experience. Enjoy long lunches, Sunday family meals, and seaside dinners that reflect the region’s rich culinary tradition. Whether visiting or relocating, exploring Costa Blanca cuisine gives you a deeper insight into the local culture and relaxed Mediterranean lifestyle.
Rice dishes like Arroz a Banda and Caldero aren’t just meals—they’re part of the story of Costa Blanca.